Homemade Backpacking Gear
by Jason Klass
The Gear Laboratory
Post your Experiments Here!
Whether they have failed or succeeded, this is a call for all of you gear fanatics that are really mad scientists at heart to share your findings and inventions with others in this "virtual laboratory". Simply email me with the pictures and text. To submit, click the "submissions" link in the navigation bar.
Articles, Experiments, & Gear Modifications
Click on the picture to visit each section.
Before reading the articles, it would be helpful to read the rating system and the material source rating so you know the level of difficulty involved before undertaking a project. You can also click on the difficulty rating numbers listed in each article to find out what it entails.
ALCOHOL STOVES
Experiments with new stove designs and materials.
STOVE ACCESSORIES
From wicks to windscreens; here you will find ideas to enhance the performance of your alcohol stoves.
STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Ideas for storing everything from tent stakes and fishing rods to soap and condiments.
GEAR MODIFICATION
Modification to commercially-available gear such as backpacks, trekking poles, and clothing.
CAMP HARDWARE
Making your own camp tools such as trowels, tent stakes, and more.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
This section features tools and materials (some from unlikely places) that are useful to the DIY backpacker.
KITCHENWARE
Ideas for making anything related to cooking including your own pots, mugs, bowls, pot lifters, lip guards, etc.
HYDRATION
Everyone needs water. Here are some ideas on how to stay hydrated on the trail.
Experiment at your own risk
Disclaimer: Making alcohol stoves and modifying gear may be inherently dangerous. Neither I nor the authors participating in this project are responsible for injury, death, or property damage that may result from imitation of any technique or construction on this website. If you choose to experiment with the above mentioned, it is completely at your own risk. Have fun and try not to burn your eyebrows off!