10 Camping Uses for Duct Tape

So you didn’t think there were 10 uses huh? Of course there are – and more. Prepare to be dazzled. Duct Tape does everything! It’s why astronauts take it into space.

What is Duct Tape exactly?

Let’s get the technical bit out of the way. Duct tape (also known as duck tape) is a cloth or scrim backed pressure-sensitive tape that’s frequently coated with polyethylene. It seems that the first name for ‘Duct tape’ was in fact ‘Duck tape’. According to this article the tape came into being during WWII when ’the U.S. Military needed a waterproof tape to keep the moisture out of ammunition cases.

So, they enlisted the Johnson and Johnson Permacel Division to manufacture the tape. As it was waterproof, everyone referred to it as “duck” tape (like water off a duck’s back). Military personnel discovered that the tape was good for lots more than keeping out water. They used it for Jeep repair, fixing stuff on their guns, strapping equipment to their clothing… the list is endless. (we’ve got a list too)

After the war, the housing industry was booming and someone discovered that the tape was great for joining the heating and air conditioning ductwork. The colour changed from army green to the silvery colour we’re familiar with today and people started to refer to it as “duct tape.” Therefore, either name is appropriate’ Although today it comes in a myriad of colours and designs.

The camper’s superhero

Speed through to the 21st century and we’re using the heroic Duct Tape in our camping kit. It’s small, light, easy to carry around – and fantastically versatile. We love the stuff. We’ve used Duct Tape (legitimately!) for years with our camping gear and it’s got us out of many a hole (no pun intended!), and – as you know – any excuse for a list.

Tent repairs – speedy repairs to rips until you can get home for a proper repair

Make a Cup as you can see, nice and easy, for when you get desperate.

Fixing lights – if you hit a side runner light on the campervan/caravan whilst parking (uh hmm) you can use the duct tape to cover the light, until you can get it fully repaired. Keeps the light protected and waterproofed until a full repair.

Leaking wellies – place the duct tape inside the welly, and it provides a temporary seal, or even on the outside, it’s that robust.

Hold tent doors – closed if the zip fails, from the inside or out.

Fix your sleeping bag – and keep the stuffing in and you warm. If the sleeping bag rips, place the duct tape over the rip and hey presto away you go.

And there’s more….

Make a Hammock You’ll have to be away camping for quite some time for this one, but there you go. Thanks to www.instructables.com for instructions and pic.