SUMMER SURVIVAL MACGYVERISMS
Each summer we share summer macgyverisms for the hottest months of the year. This time we’ve added to our ongoing list and included your old favorites. Whether you’re stuck on a desert island, the unknown tundra, or your great aunt’s vacation cabin, here is a list of macgyverims that will help you survive the heat and various elements this Summer of 2026.
- Water Jug Camping Lantern
No lamp? No problem. Attach a headlamp to a jug of water to make a DIY lantern. The water will diffuse the beam, creating a soft glow to illuminate your campsite, tent, or picnic table.
- Onion Grill Cleaner
Rub half an onion across grill grates using a long utensil. It’ll pick up all the gunk without the need for harsh chemical cleaners.
- Tarp, Rope, and Duct-Tape Sun Shelter
Create a makeshift shelter to escape the sun during outdoor adventures using tarps, duct tape, and rope. Find a shaded area or find sturdy poles (or trees) to support your tarp. Stretch the tarp overhead, securing the corners with the rope. Reinforce the tarp’s edges with duct tape to secure. Perfect setup perfect for camping trips, beach days, or just lounging in your backyard. It’ll protect you from harsh UV rays and keep you cool.
- DIY Flip-Flop Repair
A broken flip-flop doesn’t have to leave you hobbling – If the toe post pulls through the sole, push it back through the hole and slide a plastic bread clip underneath it. Alternative: Use a paperclip in a pinch.
- Solar Oven Made From Cardboard Box + Foil
Harness the power of the sun and cook meals without power, using a homemade solar oven. Find a cardboard box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, black construction paper (optional), and a cooking tray or pan. Line the inside of the box with foil to reflect sunlight. Place black paper if you have it at the bottom to absorb heat. Put the tray inside, cover the box with plastic wrap or the food with a glass bowl to trap heat, and angle it toward the sun. Leave it for a few hours, and you’ll have solar-cooked food!
- Paperclip Zipper Lock
Loop a paperclip through zippers to keep your luggage from bursting open in cargo. While it won’t keep persistent thieves out, it will definitely slow down anyone trying to access your luggage. Also great for purses or backpacks.
- Homemade Sunscreen
A natural sun block made will keep your skin moisturized and safe from harmful UV rays without toxic additives. For this one, use 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). Melt the coconut oil and Shea butter together. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in zinc oxide powder and essential oils. Let cool, then apply generously before heading outside.
- DIY Phone Speaker
No speaker? No problem. Use a cardboard tube and plastic cups to amplify a phone’s sound. In a pinch, you can even place your phone or tablet into a cup or bowl.
- Bug Repellent from Pantry Staples
Create a natural bug repellent with stuff you may already have. Find apple cider vinegar, witch hazel or water, a few drops of essential oils (citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint work best), and a spray bottle. 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: Smells better than commercial sprays.
- Slow-Drip Plastic Bottle Plant Waterer
Poke a few small holes in the cap of a plastic bottle, fill it with water, and replace the cap. Turn the bottle upside down and bury the neck a few inches into the soil. Water will slowly drip into the ground, helping keep your plant hydrated while you’re away.
- Cardboard Foil Car Sunshade
Create your own DIY car sunshade using cardboard, Aluminum foil, and duct tape. 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 sections with tape or carefully slice halfway into cardboard to create an accordion style shade as pictured. Just remember to tape while it’s already folded!
- Covert Beach Container
Reduce the chances of things getting stolen at the beach by making a covert container. Hide valuables inside an empty toiletry bottle. Clean it out, and cut a hole in the top just big enough to stash your beach valuables. Snap the top back on, and your items are concealed.
- Fruit-Fly Trap
MacGyver a non-toxic fly trap: Place fruit in a plastic-wrapped container with a small entry hole just bigger than the fly. In a bit, the flies will be checking things out. In a couple days they’ll be having a rockin’ fruit party. Next, simply press on the container lid, sealing them inside.
- Sponge Ice Packs
If your cooler isn’t keeping things cold long enough, use this frozen sponge ice pack trick. You’ll need kitchen sponges, zip-top bags, and freezer access. 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!
- Instant Icy Drink
Freeze a bottle one-quarter full on its side. This way when laying sideways to freeze, the water settles below the neck, making an ice block on the side of the bottle that won’t block the opening. Fill with water or your favorite beverage and you’re ready to go.
- Homemade Electrolyte Beverage
Stay hydrated in the heat with this DIY electrolyte drink. What you’ll need: 1 quart water, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 cup lemon juice or lime, and 2 tbsp honey or sugar. 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 / lime juice contains several electrolytes essential for proper hydration, electrolyte balance, and overall health; Raw honey also has a high electrolyte content, antimicrobial properties, antioxidant benefits, and adds sweetness; Sea salt helps regulate fluid balance and prevent cramping.)
- Popcorn Ant Deterrent
If you find yourself feeling like you’re in ‘Trumbo’s World’ with hordes of destructive ants, reach for some popcorn kernels. Grind kernels into cornmeal and place near ant trails to help rid of ants. Make a few piles around the trails. Most ants are attracted to cornmeal, but their bodies are unable to digest it. This makes it a highly-effective pesticide that’s safe for household use.
- DIY Fire Starter
Need a cheap, quick, and easy way to start a campfire? Use dryer lint and a paper towel or toilet paper roll. Just stuff dryer lint inside an empty cardboard paper roll. It catches quickly and you’ll have a blazing fire in no time.
- Summer Phone Protection
Protect your phone from water, sunscreen, and other summer hazards by keeping a small ziplock bag with you. Whenever you find yourself in an environment that’s not great for phones, you’ll have something to keep it safe. Plus, you can still use the touchscreen when it’s in the bag!
- In-Flight Phone Holder
Secure a phone to a closed tray table using an air-sickness bag and phone case. Fold the sick bag in half, place it behind your phone, and put the case over your phone. Fold the top of the bag over your tray table and collapse the tray table. Voila! Instantly MacGyvered in-flight entertainment!
- Emergency Water Filter
MacGyver a water filter with this hack. What you’ll need: A plastic bottle with the bottom cut off, gravel, sand, campfire charcoal, a coffee filter or clean cloth. Take the plastic bottle and place a coffee filter at the neck (top of bottle). Layer the bottom with a bit of gravel for larger debris. Add a layer of sand to further filter particles. Follow with charcoal to purify the water and remove odors and toxins. Pour water through and voilà! Cleaner water for drinking!
Tip: If you have a large soda bottle, cut it in half and put filtration items in the top section as pictured for better results. While this hack won’t make the water 100% pure, it will make it safer to drink.
- Replacement Stone Anchor for Torn Tarp
When a tarp’s corner or grommet tears, place a smooth stone beneath an undamaged section near the edge. Gather the tarp around the stone, then tightly loop and knot a rope beneath it. The wrapped stone creates a sturdy new anchor point without requiring another hole in the tarp.
These MacGyverisms are meant for emergencies or a little resourceful summer fun; not as substitutes for proper equipment, proven safety measures, or good judgment.
Bookmark this page to keep these Summer MacGyverisms close at hand. Here’s to a summer full of sunshine and resourcefulness!