5 Practical Camp Hacks Every Northwoods Adventurer Should Know

There’s no shortage of “camping tips” online, but let’s be honest—how many of them are written by someone who’s actually spent a rainy weekend in a tent on the edge of a Wisconsin lake?

At Hook and Pine, we grew up doing this. So we’ve rounded up 5 practical, no-BS camping hacks we actually use out in the Northwoods—stuff that makes a real difference when the weather turns, the firewood is damp, or you just want to enjoy your trip without overthinking it.

1. Ziplock Dryer Sheet Hack (For Mosquito Season)

Mosquitoes are the unofficial state bird up here, especially in early summer. A surprisingly effective DIY repellent? Stick a dryer sheet inside a Ziplock bag, zip it most of the way shut, and clip it to your backpack or tent entrance. The scent helps mask human smell, and it’s light enough to carry extras in your pocket.

Pro tip: Tuck one in your Hook and Pine backpack side pocket so it’s always ready.

2. DIY Firestarter with Cotton Pads + Wax

Forget newspaper. If you want a fire that catches fast, pre-make a few firestarters at home using cotton makeup pads dipped in melted wax. Throw a dozen in a baggie and you're good to go. They’ll stay dry, even in a storm, and burn long enough to get your logs going.

Bonus: They don’t weigh a thing, so you can pack a bunch even if you're hiking in.

3. Use a Headlamp + Water Bottle for a Makeshift Lantern

Need to light up your tent or picnic table at night but didn’t bring a lantern? Wrap your headlamp around a translucent Nalgene bottle, facing inward. Boom—instant lantern. It gives off a soft, ambient glow and doesn’t blind everyone the way a flashlight does.

This hack’s a favorite on chill fall nights when you’re wearing three layers and sipping lake water whiskey.

4. Dry Socks = Survival. Pack Double.

There are two kinds of campers: the ones who pack 2 pairs of socks and the ones who know better.

Seriously—double the socks. If your feet get wet, your whole mood goes downhill fast. We always keep an extra dry pair in our daypack, wrapped in a plastic bag.

Nothing beats the feeling of slipping on warm, dry socks next to the fire while wearing your softest fleece from the Hook and Pine cabin collection.

5. The Bandana Trick (Don’t Knock It)

One bandana = 10 uses. Dish towel, pot holder, face wipe, sunshade, coffee filter in a pinch—you name it. You’ll be surprised how often you reach for it. Tie it to your pack or belt loop and forget it’s even there until you need it.

We're thinking about making our own Hook and Pine version, honestly.

Bonus: Trust the Layers

Weather in the Northwoods changes fast. One hour it’s 80°F and sunny, the next you’re in a surprise downpour. The secret? Smart layers.

We always roll with a moisture-wicking tee, midweight hoodie, and windbreaker—and yes, we pack extra even if we don’t “plan” to need them. Our gear’s built to layer without bulk so you're never caught off guard.