Outdoor Blog

How to Make Your Own Camping Trip Alarm

Published

4 years ago

February 17, 2020

You have hiked all day, miles and miles, to the most isolated spot you can find. It’s quiet, beautiful, peaceful, just what you wanted. Being the great lover of the outdoors that you are, you decide to cowboy camp and just toss your pack up against a rock, throw down a blanket, and get some sleep. Many hours later, when you wake up, you realize something isn’t right? Your pack is gone! You search high and low, nothing. What can you do?

At that point, nothing. Somebody or something (a bear, maybe?) has walked right up to your camp and run off with all of your supplies. If you had prepared though you could have set up a camping tripwire alarm system.

A tripwire alarm can scare off both people and animals that might want to intrude on your camp.

How do trip alarms work

As far as security goes, a tripwire alarm might be as simple and effective as it gets. The simplest DIY versions just involve a string and something to make noise. You stretch the string across a path or even around your campsite. When an intruder trips on the string an alarm goes off to alert you that some person or animal has entered your space.

The exact setup for a trip wire alarm system can vary and with modern technologies, the traditional tripwire has been updated. Now, a broader definition is needed. Today a DIY tripwire alarm can be set up with almost anything that detects movement through an area and then activates an alarm.

Classifying trip alarms

Tripwire alarms can be broadly categorized into three types depending on how they are constructed.

The classic direct tripwire alarm: This involves a physical line such as string, wire or cord stretched across an area and connected directly to an alarm which is anything that makes a loud noise. When something hits the string and pulls on it, like a leg stepping forward, it triggers a mechanism to set off the alarm.

The laser/infrared tripwire alarm: This works just like a classic tripwire but instead of using a physical line like a string you use an invisible laser/infrared beam in its place. A transmitter fires a beam at a receiver which is connected directly to an alarm. If the receiver doesn’t detect the beam, as would happen with an animal walking in front of it, then the alarm is activated. DIY electronics are now so cheap and accessible that this type of do it yourself tripwire alarm is easier to make than you might think. Just check Amazon or even Walmart and you can find most supplies.

Radiofrequency tripwire alarm: This trip alarm involves a wireless connection between the tripwire setup and the alarm itself. When either a classic or laser tripwire is tripped a radio transmitter is activated which sends a signal to a receiver on the alarm and turns it on. Although this trip alarm is a more involved DIY project the upside is that you can place alarms far away from the tripwire or even carry an alarm with you.

Don’t worry if the modern tripwire alarms seem a little too involved. We’ll start by going over how you can make a classic direct tripwire yourself and for most purposes that might be enough. If you feel adventurous in your DIY skills or electronics suit you then we will also cover some of the modern tripwire constructions that you can do.

The DIY classic direct tripwire alarm

There are many ways you can build a classic tripwire alarm. Some are very simple and some are complex. For example, you might consider a string, tied between two trees, with several bells on it to be a trip alarm. It would certainly be noisy if someone hit it. Here we will cover two examples that are a little more involved but very effective.

Example 1: The Air Horn Alarm

Supplies needed:

An air horn
String
A short sturdy stick
A heavy flat rock

Step 1: Find a good spot to set up your alarm. A path with tall grass and trees on both sides would be ideal for this alarm.

Step 2: Bury the air horn in the ground just enough so it is stable but the horn and button are still exposed.

Step 3: Tie one end of the string to the stick and the other end to something sturdy like a tree or stake.

Step 4: Prop up the flat rock with the stick so that when the stick is pulled the rock falls on the air horn and activates it.

Step 5: Make sure the string is about a foot off the ground and stretched tightly across a space where you might expect an intruder.

With this setup when an intruder hits the string it will pull the stick out from under the rock. This will cause the rock to fall on the airhorn setting it off. You can set up multiples of these or get creative with the construction. For example, tie more than one string to the stick so you have multiple tripwires activating the same alarm. You can also run a string from the stick around your whole campsite to make a perimeter alarm, one tripwire can protect the entire area.

A simple mousetrap can be adapted to make a great tripwire alarm.

Example 2: The Mousetrap Alarm

Supplies needed:

Fishing line
Large plastic tent pegs
A mousetrap
Screws
Small finishing nails
Ring caps
Rubber bands

This classic trip alarm is a little more involved than the first one but it is too good not to mention. The way it works is when the tripwire is hit it activates the mousetrap which in turn slams down on one of the ring caps. Ring caps are the little plastic pieces that go in toy guns to make them go “Bang!”. This trap will do the same and scare off any intruder.

Step 1: Find the right spot for your tripwire alarm. This needs to be a place where an intruder is likely to go. This whole thing won’t work if they just walk around the tripwire. A clearing between two trees would be great.

Step 2: Attach the mousetrap to one of the tent pegs using a couple of screws.

Step 3: Find the bait peddle on the mousetrap. This is the little piece a mouse would step on to activate the trap. Drill a small hole in the trap behind this piece and pass one end of the fishing line through the hole so you can tie it to the bait peddle. This way, when the string is pulled, it activates the trap.

Step 4: Now you need to find what part of the trap gets hit when you activate it. Where does the bar slam down? Mark two dots on either side of the trap where this happens and then hammer in two nails there until the heads stick out less than a quarter-inch above the trap.

Step 5: Cut off individual ring caps and stick them on the heads of the nails.

Step 6: Place the tent peg with the mousetrap and string attached on one side of a clearing and stretch the fishing line across. Tie off the other end of this line to the second tent peg and make sure the line is tight. Now you should have a tripwire set up with one end attached to the bait peddle of the mousetrap and the other tied to a tent peg.

Step 7 (optional): If the fishing line isn’t tight enough grab some rubber bands and wrap them around the bottom half of the mousetrap trapping some of the extra string with it. This should help.

If everything is set up correctly then when someone hits the tripwire it will pull on the bait peddle in the mousetrap and set it off. This will cause the bar to slam down on the nail heads with the ring caps and the whole thing will go off with a bang! Once you have this built you can easily pack it and set it up anywhere. Also, to make the tripwire less conspicuous you should spray paint the whole thing a dark green, brown, or black to help it blend in with the surroundings. So now we have covered two DIY classic tripwire alarm projects. You can definitely get creative with this type of tripwire.

The DIY laser tripwire alarm

Note: Making a laser tripwire alarm requires some experience with electronics and soldering, or the willingness to learn. If you’re new to this kind of thing it might seem daunting at first, stick with it though and you will have a working tripwire alarm in no time.

With modern technology, the classic tripwire alarm has slowly evolved into something with fewer and fewer moving parts. With a little bit of electronics know-how and a laser, you can make a tripwire alarm that is very effective.

Take note, classic tripwire alarms are the simplest and most versatile for camping. You don’t have to worry about electronics or weatherproofing. Still, for people who camp in a vehicle like an RV the electronic and cordless tripwires can be very useful. You can set this up in windows and doorways without ever having to take it down. Like with most security systems, you just turn on the system and go.

Supplies needed:

Laser pointer
A printed circuit board
555 Timer IC
3-12 volt buzzer
Switch
CdS photoresistor
2 resistors
3 AA batteries
A 3 AA battery holder
Jumper wires
Heat shrink tubing
Mirrors (optional)
Soldering gun
Glue gun
Multimeter

This tripwire alarm is clearly a lot more work but the final product is also a lot more effective than a classic tripwire alarm. The way this type of alarm works is a sensor detects a laser beam and when the laser is interrupted the sensor sets off an alarm. In this case, the sensor that detects the laser is the CdS photoresistor. This photoresistor is hooked up in such a way that when the laser is interrupted it causes a shift in the voltage of the system and the buzzer goes off.

Safety note: Never point a laser at someone’s eyes or at passing aircraft. This can be very dangerous. It is also a good idea to wear eye protection when working with lasers.

Step 1: Connect your CdS photoresistor to a multimeter and then shine the laser pointer at it. With this light on the resistor check the resistance of the photoresistor. This number can vary but you need to know it to find out what resistors you need. For this example let’s assume the resistance is 100 ohms. That means you will need 100-ohm resistors.

Step 2: Now, you are going to have to spend some time with this diagram:

This is how the tripwire alarm works and this is how you are going to put it together. To make the whole thing simpler the big box in the middle is your piece called a 555 timer IC. It will come with instructions that tell you which pins correspond with which numbers.

As mentioned, this DIY project is most appropriate for people with electronics knowledge. But, as a review, every black line on that diagram is a connection between the parts of your alarm. The numbers represent pins, or attachment points, where you will be soldering wires.

CdS Photoresistor: this is the big circle with the zigzag line through it
Resistors: these are the zig-zag lines by themselves
555 timer IC: this is the big rectangle labeled with 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8
3-13 volt buzzer: this is the image that looks like a speaker
Switch: This is gap below the buzzer where you see the (-) negative sign and the 3
Battery pack with 3 AA batteries: VCC and GND are the two ends of the battery pack.

Step 3: Solder everything together on the printed circuit board. Use the glue gun and some rubber bands to hold any loose components together.

Step 4: Set everything up. First, you can attach the laser pointer somewhere with some sticky tack or glue and use some duct tape to help hold the button down. Once the laser pointer is secure you can then attach the alarm you built and line up the photoresistor with the laser. When it is ready to go just flip the switch and test it out!

Step 5 (optional): Use mirrors! This is one of the things that make a laser tripwire so worth it! Using mirrors you can bounce a single laser beam around a large area and back onto the photoresistor for full perimeter security. That way when someone enters any part of the room they set off the alarm. This can work in RV’s and large tents too.

Step 6 (optional): Put your alarm and laser pointer inside a weatherproof casing for outdoor use.

You can harness radio frequencies to expand the range of your tripwire alarm.

The DIY radiofrequency tripwire alarm

You can take your tripwire alarm to the next level by integrating radiofrequency alarm activation. If that interests you then check out this tutorial from one of the Make community engineers which makes use of an old doorbell. You can also find great video tutorials on the subject with other high tech and low tech modifications. As you expand your tech knowledge you can even include other security measures like a motion sensor or cameras.

How to conceal your tripwire alarm

The only thing worse than someone stepping around your tripwire alarm is them seeing it and just stepping right over it. During the construction and setup of your alarm, there are some things you can do to help conceal it.

1. Use natural colors: As much as possible you should use parts that match the colors of nature. For example, you can buy a green monofilament for your tripwire. If something is the wrong color then go ahead and paint it. With tripwires that use a laser or any kind of visual receiver-transmitter be careful not to paint over that part.

2. Use nature: Use tall grass, bushes, logs, trees, underbrush and whatever else you find to help conceal your tripwire. Place branches and other distracting things at eye level so someone walking along will be more focused on that than the ground.

3. Use other distractions: Get creative with distractions. Signs, colors, sounds and more can all help distract a would-be intruder or burglar from the tripwire you have set.

4. Misdirection and deception: It might not be the first tripwire that catches an intruder but the second. The more tripwires you set up the greater the chance is that someone will trip one. An intruder that sees the first tripwire might not expect another one after that.

Why build a tripwire alarm while camping?

Tripwire alarms are for people and animals. If you are a prepper, survivalist, avid camper or even just like to play paintball then knowing how to make one is useful. The noise alone can scare off most intruders and will, at the very least, alert you when needed.

Camping makes you vulnerable to opportunistic thieves, including hungry animals looking to pilfer your food. The further you are away from a resupply point the more important it becomes to protect whatever supplies you have. This is why a tripwire alarm can be so useful. It is a security policy for your safety.

With a good tripwire system in place, you can rest easy at your campsite.

Final Verdict:

A tripwire alarm can be as simple or as complex as you want to make it and the different approaches each have their pros and cons. Classic tripwires are easier to construct and tougher outdoors but are limited in their reach. More modern constructions are better for permanent installation and can activate alarms at greater distances, but their downside is the need to weatherproof the electronics for outdoor use.

When you are camping a tripwire can bring you much-needed peace of mind and a sense of security. Many tent campers use classic tripwire constructions while RV campers might benefit more from laser tripwires. Radiofrequency alarm activation can be useful in both cases. Ultimately you have to try out different systems and find what works best for you. With time it just might become an essential part of your survival gear.

Bonus tip: Check out these loud and effective camping trip alarms which take advantage of a custom shotgun like blanks!

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

1 month ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter