When you’re out in the wilderness camping, it’s essential to have a way to dry your gear after a rainy day or a sweaty hike. Here are some DIY solutions for creating camping gear drying racks or hangers:
1. Paracord Drying Rack
Paracord is a versatile material that can be used to create a simple and effective drying rack for your camping gear.
- Gather two sturdy branches or poles that are at least a couple of feet long.
- Tie a length of paracord between the two branches, creating a clothesline for hanging your gear.
- You can hang your wet clothes, towels, socks, and other gear on the paracord to dry in the sun or by the fire.
2. PVC Pipe Gear Hanger
PVC pipe is lightweight, durable, and easy to work with, making it a great material for creating a gear hanger.
- Get a few pieces of PVC pipe, connectors, and elbows from your local hardware store.
- Assemble the PVC pipes into a rectangular frame with a crossbar at the top for hanging your gear.
- You can hang your wet gear on the crossbar to allow for air circulation and quick drying.
3. Carabiner Clip Hanger
Carabiner clips are handy tools that can be used to create a portable and versatile gear hanger.
- Attach several carabiner clips to a length of paracord or rope.
- You can clip your wet gear, such as socks, gloves, and small clothing items, to the carabiners for easy hanging and drying.
- This lightweight and compact solution is perfect for backpackers and minimalist campers.
4. Branch Drying Rack
If you’re in a wooded area, you can utilize natural materials like branches to create a rustic drying rack for your camping gear.
- Find a sturdy branch with several offshoots or smaller branches.
- Hang your gear on the offshoots or wrap them around the branch to allow for natural air drying.
- This eco-friendly solution blends in with the natural surroundings and is easy to set up and take down.
5. Tarp Gear Line
A tarp is a versatile piece of camping equipment that can be repurposed as a gear drying line.
- String a tarp between two trees or poles to create a makeshift clothesline.
- Use clothespins or carabiners to hang your wet gear on the tarp for drying.
- This solution provides ample space for multiple items and can be easily adjusted for height and tension.
6. Mesh Bag Drying Rack
A mesh bag is a lightweight and breathable option for drying small camping gear items.
- Fill a mesh bag with wet socks, underwear, or other small items that need to dry.
- Hang the mesh bag from a tree branch or tent pole to allow for air circulation and quick drying.
- This method keeps your smaller items organized and prevents them from getting lost or blown away in the wind.
7. S-Hook Clothesline
S-hooks are simple and effective tools that can be used to create a clothesline for drying your camping gear.
- Secure two S-hooks to a length of paracord or rope.
- You can hang your wet gear on the S-hooks for quick and efficient drying.
- This solution is easy to set up and adjust, making it ideal for campers on the go.
8. Collapsible Drying Rack
If you’re looking for a more substantial drying solution, you can create a collapsible drying rack using wooden dowels and hinges.
- Cut wooden dowels to the desired length for the frame of the drying rack.
- Attach hinges to the dowels to allow for easy folding and unfolding of the rack.
- You can hang your gear on the dowels or across the frame for efficient drying.
9. Overhead Gear Loft
An overhead gear loft is a space-saving solution for drying your camping gear inside a tent or shelter.
- String a length of paracord or rope across the ceiling of your tent or shelter.
- Use carabiners or S-hooks to hang your wet gear from the overhead line for drying.
- This method keeps your gear off the ground and out of the way while allowing for air circulation.
10. Solar-Powered Gear Dryer
If you’re looking for a high-tech solution, you can create a solar-powered gear dryer using a small fan and solar panel.
- Attach a small fan to a solar panel to create a portable and eco-friendly drying system.
- Place your wet gear in front of the fan to speed up the drying process using solar power.
- This innovative solution is perfect for campers who want a quick and efficient way to dry their gear.