There’s no denying that Australians enjoy spending time in the outdoors. Camping is a wonderful activity that not only gets you out of the rat race for a few days but also lets you spend some much-needed time in nature.
If you enjoy the outdoors as much as we do, then you undoubtedly have a list of must-have items that you never leave home without. For many people, this may already include an assortment of ratchet straps and tie-downs. These straps are not just essential for transporting cargo but also handy for a variety of functions on your camping trip.
Simple Straps With a Wide Range of Uses
Are you getting ready to go on your first camping trip? If so, this post is a must-read. Our outdoor team have compiled a list of the ways that a few ratchet straps will make your trip so much simpler.
1. The Obvious Reason
For many people, camping includes taking bikes and ATVs for some off-road fun. The most convenient way to transport these bulky items is to tie them down to a trailer with a few ratchet straps. Turning a regular camping trip into a fun few days out has never been easier.
The only criterion here is that you opt for quality straps to ensure your load is securely tied down. This is crucial if you’re going to be driving off-road to get to your destination. Our experts recommend using at least two straps per item that you’re tying down to ensure the object stays tied if one strap snaps or comes loose.
2. Handy Emergency Tool
Chances are you’re not going to be camping in your backyard. So, that means if you’re driving anywhere there’s always the risk of a breakdown. Ratchet straps are excellent for towing your vehicle or even pulling it out of a ditch. Speak to your ratchet strap supplier for the right size and capacity to tow your vehicle in an emergency. Adding this to your vehicle will reduce the likelihood of being stuck.
3. Opt for Hammocks
Many people don’t find the idea of sleeping on the ground very appealing. Especially in Australia where there is an assortment of weird and wonderful creatures that can crawl into your tent!
Avoid the creepy crawlies by using hammocks. This is a fun idea especially if you’re camping in an area with trees. Use your ratchet straps to firmly secure your hammocks to trees on the edge of your camp. Since ratchet straps are adjustable and can hold a considerable amount of weight, you’ll easily be able to set your hammocks up the way you want.
4. Add a Safe Storage and Lighting Space
Another top camping tip from our expert campers is that you should set up some safe lighting on your camping site. This is especially the case if you’re setting up in an unknown place or you’re taking kids camping for the first time.
A little-known trick is to use your ratchet straps to organize your camp gear efficiently. Simply stretch one across the back of your car’s trunk or between two trees and hang your wet clothes or towels to dry. This keeps everything off the ground, away from dirt and moisture, and helps things dry faster. Additionally, ratchet straps can also secure light objects like backpacks or cooler lids to prevent animals from knocking them over during the night.
A simple trick is to set up your camping area between two trees if possible. Tie each end of the ratchet strap around a tree so that you have a line running through the space. Invest in outdoor lanterns that you can simply hook onto the strap. This not only lights up the whole campsite but also makes it easy for someone to reach a light if they need it.
Doing this reduces the risk of a lantern falling or accidentally being kicked over. First-time kiddy campers will be less likely to be nervous in the dark and they’ll be able to see everyone all the time. You can also hang a bag of supplies here to avoid critters getting in there. The only trick here is to ensure that the strap is tight and in the shade if there’s food in the bag.
5. Make a Shelter
If you’re planning an extended camping trip, it’s essential to plan for potential storms and sudden cloud bursts. In addition to adding a few tarps to your camping gear, you should also include several ratchet straps.
For this quick and easy shelter, you’ll need to choose a spot where there are four trees close together. Ideally, you want a spot on higher ground to avoid ending up at the bottom of a mudslide. Secure your straps to the trees and add the tarp.
It’s a good idea to choose a tarp that has ready-made holes to make securing the straps easier. Hoist the tarp up to form the roof of your shelter. If set up in the correct spot, then this will form the best area to keep supplies and people dry in the event of those unpredictable Australian rain storms.
Final Thoughts
While ratchet tie-downs may not initially have been designed for camping, the good news is that they are versatile enough to be used for a host of functions around your campsite. Whether you’re taking your ATV or bike with you to the camping site, or you’re only planning to hoist up a few hammocks, you’ll be glad you invested in a bunch of straps!
