The Great Outdoors: Camping Hacks with Sprayable Lubricants

June 10th, 2024

Camping is not just about connecting with nature; it’s about tackling the wilderness with wit and creativity. Every camper knows the importance of packing light yet effectively, bringing along gear that serves multiple purposes. One often overlooked but incredibly versatile tool is sprayable lubricant.

This simple can of solution can revolutionise the way you camp, offering more than just a squeak fix. Inox MX lubricants are not only essential for maintaining equipment but also excel in numerous unexpected outdoor applications. From easing tent setups to providing emergency waterproofing solutions, the utility of this product in the wild is boundless. Let’s explore ingenious camping hacks that ensure your next outdoor adventure is smoother and more enjoyable than ever.

Why Bring Inox Sprayable Lubricant on Your Next Camping Trip?

The Inox MX family of products are a camper’s secret weapon, prized for their multifunctional properties that tackle the demanding conditions of the outdoors. They offer excellent water resistance, which is crucial for protecting gear in damp environments. Their ease of use, with a simple spray mechanism, allows for quick application even when on the move. These properties make them indispensable for preventing damage from moisture and friction, common issues faced while camping.

Whether it’s a stuck zipper on a tent or squeaky joints on camping chairs, a quick spray can alleviate such nuisances instantly. Furthermore, their ability to form a protective barrier helps prolong the life of valuable outdoor equipment, ensuring that adventure-seekers can focus on the landscape rather than gear malfunctions.

Hack #1: Protecting Gear from Rust and Wear

Metal camping gear, though sturdy, is vulnerable to the elements, with rust and wear being major concerns. Sprayable lubricants serve as an effective preventative measure. These products typically contain properties that repel water and resist high humidity, conditions often encountered in outdoor settings. By forming a thin, protective layer, lubricants shield metal surfaces from moisture— the primary catalyst for rust.

Practical Application Steps:

Clean the Gear: Before applying the Inox, ensure that the metal surfaces are clean and dry. Remove any existing rust with a wire brush or sandpaper.
Apply Lubricant: Shake the can well, and spray evenly over the metal parts of the gear, such as camp stove hinges, folding chair joints, and fishing reel components. Maintain a distance of about six to eight inches to cover the area comprehensively.Wipe Excess: After spraying, use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess lubricant to prevent dirt and debris accumulation.
Regular Maintenance: Reapply the lubricant periodically, especially after exposure to particularly wet or muddy conditions.
Of course, on metal surfaces that are likely to be in close proximity to food, always use MX3FG, which is rated as food safe for incidental food contact.

Hack #2: Easing Tent Setup and Takedown

Setting up and taking down a tent can be frustrating, especially when dealing with stiff or stubborn tent poles and zippers. Sprayable lubricants can significantly ease this process, making the assembly and disassembly of camping shelters faster and less troublesome.

Steps for Easing Tent Setup and Takedown:

Lubricate Tent Poles: If you have issues with tent poles getting corroded, and are finding them to be sticky or tight to extend, then before setting up your tent, spray INOX MX4 into the sleeve of the poles, and on the ends of the poles where they connect to the eyelets. This reduces friction, making it easier to extend / retract the poles and to insert them into the tent’s fabric sleeves with less drama. It also helps prevent the poles from sticking when you disassemble them, which can be particularly useful in cold or damp weather when materials tend to contract. If there is corrosion buildup, hit the poles with a decent soaking of INOX MX3 to let it penetrate and dissolve the buildup, and to help eradicate the problem even further.

Apply on Zippers: Tent zippers often become gritty and hard to operate after exposure to dirt, sand, and other outdoor elements, especially if you are by the beach. Spray a small amount of INOX MX4 onto the zipper teeth and slider. Work the zipper back and forth a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly. This not only makes the zipper smoother to operate but also helps protect it from rust and corrosion.

Reapply as Needed: Depending on the duration of your camping trip and the environmental conditions, you may need to reapply the lubricant. A quick spray midway through your trip can keep things running smoothly.

Hack #3: Emergency Waterproofing

In the unpredictable wilderness, weather can change abruptly, leaving campers and their gear exposed to the elements. Some INOX products can provide a temporary yet effective waterproofing solution for both gear and clothing, helping to keep moisture at bay. While not a substitute for dedicated waterproof gear, these products can be a quick fix to prevent water penetration in emergency situations.

Application and Importance:

Choose the Right Product: Choose a product that is suitable for both fabric and metal like our MX4G lanolin-based grease, or INOX MX4 with two-way spray nozzle, but be mindful of suitability as some formulas may stain or damage materials.
Spray / Apply Evenly: With grease, it works best when warm but not hot/boiling. Apply a thin film, being careful to remove excess residue. With the spray, hold the can a few inches away from the item and spray evenly to cover exposed surfaces. For clothing, turn the fabric inside out and spray from the inside to create an additional moisture barrier.
Allow to Dry: Let the lubricant dry completely. This forms a thin, protective layer that repels water.

Reapplication and Limitations: Reapplication is crucial, especially after exposure to heavy rain or when the gear has been submerged. The protective layer can wear off over time or after intense exposure to water. It’s also important to note that sprayable lubricants offer only a temporary solution. They may not provide the same level of protection as specialised waterproof treatments and should not be relied upon for prolonged or extreme conditions. Use them as a stop-gap measure until proper repairs or replacements can be made, ensuring your gear remains functional until you can access more permanent solutions.

Hack #4: Improving Cooking and Eating Equipment Usability

Camp cooking should be about ease and enjoyment, not struggling with sticky grills or rusty utensils. Our food-safe lubricants are a game-changer for enhancing the usability and maintenance of cooking and eating equipment, ensuring that these tools perform their best when you need them most.
MX3FG is a fantastic product that displaces moisture, penetrates, lubricates and protects a range of appliances and items that may come into incidental contact with food, however please note it is NOT to be used in direct contact with food. Here are some examples of how it can be used while camping:

Practical Tips for Using INOX MX3FG on Cooking Gear

Lubricate Cooking Utensils: Before you head out, spray a thin layer of Inox on can openers, pocket knives, and other metal utensils that are likely to only have incidental food contact. This not only prevents rust but also makes cleanup easier as food is less likely to stick to lubricated surfaces.
Treat Camp Stoves: Apply a light coating of lubricant to the exterior of your camp stove before igniting. In particular, hit any moving components such as flue doors. This will help prevent fire particulates sticking to the stove and make cleanup a breeze with a quick wipedown when you are packing up for home. It importantly also protects the stove from moisture and rust, particularly important if you’re camping in the salty air of the beach, or in humid conditions.

Enhance Pot and Pan Functionality: Lightly spray the bottoms and sides of pots and pans. This not only helps in cleaning, by discouraging particulates, but also in preventing corrosion.
Maintain Regularly: Reapply lubricant if needed throughout your trip, especially after washing your gear or after exposure to rain or high humidity. Always ensure that the surfaces are clean and dry before reapplication.

Hack #5: Miscellaneous Uses

Sprayable lubricants offer a plethora of miscellaneous uses that can enhance your camping experience by solving unexpected challenges. These versatile products can ease various minor annoyances, ensuring your camping trip remains enjoyable and hassle-free.

Creative Uses for Sprayable Lubricants in Camping

Smooth Zipper Operation: Backpack and tent zippers can become gritty or hard to use due to exposure to dust, mud, or sand. A quick spray of INOX MX4 on the zipper teeth can ease their movement, preventing wear and tear and annoying stuck moments.
Shoelace Quick-Fix: If shoelaces start to fray or stick, a light application of INOX MX4 can make them easier to tie and untie, extending their life and functionality.
Bike Chain Maintenance: For those who bring bikes on camping trips, maintaining the chain is essential. INOX MX3 can keep the chain moving smoothly, protecting against rust and reducing the grit that accumulates during trail rides.
Prevent Lantern or Flashlight Sticking: Small mechanical parts in camping lanterns or flashlights, such as battery compartments or screw caps, can seize up. Applying INOX MX3 can prevent this, ensuring your lighting gear works reliably when you need it most.

Wrapping Up: The Versatile Benefits of Sprayable Lubricants for Camping

The INOX MX range of products are a camper’s best friend, offering unparalleled versatility that enhances and simplifies the outdoor experience. From easing tent setups to protecting cooking gear and ensuring smooth operation of zippers and mechanical parts, these lubricants tackle common camping challenges with ease. By incorporating these lubricants into your camping routine, you can ensure smoother, more enjoyable adventures. Give these hacks a try on your next outdoor excursion and experience the difference firsthand.

Don’t forget to explore the wide range of products from Inox, and find the perfect solution for your needs.