Outdoor Blog

How to Get Campfire Smell Out of Your Clothes for Good

Published

6 years ago

February 14, 2020

Along with gazing at the night stars the most romantic part about camping is listening to the flames cackle around the campfire. Nothing is better than kicking back at your campsite after a long day of pitching your tent and hiking. Cracking open a cold one, eating some desserts, sharing jokes and stories with your friends. It really is the essence of why we love camping with our friends.

Then when the sunrises you pack up your tent and head off home. You’ll begin to notice on the drive back that there is a smell of smoke that has clung to your clothes. It’s not a bad smell. Unlike cigarettes, the smell of woodsmoke is a comforting smell. Nonetheless, you still don’t want it to hang onto your clothes over the coming days and you’ll want to get rid of it. Read on to find out how to go about this.

Getting that fire going after a long day is the perfect time to kick-back with friends.

What causes the smoky scent?

Before we look at how to get the campfire smoke smell out of your clothes let’s take a look at what causes this smell to be so strong and why the smell clings. If you’ve made a campfire before you’ll know that fire requires three things to stay alive – oxygen fuel and heat. If you take away one of these then the fire dies. When all three of these combine to form a fire that fire then produces smoke which is a combination of particles and gases that are released from the fuel as it burns.

The particles contained within woodsmoke consists of nitrogen, cellulose, aldehydes, and traces of metals. During the combustion process, not all of these chemicals shall completely breakdown into tiny molecules and vanish which is why the smoke is visible. The smoky campfire odor, consisting of organic compounds, will then set itself upon your clothing, resulting in the smell sticking to you. You may have some concerns about all of these particles floating in the atmosphere, but it is harmless unless you are obviously making an effort to constantly breathe it in.

There are a couple of ways to try and avoid your campfire producing so much smoke and thus it could save you the hassle of having to thoroughly clean your clothes. The best way to light a campfire is to use dry wood. It burns easier and because it burns easier less energy is required to burn the fuel, resulting in less smoke. If you use wet or green firewood this will produce more smoke as more energy is required to burn this. So if you can, find some dry firewood or take some along with you.

The best way to not have to get rid of the smell of smoke from your clothes when camping is to not have a campfire at all. It can be almost a necessity if you’re winter camping but if the winter is warm or mild then it is not always required. Some of us like to cook some delicious campfire meals. This can be done on a camping stove, however. Camping stoves don’t emit huge amounts of fumes like a campfire and are easier to cook on due t being able to have control over the temperature. So if you want to prepare some delicious food and don’t want to worry about the smell of smoke on your clothes, then perhaps a camping stove is the best option for you.

Ways to get rid of the smell at the campsite

If you are on a multi-day camping trip in the backcountry you may want to get rid of the smell whilst you are still on your trip. Maybe you are on a camping trip and still undertaking regular vacation activities. Restaurants, bars, and other leisurely activities are close to or onsite of many camping grounds. If you plan to undertake these then you may not want this smell to follow you around and have opted to get rid of it whilst you are out in the sticks. There are a few techniques on how to go about this. Including using alcohol, lemon juice and plain old hanging them out to dry. Let’s take a closer look at the campsite wash methods.

1: Using alcohol to get campfire smell out of your clothes

Alcohol is a multi-use tool. Although it’s best enjoyed in a glass around a campfire you can also put it to use as a cleaner. The way in which this works is that when alcohol is heated up it will release the smell from any fabric or material it has soaked itself into. This is the same way that perfumes work. When you release it into a spray for it sticks to your skin and clothes releasing its odors.

To undertake this on your campsite you will need an alcoholic spirit, warm clean water, and a spray bottle. A bottle of vodka that you took on your trip is ideal for this – please don’t waste a nice bottle of scotch! Mix a little bit of the alcoholic spirit with warm water in the spray bottle. Spray a good amount all over your clothes and hang them up to dry in the sunlight. After a few hours, the alcohol spray should have removed the smell and the wind will have blown away any remnants.

2. Using lemon juice to get campfire smoke out of your clothes

If you have a good taste in alcohol then perhaps you don’t have a bottle of vodka at the ready to cleanse your clothes of the smell of campfire smoke. Luckily the citric acid from lemon juice can also get rid of the pungency. You will have probably noticed that many household cleaning sprays are lemon-scented as the acid in the citrus is excellent for clearing out bad odors. Lemon juice is also great to use on the rest of your camping kit such as your tent and sleeping bag.

To undertake this method of cleaning you will need a lemon or lime, and just as in the alcohol technique, clean, warm water, and a spray bottle. Squeeze out the juice from the lemon into the bottle and fill the rest with the warm water. Shake the bottle well and fully cover your clothes with the lemon spray. Again hang them out to dry for a few hours and your clothes will be fresh and zingy!

3. Leaving them out to dry

If neither alcohol or lemon juice is on hand at your campsite then they can still be freshened up in the fresh air. Simply put some water on them and leave them to hang in the wind. Although it won’t rid your clothes from the smoky smell completely, nonetheless airing them out on a clothes hanger shall be a good help.

Bedding hanging from a clothes line int he woods daytime.

A makeshift laundry line can always be formed when there are trees around.

Getting rid of the smell at home

Not all of us want to be cleaning our clothes when we’re out enjoying our precious time in nature and we’re happy to wait until we’re back home again before cleaning our stuff. Cleaning your clothes at home is more straightforward as you are very likely to have most of the cleaning products in your household cupboards already. Most of us will have a washing machine as well, making the process straightforward. If items such as your jacket are not machine washable then we recommend airing them outside or to take them to the dry cleaners.

1. A basic wash

A lot of the time a basic machine wash in the machine at a high temperature is all it takes to get rid of the smell. We suggest that you try this first and if it does not work then refer to our techniques to carry out this task. Remember to double-check what the maximum temperature for your garments before you wash them at a high heat. Many of us wear woolen garments when camping due to its warmth and its ability to absorb water. However, wool should not be washed at a temperature above 40C as it will shrink it and cause the wool to deteriorate.

2. White vinegar

If a basic wash does not work then our next suggestion is to use vinegar to rid your clothes of the smell of campfire smoke. To do this, add half a cup of white vinegar with your laundry detergent. This mixture shall clean your clothes and remove all of the odors from the garments. This technique is best to be implemented if it’s a mild smell coming from your clothes.

If the smell is stronger then you can still use white vinegar but with a different technique. Run a bath of hot water and add a cup measurement of white vinegar and laundry detergent. Put your clothes into the tub and make sure that they are submerged. Allow them to soak in the water for a few hours and then put them in the washing machine for a regular wash and dry. If you notice that the smell is still present then give them another spin in the machine and perhaps put half a cup of vinegar in with the detergent.

3. Baking soda

Baking soda is also appropriate for this task. Baking soda is an alkaline, multi-use white powder that you will likely have stored in a cupboard in your kitchen. It’s an extremely useful item to have and is great for getting rid of stains, stickiness and smells from various items in general. Just like with the first white vinegar technique, add half of a cup of baking soda into your washing machine along with the regular detergent.

Be careful as to not to clean woolen garments or silk with baking soda as these materials can be deteriorated by baking soda. Instead, use white vinegar on these types of garments.

4. Enzyme cleaner

Enzyme cleaner is also a useful product for removing odors. If you have a cat or dog at home then there’s a good chance you have a bottle of this in your cleaning cupboard. Enzyme cleaners are not only designed to get rid of stains and to sanitize but to also get rid of odors. This is why many pet owners use them. When an animal uses the floor for the bathroom then they are likely to return to do it again because their scent is there. By using an enzyme cleaner this can break their young pet’s habit of returning to the same spot over and over again.

To clean your smoky clothes run a hot bath and pour in some enzyme cleaner. Place your clothes inside the tub and make sure that they are submerged in the bathwater. After you have left them to soak for a few hours take them out of the tub and put them in your washing machine for a regular wash. Because enzyme detergent is specifically designed to remove odors from your clothes this means that this is almost a sure-fire way to get the campfire smell out of your clothes for good.

How to dry clean the campfire smoke out of your clothes

Most of us will often take clothes to the laundrette if they need to be dry cleaned. If your clothes are not suitable for a washing machine or hot water then there is a dry cleaning method for getting the smell of campfire smoke out of your clothes. The first step is to put the clothes in a zip-close bag or a large plastic bag that can be tied shut. Once you have a bag, put dryer sheets into the bag. These are extremely cheap to buy and 1-2 sheets per clothing item should suffice in getting the smell of campfire smoke out of your clothes.

Dryer sheets are a great way to freshen up your clothes weather or not they are full of campfire smoke. These cause your clothes to have fewer wrinkles have less static reactions, stop things clinging to the fabric and keep your clothing soft. Additionally, they give your clothing a fresh, outdoor scenting. Be careful to not leave the dryer sheets in the bag for too long as they

Can stain your clothing if they are left next to them for too long

Once you have placed your clothes in the bag then seal the bag so that it is airtight. The clothes should be left in the bag for several days. The longer they are in, the more the smell of the campfire smoke shall disappear. You should check for the smell of campfire smoke every day and replace the dryer sheets every second day.

As we spoke about before, baking soda is perhaps the most used household item for getting rid of odors. Baking soda can also be used in the dry cleaning process. Bi-carbonate soda can be used either alongside or instead of the dryer sheets. To use baking soda in the dry cleaning process place one tablespoon of the powder into the bag per 1-2 items of clothing.

Once the clothes are in, shake the bake thoroughly so that the powder is spread throughout it. Again the clothes must be left in the bag for several days. Like with the dryer sheets make sure that you replace any leftover bicarbonate soda every couple of days. Do this by shaking out the excess baking soda outside and putting fresh soda in.

Taking your non-machine clothes to the dry cleaners or doing it yourself at home shall also rid your clothes of the smokey scent.

Final Verdict:

All of us love to go camping in the backcountry and all of us love to light campfires. There’s something in our DNA that gives us a thrill when we spark the tinder and get the flames roaring. From then on we’re constantly monitoring it and replenishing it with firewood as to not let it burn out until the time comes that it must be extinguished. This obsession with the licking flames means that the next day you are sometimes left wondering why you let yourself get so enthusiastic about getting the fire as big as possible, causing more smoke to accumulate into the fabric of your clothes.

It’s not the end of the world though and the smell of the smoke on your clothes does not result in permanent damage. With a little bit of patience and perseverance, it is very straightforward to remove the smell of campfire smoke. All that is required are household products such as white vinegar and baking soda that you are bound to have in your home. Beyond this, it’s a basic machine wash that you would have to do to your clothes anyway. So, fear not, the smell shall be removed!

Bonus tip: Check out the ways in which you can minimize the amount of smoke coming from your campfire!

Outdoor Blog

How to Take Your Own Internet to Outdoor Events

Published

5 days ago

October 18, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

You’ve got the permits, the lineup, the stage design, and the crowd — but when it comes to WiFi, outdoor events can turn from dream festivals to data dead zones in minutes. Reliable connectivity is now as essential as power or sound. Whether it’s a music festival streaming to TikTok, a food fair using mobile POS systems, or a corporate brand activation relying on live dashboards, the internet connection is what keeps the gears turning.

But the truth is this: counting on venue WiFi at a large outdoor event is a gamble. Hundreds of devices fighting for the same bandwidth can jam up the signal before the headliner gets on stage. Public networks only have one backhaul connection, so your production crew, security cameras, and vendors could all be fighting with concert-goers streaming YouTube in the crowd.

So, if your aspiration is to keep the event chugging along like clockwork, the genius move is to bring your own internet — designed specifically for the occasion, private, and controlled by your event staff.

Why Venue WiFi Fails When Crowds Arrive

Let’s start with the numbers. According to Cisco’s 2024 Annual Internet Report, the average person now connects four to six devices at live events — phones, wearables, tablets, scanners, and streaming gear. Multiply that by 5,000 or 50,000 people, and you’re looking at a digital traffic jam.

Outdoor locations have a very minimal amount of wired infrastructure. The majority utilize older systems or common fiber links, which were not designed for thousands of users at once. When the signal is over-stretched, latency increases, access points fail, and the network grinds to a halt.

For event organizers, this is not only inconvenient — it’s a safety and revenue gamble. POS terminals won’t work. QR ticket scanners crawl. Even backup communication programs freeze.

The Smarter Solution: Creating Your Own Network

Constructing a stand-alone network for an outside event may seem daunting, but technology has made it relatively achievable. Instead of relying on one provider or tower, professional crews now use several sources of the internet to deliver redundancy and stability.

Outdoor WiFi specialists use multi-carrier cellular bonding, satellite uplinks, and WAN smoothing to keep traffic consistent even when one source is down. It’s a lot like having several water pipes feed one tank — if one pipe gets stopped up, others keep the flow consistent.

The best configuration depends on three variables:

Location: Urban park, remote valley, rooftop, or open desert all have different signal profiles and line-of-sight challenges.
Bandwidth Demand: Are you providing power to a 50-person AV crew or streaming to a million online viewers?
Duration: A day-long music festival versus a week-long brand tour will change the way you plan power, cooling, and redundancy.

Professional crews will often pre-deploy with site surveys — gauging carrier strength, spectrum congestion, and potential sources of interference such as LED walls or nearby broadcast towers.

Lessons from the Field

Outdoor WiFi would be a niche specialty, but in today’s world it’s simply part and parcel of modern event production. In the last decade, TradeShowInternet’s teams have helped support hundreds of big outdoor festivals and corporate activations, and there have been a few hard-won lessons along the way.

There was the time crews climbed a half mile up the flank of a Santa Fe mountain with over 200 pounds of gear to put in a solar-powered relay antenna for Red Bull’s Guinness World Record truck jump. A second assignment involved digging cable trenches through snake country in Los Angeles for Christian Dior’s fashion show.

When Univision taped La Banda on the beach in Miami, technicians climbed a 20-foot truss into a lightning storm to raise antennas. These are probably war stories, but they represent reality: each outdoor location introduces its own wildcards. Wind, weather, terrain, and local RF noise all push the limits of planning.

The lesson? Experience is as important as gear. Knowing when to use additional directional antennas, when to flip to satellite failover, or how to protect a router from 100-degree heat isn’t something you can read in a manual.

The Technical Side: How Redundant Networks Keep Events Alive

This is how seasoned outdoor internet crews engineer reliability into temporary networks:

Multi-Carrier Bonding: Equipment stitches together data from multiple cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to maximize bandwidth and fill signal gaps.

WAN Smoothing: Packets are duplicated and relayed on secondary paths to prevent noticeable drops or hiccups in live streams.
Satellite Integration: Especially when out at remote sites or in mountain events where cell phone reception is spotty.
5G + LTE Hybrid Units: Combining newer high-bandwidth 5G networks with more predictable LTE offers well-rounded throughput.
Portable Mesh Access Points: Create overlapping areas of WiFi that eliminate dead spots across vast grounds or over tented locations.
Power & Weather Protection: Ranging from Pelican case enclosures to solar power solutions, all of which ensure uptime regardless of adverse weather conditions.

It’s a multi-layer strategy — not one device straining the load, but several working in tandem to handle bandwidth, robustness, and coverage.

Why Your Vendors, AV Staff, and Guests All Need Their Own Network Layer

External events normally have three distinct user communities that require the internet:

Production and AV Personnel – operation of live feeds, mixing panels, lighting, and communications programs.
Vendors and POS Devices – card transaction processing, QR menus, and inventory software.
Guests and Media – posting, uploading, or taking part in brand interaction activity.

Mixing them all on one open WiFi is risky. It provides security vulnerabilities and causes too much congestion. The preferred method is network segmentation, creating separate virtual networks that prioritize mission-critical traffic (production, POS, security cameras) and restrict non-mission-critical use like social browsing.

This is exactly how professional outdoor WiFi & Internet solution companies like TradeShowInternet build event systems. They design bespoke topologies that match the unique demands of every event, whether a food festival, marathon, or big corporate activation.

Budgeting and Planning: What Organizers Should Know

According to EventMB’s 2024 Event Technology Report, 73% of event planners say maintaining a reliable connection is important to attendee happiness, yet less than half have a standalone internet budget in place upfront while planning. That’s a recipe for last-minute scrambling.

For all to run smoothly, the network plan needs to be created alongside stage design and power planning — not an afterthought.

Some planning advice:

Start early: Conduct site surveys at least 30 days ahead of the event.
Prioritize wired backbones: Use fiber or Ethernet in production areas whenever possible.
Segregate guest WiFi: Utilize bandwidth caps or sponsored captive portals to control usage.
Redundancy: Cellular + satellite bonding is well worth the investment for mission-critical space.
Post-event review: Collect performance data to inform next year’s plan.

Real-World Use Cases

Outdoor connectivity is not just for music festivals. It’s a necessity for:

Marathons and triathlons – for timing chips, live maps, and emergency co-ordination.
Outdoor conferences or summits – where executives require office-grade internet to make presentations.
Food truck festivals and markets – all vendors need POS access.
Film and TV productions – production villages rely on low-latency connections for uploads.
Races and motorsport events – telemetry, live scoring, and media streaming.

Each of these environments needs a different trade-off among coverage area, upload speed, and mobility.

Why Experience Matters for Outdoor Internet Installations

Each outdoor location is unique. Trees, humidity, metal buildings, even bodies of water can affect wireless performance. Having individuals who’ve done hundreds of installations means fewer surprises and faster repairs when something unexpected happens.

That’s where TradeShowInternet, a leading outdoor WiFi & Internet solution company, comes in. The company has built up networks on deserts, beaches, helipads, mountain ridges, and pop-up brand villages — keeping organizers, vendors, and AV teams connected wherever the event is hosted.

Outdoor Blog

Outdoor Event WiFi: The New Backbone of Open-Air Experiences

Published

5 days ago

October 17, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

A concert in the canyon. A film night under desert stars. A bustling waterfront food festival with 10,000 guests. Across the country, outdoor events are turning parks, coastlines, forests, and fields into memorable destinations. But there’s one service now as essential as power, permits, and porta-potties: outdoor event WiFi.

Whether for ticket scanning, mobile POS systems, sponsor activations, or live-streaming performances, WiFi for outdoor events has become the invisible support that keeps everything running. Without it, payments stall, communication falters, and digital engagement stops.

Why Outdoor Event WiFi Is Mission-Critical

The outdoor events sector, from farmers’ markets to endurance races, is growing quickly. Allied Market Research predicts global festival revenues will exceed $50B by 2030. These venues offer unique charm, but they also pose a challenge: a lack of built-in internet infrastructure.

“Outside doesn’t mean offline,” says Emma Castillo, a production manager for festivals, film nights, and open-air corporate launches. “We rely on temporary internet for outdoor events to manage our security communications, allow vendors to keep selling, and ensure our livestreams don’t drop.”

Cellular service can struggle with the demands of thousands of devices. Some remote locations may not have any service at all. That’s where outdoor event WiFi solutions come in—portable, scalable, and designed for unpredictable weather.

How Outdoor Internet Keeps Events Moving

Today’s outdoor events rely on connectivity in ways that go far beyond letting guests post on social media:

Mobile POS & Cashless Payments – No signal means lost revenue for vendors.
RFID & Access Control – Real-time validation at gates and VIP areas.
Streaming & Social Content – From TikTok reels to sponsor livestreams.
Sponsor Engagement – QR contests, AR activations, and digital signage updates.
Safety & Logistics – Staff communication, emergency alerts, GPS tracking.

A recent Event Manager Blog study found 63% of sponsors now require guaranteed internet access before committing. Attendees want it too; more than half say connectivity is a key factor in their event satisfaction.

Outdoor Event WiFi Solutions in Action: “Lights on the Lake”

In June, the lakeside town of Lakeshore hosted a three-day open-air film festival. The views were stunning, but no wired internet was available, and mobile service barely worked.

The technical crew set up:

Multi-carrier 5G bonding for vendor and guest networks
Long-range weatherproof access points covering the pier and food court
A private secure network for organizers and emergency staff
A satellite uplink for backup

The festival processed thousands of transactions, streamed Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, and even operated a live voting app without a single connectivity failure.

Industry Perspective: Connectivity as a Core Utility

According to WiFit founder Matt Cicek, changes in event technology priorities have been significant:

“Five years ago, internet at an outdoor event was seen as a nice-to-have. Now, it’s as essential as running water and electricity. From safety coordination to sponsor returns, there’s too much at stake to leave it to chance.”

The Future of Temporary Internet for Outdoor Events

As events become more complex, WiFi for outdoor events from service providers like WiFit will play an even larger role. Expect advancements like:

Solar-powered network kits for sustainable operations
AI-managed bandwidth that adjusts to real-time crowd size
Edge computing for instant AR and interactive attractions

For event planners, the message is clear: the quality of your internet connection is as important as your stage, lighting, or sound system. The next time you’re booking a venue, remember—the crowd may be watching the performers, but they’re also looking at their screens. They expect both to work perfectly.

Outdoor Blog

Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

Caleb Cole

Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.