camping

Best? This is more for on-the-water activities, but always carry a sponge. Know those giant, yellow, cleaning sponges? Yep, one of those.

You can sop up messes, swamp out the kayak/canoe/boat, get the sand off the tent floor, cool yourself, cool your gear or seat, much more. Got the tip off /r/kayaking years ago when a noob asked for little known tips and tricks. Carry one on every outing now and get bummed if I forget it.

My other trick I never hear talked about is hair ties. Got sick of replacing rubber bands after every outing. I use them on every trip, in the woods or on the water. They make great zipper pulls, and you have one for use right there! I've held my shoes together in a pinch, lashed gear to my bag, can't even tell what all I've done. It's a rare hike that I don't use one. BTW, this thick rubber bracelets are great too, tougher but not quite as multipurpose.

I know we hate Amazon, but here is what I got. Bonus, they came shrink wrapped in tough plastic, totally flat and easy to pack. Not a sponge expert but the quality seems pretty good, I've had worse from Dollar General. A cleaning supply place would probably sell you a properly tough one.

Similarly, a pair of water shoes never leaves my truck. I have wussy feet, can't do without. Also, it's something else to wear if your drying your shoes/boots on the line. While we're at it, I always have a length of paracord. Too many uses to name.

I'm a big flashlight nerd, and this Olight lives on hiking bag's chest strap. Weighs nothing and I have yet to kill it in the field. The clip is secure but I still lash it on with a hair tie. Bonus: Steady red light to not kill your night vision, blinky red for emergencies or, as I use it, so my wife doesn't lose track of me on the trail. Clip it on on your front, Iron Man style, clip it on your hat brim, also has a magnetic base. Of all my good flashlight, it's the most used. OTOH, overnight, I wouldn't trust the tiny battery alone, always carry a spare light.

I'll stop now or we'll be here all night. I could go on about caribiners?