Introduction: 3 Bears Duct Tape Camping Cups
There's only one way to improve any design or doohickey... and that's with Duct Tape!
Those nifty origami-type paper cups are cool, but they weren't designed to last as a long term drinking vessel and they weren't reusable... until now.
These Duct Tape cups fold up flat so you can tuck them into your pocket or stash one in your tackle box for future use.
I've been to a Rendezvous or 2 and seen a single whiskey flask make the rounds. If I'd have had one of these in my pocket, I would've gladly poured myself a swig instead of passing!
And what about those drinking fountains with so little water pressure that you're practically kissing the spout? ewwww! ;-O)
I made 3 different sizes:
The Papa Bear Cup was made from a 10" square of paper and holds 1 Cup.
The Mama Bear was made from and 8 1/2" square of paper and hold just under 1/2 cup.
The Baby Bear was made from a 6" square of paper and holds 1/4 cup
Step 1: What You'll Need and Simple Assembly:
Paper- 10" square- Thin paper works the best. I used brown wrapping paper for the Papa Bear.
Duct Tape
Scissors
This dimensions in this step are for the Papa Bear Cup. If you're making a different size, adjust the tape lengths accordingly.
Peel off two strips of Duct tape measuring approx 12" each. These piece are to seals the ends of the paper.
Next, peel off 7 strips of Duct tape measuring 21-22" each.
Starting at one end, apply the duct tape (half of the width), to the paper.
Turn the paper over, then fold the duct tape over on that side.
Use scissors to snip off the excess duct tape on the ends.
One strip at a time, you are going to seal the paper, overlapping the previous strip of duct tape by approx. 1/2". Press out any air pockets as you proceed with each strip.
Continue applying the strips of duct tape until the paper is totally covered. Press the edges of the duct tape firmly so you won't have any leaks.
When you reach the last strip, cover and seal the paper with the short strip, wrapped around the outer edge... just like the very first strip of duct tape.
The paper is now totally sealed and water-proof.
Step 2: Folding Technique and Finishing.
The Duct taped paper is ready to be folded. Link below.
Special thanks and recognition to Instructable's very own "znosredna" for providing such a clear, concise and easy-to-follow instructable!
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-A-Paper-Cup-3/
Pictured below is the folded cup/cups and the finished cups after the outside seams were sealed in Duct Tape.
These are going to last a very long time!
Thanks for stopping by!

Participated in the
The Great Outdoors Duct Tape Contest
17 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
Any idea how this holds up to hot liquids?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I just tested the Papa Bear size.
I filled it with 170 (approx.) degree water.
After a few minutes, it was pretty hot to handle. No leaks... yet.
After letting it rest for 5 minutes, it was slowly dripping hot water out the bottom.
Duct tape doesn't handle heat very well.
11 years ago on Introduction
Very nice. The only caution is that as of 2007, there were still some brands of duct tape that used asbestos in them. So just make sure you don't use an old roll.
11 years ago on Introduction
What's the water taste like?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Like water! ;-)
Duct tape doesn't smell or have any taste whatsoever.
Iff'n you're doubtful, try the sniff and lick test yourself. Just don't let anyone see you do it! ;-D
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I love your humor!
11 years ago on Introduction
I love the fact you added the red. Added some class!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Thanks. Red is my favorite color. ;-)
11 years ago on Introduction
Kewl idea! I wonder what the count is for all the uses for duct tape. It is amazing tape!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Probably a gajillion. I had a couple more ideas... a vast internet search showed No Results.
I think curtailing this contest to "The Great Outdoors" concept was brilliant.
It forces us all to think outside the box! ;-D
11 years ago on Step 2
Is this safe?
Reply 11 years ago on Step 2
People tear duct tape with their teeth every day. They also use duct tape to bandage injuries, which I had to do just recently.
As long as you don't eat the duct tape cup, it's safe.
11 years ago on Introduction
Neatly wrapped up, very nice ible, rated 5 *
Have a look at mine "Star-Wars X-Wing 2"
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Done deal. ;-)
11 years ago on Introduction
My friend you have always proven yourself a thinker outside the cup....excellent idea and way to go with duct tape...For those men who think it can fix everything it cant, but being a water cup works for me....lol MP
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
;-D
You're going to love my next creation
It's a _______ ____.
11 years ago on Introduction
Brilliant!