Knowing how to properly store camping gear will not only make retrieving it from your storage unit for that first spring camping trip easier, but it will also help keep your gear in good working condition for many camping trips to come. Here are a few tips for storing your camping gear.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
When it comes to properly storing camping gear, it does better when stored in a cool, dry place. This means staying away from attics, garages, and basements. Attics can become hot, while garages and basements can become too cold and have excess moisture. An enclosed storage unit will be sure to keep any moisture away from your gear and can keep a steady temperature while you’re away. This means you won’t have to worry about finding heat, cold, or moisture damage before it’s too late.
Backpacks can get just as dirty as you do on camping trips, so give them a bath in warm soapy water.
Clean Your Gear Well
Dirty gear is prone to faster deterioration. Even worse, storing unclean camping gear with a smell can help set the funk in so it’s almost impossible to get out. It can be tempting to give a tent or sleeping bag a lazy shake before rolling it up and putting it back in its bag for next time, but try your best to avoid this. Taking the time to properly clean your gear will ensure you have it all for many camping trips to come.
To clean your tent, a hose is the fastest and easiest way to go. Sweep it out completely first, and after hosing it down, allow it to air dry fully in the shade. For really dirty spots on your tent, use a sponge and some mild dish soap to spot clean. While some sleeping bags can be washed on a gentle cycle and hung to dry, others are best cleaned by dry cleaners. Read your sleeping bag tag to know how to best care for yours. Backpacks can get just as dirty as you do on camping trips, so give them a bath in warm soapy water. After a good soak and a follow-up rinse, hang them to dry.
Maximize Your space
When your store camping gear, be creative. If you’re going to be storing an 80-liter backpack, don’t put it in storage by itself. Cram it with all the gear you can fit into it. Sleeping bags and pads, lanterns, a hammock, whatever you can stuff into the backpack. Don’t waste space by spreading out all those items in your storage unit. Also, roll any camping clothes in boxes (or backpacks) instead of folding them, as it will make it save more room.
Pack Strategically
When you pack strategically, you save yourself time. And when you save yourself time, that means you can get back to camping in the spring faster! You’ll want easy access to your gear when the weather heats up, so place your camping gear and any other seasonal items toward the front of your unit.
And speaking of easy access, have a bin filled with camp-only essentials ready to go by your tent and sleeping bag. Mugs, pots, pans, utensils, and dishware are a great place to start. This way, if the weather happens to be nice for a weekend, you can grab these things out of your unit and be ready to head out for a short camping trip in no time.
Properly store your camping gear with us at Bay Street Storage!
Your Storage Solution
Ready to improve your camping game? Do it by getting a storage unit at Bay Street Storage! We have two convenient locations in Post Falls for you to choose from, and we’ve got all your storage needs covered. We’re here to make your storage experience as easy as possible. If you need any help, let us know!
