Camping Storage 101: Useful Tips for Tending your Gear

Nothing soothes the soul quite like the great outdoors. After a few days in the backcountry, however, your mind is most likely set on a hot shower and a hearty meal. When we get home, tents, sleeping bags, survival supplies and cooking supplies often get wadded up and thrown in a musty corner of the garage – leaving an unorganized mess to deal with the next time around. After a while, that neglected wad of camping gear starts to remind you of those moldy leftovers in the back of the fridge; if you ignore them, maybe they will just go away…

The truth is, properly storing your gear can make or break your next camping trip – not to mention keeping your supplies in tip-top shape. Fortunately, a little know-how and discipline can go a long way! Also depending on how long and far is your trip you may need a camping vehicle that’s when you can use Campervan Finder to find the perfect transport for you. Next time you arrive home tired, dirty and ready for a cold one, consider these tips for stowing away those camping supplies – you will be glad you did.

Dry it out

Mold, mildew, and rust can wreak havoc on your camping gear! After a trip, take the time to dry out any tents, sleeping bags, electronics or cookware that might have gotten wet. Set up tents and sleeping gear in the sun, and wipe down anything else before packing it away. All camping gear should be stored in a cool, dry place to avoid mildew – the attic is NOT a good idea. Consider a dehumidifier for sucking up any extra moisture in the air. A dry, climate-controlled environment is best for long-term storage, and will keep your gear happy and healthy!

Clean it up

Sure, you may not be a neat freak. You may not be terribly bothered by a little dirt. Do keep in mind, however, that mud is in fact moist, organic matter, and if neglected, can lead to serious problems with mold and rust. Be sure to hose down any waterproof camping gear (tents, clothing, etc.) and leave it out in the sun to dry. Use soap and warm water on cookware to keep insects at bay. Baking soda works wonders for coolers, stoves and dishes.

Let your gear breathe

While stuff sacks are great for camping and hiking, they are not the best for long-term storage. Tents, sleeping bags and pads tend to invite mold when left wadded up for too long, so be sure to give them some air. Also, rolling up sleeping bags can damage the insulation, decreasing their overall effectiveness. Sleeping pads and mats should also be kept loose – rolling them up can damage the foam, and often leads to problems inflating all the way. I suggest hanging tents and sleeping supplies loosely on a hanger.

The same goes for electronics and cookware – insects, grit, and moisture can be a real nuisance if given the opportunity. Consider storing these supplies in sealable bags and tubs to keep such menaces at bay. Also, taking out batteries can help prevent rust damage and other corrosion.

Get organized

You know how the saying goes: cluttered camping equipment is the sign of a cluttered mind (or something like that). That’s right – storing your gear in an organized fashion makes all the difference in the world when planning your next adventure. Keep track of your camping gear by storing it all in the same place, including your survival knife, which you can look more into here survivalknifeexplorer.com/esee-4-review. I suggest labeling plastic tubs and bins, and keeping sleeping gear strung on hangers. I know it’s tempting (especially when you are cold, wet, and tired) to throw it all in a big pile and forget about it, but your future self will surely thank you for putting in the extra effort!

In order to comfortably enjoy the great outdoors, we humans need the proper supplies – and as any camper knows, these supplies can cost a pretty penny. Properly storing and tending your gear not only keeps it in good condition, but makes your life a lot easier when packing up for your next trip, so you may want to consider get a storage unit services to keep your gear safe, all consider the different Self Storage Prices and find something according to your budget that serve you right.

So next time you find yourself tempted to throw your gear in the basement and forget about it, consider these tips. After all, when you’re gear hungry, a little effort can go a long way. And while you’re at it, you should probably throw away that burrito in the back of the fridge.

[About the author: Garret Stembridge is part of the team at www.extraspace.com, a leading provider of self-storage facilities. Garret often writes about storage and organization topics for homes and for businesses.]