After a strenuous trek, it’s tempting to fall onto your couch and catch up on all the episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful you missed. Still, it pays to empty your backpack after returning home and give your camping gear some TLC. Especially at the end of the camping season, properly maintaining and storing your gear can extend its lifespan.
Maybe you camp all year round. Congratulations, we admire your commitment. But for many the camping season ends at the end of the summer. This is a perfect time for inventorying, maintaining and storing your camping gear.
Bear in mind that quality gear is often pricey. You need to be able to trust it with your life – you want a sleeping bag to keep you warm, a tent to keep you dry in the pouring rain. But dirt and moisture can damage your gear, reduce its quality and shorten its lifespan.
Correct storing and treating your camping gear with respect means you can enjoy it for longer. Good for your peace of mind as well as your bank account.
Tent
Your tent is likely the most expensive of all your camping gear. A well-maintained tent from a reliable brand, however, will shelter you for years.
Clean your tent after every camping trip. Shake sand, dust or squashed dead insects out of the tent immediately – or use a brush or vacuum cleaner when you get home. Opt for a damp sponge or rag for persistent dirt – such as the droppings of that idiotic pigeon that spent the whole weekend in a nearby tree. Use only cold or lukewarm water and possibly vinegar or a mild, natural soap. Chemical detergents and bleach damage the waterproof layer of the tent fabric. Wipe dirt and sand off stakes and tent poles. Don’t forget the zips, especially if you’ve camped in a dusty or sandy environment. The keenest campers wipe the dirt off the zips with an old toothbrush.
Most importantly, always allow your tent to dry completely. Don’t ever store your tent damp, unless you want to freshen up that microbiology course from high school. Mould and odours, however, are not the only consequences of moisture. It can also damage the waterproof tent fabric. When you come home from a camping trip, let your tent dry in a shady place for at least a few hours. Do so even if it hasn’t rained: dew is also wet. Avoid direct sun – UV light reduces the quality of the fabric. If you don’t have a garden, use a drying rack or a clothesline.
Repair tears and rips as soon as possible to prevent them from getting bigger. Depending on the tent fabric and the level of your skills, you can get to work with needle and thread, special tape or patches. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s website beforehand: each piece of gear requires a different approach. Roll rather than fold your tent canvases, it’s kinder to the fabric. Ideally, you should put the tent in a sufficiently large bag; compression can reduce its quality. Store in a cool, dry place, out of the sun and with as stable a temperature as possible.
Sleeping bag
After every camping trip, turn your sleeping bag inside out and let it air overnight. Use a damp sponge or rag to remove any stains.
Sweat, body oils and dirt affect the insulating capacity of a down or synthetic fabric sleeping bag, but so does a wash. Therefore, you should consider a sleeping bag liner. A liner acts as an extra layer between your body and your sleeping bag. It does not cost much and you can wash it to your heart’s content, thus extending the life of your (more expensive) sleeping bag.
Still, you will need to wash your sleeping bag occasionally, for example at the end of the camping season. Most sleeping bags can be machine washed, but always check the instructions on the label. Down, for example, can only be washed with a special detergent. After washing, it’s best to dry a sleeping bag in a tumble dryer – simply placing it on a rack does not always suffice. Choose the lowest setting and add tennis or dryer balls.
Don’t store your sleeping bag in the compression provided. Compression (pressing the material together) has a detrimental effect on its insulating capacity. Nowadays, manufacturers provide a suitable storage bag, a spacious, breathable mesh bag. If not, any other breathable cotton or mesh bag will – for example, a large pillowcase. Hanging your sleeping bag in your wardrobe is also an option.
Sleeping mat
Sleeping mats require little maintenance. A quick wipe with a rag is often enough for ordinary mats. Inflatable ones should be stored with the valve open. One option is to put sleeping mats in rubbish bags to protect them from dirt or dust. Or drape a tarp over them. As with your tent or sleeping bag, it is best to avoid too hot or wet places. A wardrobe is better than a damp cellar or a hot attic.
Tips for maintaining and storing camping gear
>> Other gear, such as hiking boots, a raincoat or outdoor clothing, also requires regular maintenance to ensure its quality.
>> Remove batteries from torches or other devices. This will prevent them from rusting or leaking.
>> Transparent storage boxes can be handy. Sort your equipment by category (sleeping, cooking, …) activity (hiking, cycling, car camping) or season and provide clear labels. Make an inventory list so you can quickly find everything and you don’t have to search endlessly for that one camping pillow or box of firelighters. Packages of silica gel will keep things dry.
>> Are you not going to camp for the next few months? A tarp over your camping gear keeps your stuff from gathering unnecessary dust – especially handy in the garage. It also blocks out sunlight.
>> Disconnect the gas bottle and fire, and store at room temperature – not in a place that gets too cold, such as a garden shed. Make sure the gas does not come into contact with direct sunlight and also avoid the proximity of electrical appliances.
>> Do you use a hydration system during hikes? Sterilise both bag and tubes with hot water and baking soda, then let it drain for a sufficiently long time. Even the slightest moisture can cause mould.
>> Always check labels and instructions. The manufacturer knows best how to maintain, wash or waterproof a product. On brand websites, you will often find tips on how to keep equipment in tip-top condition. If in doubt, contact the shop where you bought it.
>> Is the maintenance too much for you? Check with the manufacturer or the shop where you bought it. Many have repair and/or maintenance workshops nowadays.
This post first appeared in Dutch on Kampeertijd.