DIY Camping Toilet Paper Holder: Easy Outdoors

Hey there, fellow outdoor enthusiasts! Imagine this: You’re out in the wilderness, enjoying the serenity of National Parks like Yosemite, but then nature calls! The struggle is real when you’re fumbling with a roll of TP on the forest floor, right? The solution is here: A camping toilet paper holder makes all the difference, keeping things clean and convenient! Lucky for you, creating your own DIY camping toilet paper holder is way easier than you think, especially with the right tools like a handy dandy utility knife and some paracord. Even REI would be impressed with your ingenuity!

Craft Your Own Camping Throne: Designing the Perfect DIY Toilet Paper Holder!

Hey there, outdoor adventurers! Planning a camping trip and dreading the, shall we say, less-than-glamorous bathroom situation? Fear not! Building your own camping toilet paper holder is easier than pitching a tent (okay, maybe not that easy for some of us, but close!). Here’s how we can structure an awesome article to guide fellow campers through this essential DIY project:

First, let’s aim for making this project super simple, so beginners don’t get intimidated. The whole point is to make camping more comfortable, not add to the stress!

Section 1: Why a DIY Camping Toilet Paper Holder?

Start with a bang! Make people realize why they need this in their lives.

• The Problem: Highlight the common struggles of camping with toilet paper: wet rolls, unrolling nightmares, finding a clean surface, the horror of leaving it on the ground!
• The Solution: Introduce the DIY camping toilet paper holder as the elegant answer to all these woes. Talk about its benefits:
  • Keeps toilet paper dry and clean.
  • Prevents it from unrolling in the wind.
  • Portable and easy to pack.
  • Environmentally friendly (no more TP litter!).
  • Customize to your desired look.
  • Super cheap than buying one.
• Personal Anecdote: Share a funny (or terrifying!) story about a camping toilet paper disaster. Relatability is key!

Section 2: Choosing Your Design – Simple is Key!

Brainstorm a few super-easy design ideas. Remember, the goal is "easy outdoors!" Here are a few options to structure this section:

• Design 1: The Branch Hanger:
  • Describe it: A simple rope or paracord attached to a sturdy stick or branch, with a loop to hold the toilet paper.
  • Materials: Rope/paracord, a suitable branch, optional: scissors, lighter (to seal the rope ends).
  • Difficulty: Super Easy
• Design 2: The Bucket Buddy:
  • Describe it: A repurposed plastic bucket with a hole or slot cut out for the toilet paper to dispense.
  • Materials: Old bucket (with lid if possible), knife/scissors, optional: sandpaper (to smooth edges), paint (for decoration).
  • Difficulty: Easy
• Design 3: The Upcycled Container:
  • Describe it: An old coffee can or similar container with a lid and a hole for dispensing.
  • Materials: Coffee can/container, knife/scissors, optional: sandpaper, paint, string for hanging.
  • Difficulty: Easy.

We can use a table for easier comparison:

Design	Materials Needed	Difficulty	Pros	Cons
Branch Hanger	Rope, Branch	Super Easy	Extremely simple, uses natural materials	May not be as sturdy in windy conditions
Bucket Buddy	Old Bucket, Knife	Easy	Protects TP well, reusable	Requires a bucket
Upcycled Container	Old Container, Knife	Easy	Great for recycling, customizable	May not be as durable as a bucket

Section 3: Step-by-Step Instructions (Let’s Get Crafty!)

Choose one of the designs (maybe the Branch Hanger since it’s the simplest) and break it down into incredibly clear, idiot-proof steps. Use numbered lists and include photos or diagrams if possible! Here’s an example:

Building Your Branch Hanger:

1. Find Your Branch: Look for a sturdy, relatively straight branch about 12-18 inches long. Make sure it’s dry and free of loose bark.
2. Cut Your Rope: Cut a length of rope or paracord about 3-4 feet long.
3. Attach the Rope: Tie the rope securely around each end of the branch. Use a strong knot like a square knot or a bowline. Leave enough slack to create a loop for hanging.
4. Create the TP Loop: Tie another small loop in the middle of the rope, below the branch. This loop should be large enough to easily slide a roll of toilet paper onto it.
5. Test it Out: Hang your camping toilet paper holder from a tree branch or tent pole and make sure it’s stable. Adjust the rope length as needed.
6. Pro Tip: Burn the ends of the rope with a lighter to prevent fraying! (Adults only for this step, please!)

Section 4: Customization & Extra Tips

This is where you can add some flair and helpful advice!

• Decorate Your Holder: Encourage readers to personalize their holder with paint, stickers, or fabric.
• Waterproofing: Suggest using waterproof containers or covering the toilet paper with a plastic bag in wet weather.
• Hanging Options: Discuss different ways to hang the holder: tree branches, tent poles, even a sturdy bush!
• Storage: Give ideas for storing the holder when not in use. A small stuff sack works great!
• Leave No Trace: Remind readers to pack out all trash and dispose of waste properly. A great place to link to the "Leave No Trace" principles!

Section 5: Troubleshooting

Anticipate common problems and provide solutions.

• Rope Keeps Slipping: Suggest using a stronger knot or adding rubber bands for extra grip.
• TP Gets Wet: Recommend using a waterproof bag or container.
• Holder is Unstable: Advise finding a more stable branch or using a heavier container.

So there you have it! A few simple ways to keep your TP clean and dry in the great outdoors. Hopefully, these DIY camping toilet paper holder ideas will make your next camping trip a little more comfortable and a lot less…well, messy! Happy trails!