Handy Improvisations?

[sgtmike88]

When I was a kid, I was po (to poor to even spell it.) When I joined the Scouts and buying the required uniform, etc; we didn't have enough money to buy all the typical camping type stuff we're all accustomed to now. I remember that my grandmother made me a sleeping bag of sorts from mill felt she acquired from the paper mill she worked at. It was lined with an old sheet and an afghan she had also made. It was pretty heavy, but I can't remember ever sleeping cold or damp while I had it.

Anyone else have experiences with other handy improvs?

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It's not the pace of life that concerns me, It's the sudden stop at the end.

 

[Sender]

Coffee can cookware with bailing wire handles, and a forked stick as a lifter.

My Dad was in the Air Force, so he was eventually able to get all manner of military gear. My favorite was the canteen with the pot. Played hell trying to carry it without using a webbed belt though

 

[HM]

Poncho or tarp shelter instead of tent if weather permits. Empty plastic soda bottles as water containers. Plastic disposable spoon and fork set. Military surplus instead of high-end expensive civilian gear. Civilian market, however, offers broad variety and price that makes it competitive with mil specs IMO. Home-made dried food (fruits) and jerky instead of store-bought. Fleece sweater from local WalMart instead of expedition quality Mountain Hardware.

HM

 

[TLM]

You can improvise anything, that is not the problem. I am concerned with the fact that most outdoor magazines just trumpet all these synthetic "hi-tech" gear, even though some actually even work sometimes.(what is the hi in them? -price?)
Amundsen and Scott made it to the pole with wool, canvas and reindeer hide. They did not all make it back though.
Wool is vastly underrated as these "breathing, non water transmissive" coatings and films are as much overrated. I Still have to see one that breaths enough that you won't get it wet from the inside.

If it works don't fix it. And don't forget to kick the marketing clowns.

TLM