Kmart shoppers' 'fabulous' camping and caravanning hack using free item: 'Makes it easier'

Camping and caravanning are having a serious moment as people realise they don't need to spend thousands of dollars to have an amazing holiday and create special memories. With more people deciding to get out on the open road and seeking inexpensive places to pitch a tent, information is abundant on how to make the whole experience easier.

Nowhere is it more abundant than on social media, where the caravanning and camping community loves to share their hacks and ideas with fellow travellers. From crazy cheap items that have unexpected uses to handy DIY tips, you can find almost anything to make your journey unforgettable and affordable.

But what's even better than affordable? FREE, of course! And some very clever Kmart shoppers have found a great packing hack for when you have limited space and need to be able to keep things tidy.

RELATED:

• Bunnings and Aldi item that shoppers 'can't live without' when caravanning and camping: 'Lifesaver'

• Kmart shoppers racing to buy 'on trend' camping essential: 'Same as Bunnings ones but cheaper'

• Kmart shopper's genius $1.75 solution to common caravanning problem: 'Indestructible'

If you've ever bought new sheets or pillowcases from Kmart (or any other major retailer), you'll well know the feeling of being at a loss with what to do with the bonus little pouches the bedding comes in. Sure, you've paid for the sheets, but the little bags - while not costing any extra - can be annoying to find other uses for, especially if you don't want them to end up in landfill.

It's a predicament one shopper explained in a popular Facebook group, writing, "Hello Braintrust… I need ideas, please! I have all these beautiful little ‘pouches’ from Kmart linen purchases.. what can I use them for/turn them into?! Needing ideas!"

Uses for linen pouches when camping or caravanning

The ideas came in thick and fast as people were eager to share their uses for the pouches.

"I use them for camping," one person said. "I put my 7-year-old's clothes for each day inside them. (1x socks 1x undies 1x t-shirt 1x shorts) for the smaller ones. And the bigger ones usually put warmer clothes in. Makes it easier for him instead of ripping clothes out all over the swag."

"We put our games in one for the caravan/travelling/camping," another person said. "Also good for shoes. And one for cords batteries etc"

"I unpicked the labels and now use these for packing underwear and tops when away in our camper van," was another reply.

"Great for frypans when travelling in a caravan," another person added while someone else wrote, "Stored glasses and crockery in them in my caravan."

The ideas did not stop there as more happy campers added their tips to the mix.

"I used them to pack kids' outfits in for camping - pyjamas & whatever else to keep it all contained," was one response.

"I use them in my caravan, to organise the clothes, socks and underwear in one, shirts in one etc for each person," was another.

"If you are a caravanner/camper they’re fabulous for packing small items so they don’t scratch when on the road," was yet another remark.

Other uses for linen pouches

Now, even if camping and caravanning are not your thing, these pouches can still come in handy on your travels, with scores of people saying they use the bags to pop their shoes in their suitcases.

"I use them for putting my shoes in when I travel to save my suitcase from getting dirty," one person said.

"Shoe bags when travelling," another person added as someone else wrote, "I use them as shoe bags in my suitcase."

"I used them for my shoes when I pack or the smaller ones for cords and chargers," was another comment.

And, as TikToker Tam has previously pointed out in one of her videos, the beauty of these bags is that they are machine washable so you can give them a spin if they get dirty, damp or smelly.

Plenty of other people suggested donating them to animal hospitals as they can be used as pouches for joeys and baby wombats and possums who are rescued, while others still said they were great for using instead of plastic bags when shopping for produce.

Kmart shoppers love $8 storage solution for camping

If you don't have any of these little pouches lying around but are on the hunt for a smart storage solution for camping, Kmart shoppers have a great alternative (because of course they do!).

The budget retailer's Clear Behind the Door Shoe Storage Rack has a near-perfect review score, with people praising its affordability and ease of use. Best of all, it's only $8.

SHOP:

• New leakproof water bottle that's $20 less than a Stanley: 'So pretty'

• Stylish $50 product solves annoying Aussie beach problem: 'Gorgeous'

• TV stars rave about Aussie designed top-selling shirt: 'I've never looked so good'

One shopper, in particular, praised the product, saying it’s “great for camping” and can “hold all the essentials - bug spray, sunblock, torches, mozzie coils, etc.”

“Great hanging hooks which can attach anywhere, we’ll be hanging it on gazebo walls for easy access. Plenty of large clear pockets so you can see all your items,” they added.

Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter.