DIY Life

Step aside, Hannah Montana! There's a way cooler backpack in town...

As a parent, it's hard buying "branded" merchandise, isn't it? I don't want my son walking around advertising the latest Spiderman movie, and I sure wouldn't want Hannah Montana's face plastered all over my hypothetical daughter's backpack.

In the interest of promoting individuality and all things unique, why not send your child to school with a duct tape backpack... handmade by you, with some kid help, of course!

You know it will be strong -- it's duct tape, after all -- and you can customize the outside colors by using any colored duct tape you can find.

You'll need cardboard, gray and colored duct tape, and some string, shoelace-style. Before you know it, your child will be starting his or her own new trend... you may need a lot of duct tape very soon!

Spring is just around the corner, and many of you are probably planning your first hike of the season. If you're going for a short day hike, you don't need much more then water, snacks, and a first aid kit. If you're planning an overnight excursion, it will take more forethought.

Backpack designs vary, and some will have a designated space for your sleeping bag and larger items. Others will leave you to plan where things belong and decide the most effective packing method. You'll want to make sure you have easy access to everything you need. It can be hard to know where to start.

If you're hiking on regular terrain this basic rule should guide your packing: Pack light items at the bottom, and heavier ones on top, close to your body.

Check out this page for more helpful tips describing the most effective way to pack for a hike. Packing for safety, comfort, and convenience will go a long way toward an enjoyable hiking experience.

Depending on where you live, winter driving can be anything from an adventure to just plain stupid. If you are going to be out on the roads there are some car preparation and driving tips that are crucial. How to Winterize your Car.....and your Brain for Winter Driving outlines important tips, from preparing your car for the season to safe driving behavior and habits in specific conditions. Along with their tips, they have a supplies checklist for a vehicle emergency pack.

Vehicle emergency pack

1. Flashlight
2. Flares
3. First-aid kit
4. Blanket
5. Warm winter clothes
6. Bag of sand or salt (to use for traction if your tires get stuck)
7. Snow-brush, ice scraper and snow shovel
8. Wiper fluid
9. Paper towels
10. Food and water

You might already have some of these things in the trunk, but have a look through and make sure everything still works. Add the items you're missing and throw them together in a backpack. Hopefully you only ever need to go in there for some sand or an ice scraper, but if you do ever find yourself needing flares or warm blankets, it could save your life.