The Field & Stream Tips Blog

Secure an Axe Head to the Handle

Awhile back, the head on my wooden-handled axe felt very loose, and I worried it would fly off whenever I split wood at camp. I fixed this potentially dangerous problem by soaking the axe head in a bucket of water overnight. The wood absorbed the water and expanded, tightening the head to the shaft.
Chad Sarty, via the Internet

Stay Warm at Night by Sleeping on a Sunshade

Place a silver, reflective sunshade, the kind sold for car windows, under your sleeping bag to stay warm at night. The sunshade will reflect your body heat and acts as a ground dampness barrier as well.
Shawn Cloutier, via E-mail

Heat Your Bag With a Water Bottle

To keep snug during nights when the temperature drops, boil water and pour into your Nalgene bottles. Then, place them in your sleeping bag, and the bag’s insulation will keep the heat in. Use two or more bottles to adjust temperature.
--Aaron Guiterman, Arlington Va.