Practical Tips Inspired by MacGyver’s Ingenuity
Summer is here, and the heat is on! Whether headed to the beach, hiking in the wilderness, or just trying to survive the brutal heat wave in your own backyard, the summer sun can be unforgiving. But fear not—MacGyver-style ingenuity is here to save the day. We rounded up some practical, DIY hacks to help you stay cool, hydrated, and protected all summer long. No need for high-tech gadgets—just creativity and resourcefulness.
1. Cool Down Your Car with Household Items
We all know how unbearable it can be to get into a car that’s been baking under the sun. But before you melt in the heat, try this simple trick: DIY car sunshade.
What you’ll need:
- Cardboard
- Aluminum foil
- Duct Tape
How to do it:
- Place the cardboard over the car windows to block out direct sunlight.
- Wrap aluminum foil around the cardboard to reflect the sun’s rays.
- Secure it with duct tape.
Tip: Connect multiple cardboard sections with tape to create an accordion style shade as pictured –– just remember to tape while it’s already folded!
Not only will this make your car more bearable, but it will also help protect the interior from fading due to sun exposure.
2. DIY Sun Shelters Using Tarps, Duct Tape, and Rope
Want to create a makeshift shelter to escape the sun during your outdoor adventures? MacGyver’s secret weapon: tarps, duct tape, and rope.
What you’ll need:
- A large tarp
- Rope or paracord
- Duct tape (for extra security)
- Sticks or poles (or trees, if you’re in a natural setting)
How to do it:
- Find a shaded area or set up a few sturdy poles (or use trees) to support your tarp.
- Stretch the tarp overhead, securing the corners with the rope.
- Reinforce the tarp’s edges with duct tape to make sure it stays in place against any wind.
- Enjoy your DIY sun shelter!
This setup is perfect for camping trips, beach days, or just lounging in your backyard. It’ll protect you from harsh UV rays while keeping you cool.
3. Create Emergency Water Filters While Camping
Water filtration doesn’t need to be complicated. If you’re stuck in the wild or just want to be prepared, creating a DIY water filter is a simple MacGyver hack.
What you’ll need:
- A plastic bottle (cut the bottom off)
- Gravel
- Sand
- Charcoal (from a campfire)
- A coffee filter or clean cloth
How to do it:
- Take the plastic bottle and place a coffee filter at the neck (the top part of the bottle).
- Layer the bottom with a bit of gravel to catch larger debris.
- Add a layer of sand to further filter out particles.
- Follow up with charcoal to purify the water and remove odors or toxins.
- Pour water through and voilà—cleaner water for drinking!
Tip: If you have a large soda bottle, cut it in half and put the filtration items in the top section as pictured for better results.
This can be a lifesaver if you’re camping or stuck somewhere without easy access to safe water. (Remember, though, this won’t make the water 100% pure, but it will make it safer to drink.)
4. Solar Oven from Cardboard and Foil
Cooking in the heat? Skip the hot stove and try a solar oven! Harnessing the power of the sun, you can cook meals even when the power is out, and all you need are a few basic materials.
What you’ll need:
- A cardboard box (large enough to fit your dish)
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap
- Black construction paper
- A cooking tray or pan
How to do it:
- Line the inside of your cardboard box with aluminum foil to reflect sunlight.
- Place black construction paper at the bottom to absorb heat.
- Put your cooking tray inside, cover the box with plastic wrap or the food with a glass bowl to trap the heat, and angle it toward the sun.
- Leave it for a few hours, and you’ll have your food cooked using only solar power!
This trick is a great way to stay cool and cook without turning on your stove or oven.
5. Sunscreen from Natural Ingredients
If you’re avoiding store-bought sunscreens full of chemicals, why not make your own? A natural sunscreen made with ingredients like coconut oil and zinc oxide will keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays without all the toxic additives.
What you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup Shea butter
- 2 tbsp zinc oxide powder
- 10-15 drops of essential oils (like lavender or peppermint for a fresh scent)
How to do it:
- Melt the coconut oil and Shea butter together in a double boiler.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the zinc oxide powder and essential oils.
- Let it cool, and then apply generously before heading outside.
This DIY sunscreen will moisturize your skin while offering protection against the sun’s rays.
6. Bug Repellent from Pantry Staples
Mosquitoes love summer too—but you don’t have to love them back. Create a DIY natural bug repellent with ingredients you probably already have.
What you’ll need:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Witch hazel or water
- A few drops of essential oils (citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint work best)
- Spray bottle
How to do it:
- Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and witch hazel in a spray bottle.
- Add 10–15 drops of essential oils.
- Shake and spray directly on skin or clothes to ward off pests.
Bonus: It smells way better than commercial sprays.
7. Ice Pack Hack for Cooler Efficiency
If your cooler isn’t keeping things cold long enough, use this frozen sponge ice pack trick.
What you’ll need:
- Several kitchen sponges
- Zip-top bags
Freezer
How to do it:
- Soak the sponges in water and seal them in zip-top bags.
- Freeze overnight and toss them into your cooler.
- When they melt, they won’t leak everywhere, and you can refreeze them easily!
8. Homemade Electrolyte Drink
Stay hydrated in the heat with your own DIY electrolyte sports drink.
What you’ll need:
- 1 quart of water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (or lime)*
- 2 tbsp honey** or sugar
- Optional: a pinch of baking soda for extra electrolytes
How to do it:
- Mix everything together and chill.
- Sip throughout the day to replace lost fluids and minerals.
It’s natural, inexpensive, and just as effective as store-bought drinks.
(*Fresh lemon or lime juice contains several electrolytes, including: Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sodium. These electrolytes are essential for maintaining proper hydration, electrolyte balance, and overall health.)
(**Raw honey also has a high electrolyte content, antimicrobial properties, antioxidant benefits, and it adds a touch of natural sweetness, while sea salt helps to regulate fluid balance and prevent cramping.)
Summer doesn’t have to be a battle against the elements. With a little creativity and a few basic supplies, you can MacGyver your way to a cooler, safer, and more enjoyable summer. From DIY sun shelters to emergency water filters and natural sunscreen, you’ve got everything you need to stay protected and prepared. So, embrace the heat with these MacGyver-style hacks and enjoy all that summer has to offer!