What are your best tried and true life hacks for the field?

Scho-Ka-Kola. Got a taste for that stuff in Germany, and got addicted. Used to buy it by the case and hand them out when I needed a favor. German caffeinated chocolate, only thing that sucked was it melted in warmer weather, but even then other than a slight color change it still tasted good.

I always bring large zip lock bags and pack socks tshirts under wears in them and have extra socks so when you get caught in the rain you can always change them out. And never forget those baby wipes those things make all the diffrence. And if you smoke or dip 2 logs or sleeves for every week your going to be out their so you have enough for yourself and the free loaders if you share.

My personal 'top of the list' item on how to avoid insect-filled adventures? Don't go! Also, if ever confronted by a mugger, my first line of defense is my hands and feet (strong hand-to-hand posture here)...running away while throwing my watch and wallet behind me!! NOT! (LOL).

But here's a tip. You can purchase camping fuel tabs at any place that sells camping supplies that are smokeless, odorless, and difficult to see at night (they have a slight, light blue flame). While sitting, dig a small hole in the ground between your legs, put one or two tabs in and light. You now have a wonderful heat source that will very quickly boil up a metal canteen cup for hot water, coffee or chocolate. Did I mention I've done that sitting in a row with soldiers immediately both in front and behind me and neither one knew I had done that until I offered them a hit on my hot drink (made of course, with instant coffee, sugar, and creamer packets - don't leave home with them!). Enjoy!

Insects? Rule #1: Avoid "ODORANTS." No strong soap, underarm deodorant, after-shave, cologne, perfume, etc. NADA! Any of these and any other you can think of will INSTANTLY mark you as a meal to any insect around.

Rule #2: Buy any brand-name product that contains DEET or Picaridin in the ingredient list. These are the 100% tested and confirmed insect repellents on the market and they WORK! Available in roll-on, spray, or liquid.

I packed a hammock instead of a shelter half. Less weight and slept much more comfortable. Rigged a "roof" out of my poncho in inclement weather.

Should have listened to the medics while in ROTC who said to wear women's nylon socks under my boot socks. Finally tried it ten years later with polypro socks and never had an issue with blisters again.

It really depends on your ability and capacity to haul. Cookies, Snack Pak, and coffee creamer were a real kick for us. You can turn them into an awesome cheese cake which won't degrade over time. We used cheese cake as a reward during the end of a mission, birthdays, and other events while deployed. We had an engineer/our 1SG who brought 2x4's, plywood, wood screws, duct tape, and cordless tools we used to improvise hasty structures. Solid, secure, and mobile. We never went to the dessert without 2 gal pump sprayers, the kind you use in a garden. You can use it in several ways but we used to spray each other's backs to cool down after a road march in 110+ degree heat. It also works as a hasty field shower if you don't have one set up in base camp. We never did.

The Thermarest self-inflating air mattress is one of the best inventions ever. It keeps you warm in cold weather environments by protecting you from the cold ground or snow and by reflecting your body heat back up to you. It also adds buoyancy to your poncho raft when you have to cross a lake. It rolls up small, packs easy, takes no time to inflate/deflate, and weighs very little. (Note: Thermarest was from the late 70's and early 80's, so there are probably better items out there now.)

Probably the most unusual field craft tactic, and one that nobody ever believes until they try it, I learned during the Long Range Reconnaissance Course at Fort Bragg. They drew information from the B52 Project, which consolidated best field craft practices from Viet Nam.
One of the major pains in the neck in the field is insects...especially tics and chiggers. If you take the Army matches (that we used to get in our C-rations) and eat the heads (sulfur) off of three of them every day, starting with 3 days before you go to the field, and every day you are in the field, you will never be bothered by tics and chiggers. In fact, most insects will leave you alone. The reason...match heads contain sulfur, which the human body does not use, and we exude it out through the pores of our skin. Three match heads a day won't hurt us and will not create an odor we can smell, but it can absolutely be a turn off to tics and chiggers. Try it, you'll be surprised.

Crawling, flying, slithering creatures don't care too much for moth balls. Scatter some around your pup before turning in.

zipties, 550 cord and 100mph tape wrapped around pen, with these items you can repair anything from personal injuries to a vehicle repair til you get mechanical or medical help.