Key Takeaways
● Keep your camping equipment clean and dry to prevent mould, mildew, and other damage.
● Store tents in a cool, dry place with proper ventilation.
● Consider investing in durable storage containers for smaller items like sleeping bags or cookware.
Are you a camping enthusiast who frequently embarks on outdoor adventures in the wilderness? Are you looking for effective storage solutions to ensure your gear is safe and secure when it’s not in use?
Storing your camping gear correctly ensures you’re prepared for your next adventure.
Stowing away tents, sleeping bags, and other camping equipment provides that it’s in the best condition possible when you’re ready to use them again.
In this article, we’ll explore tips and tricks for storing your camping gear at home, including strategies for organisation, proper cleaning and maintenance methods, and ideas on where to store your gear.
Table of Contents
Preparing Your Camping Gear For Storage
Before storing your camping gear, you must ensure that you’ve PROPERLY prepared each item. Prepping your camping gear before you store it is essential for its long-term maintenance.
Doing so helps to protect your gear from mould, mildew, dust, and dirt build-up.
It will also help you locate the items you need QUICKLY when you’re ready to go camping again. Here are some steps that should be taken before storage:
Thoroughly Clean And Dry Your Items
Before storing your camping gear, it’s essential to thoroughly clean and dry each item. This will help PROTECT it from mold, mildew, dust, and dirt build-up while in storage.
Inspect For Tears And Damage
Inspecting your gear for any rips, tears, and damage is essential. It’s vital to repair any issues before storing the items to preserve their FUNCTIONALITY and prevent further damage.
This will also help ensure that you use SAFE equipment when you embark on your next camping excursion.
Repair And Replace Damaged Parts
If any of your camping gear pieces have broken or damaged parts, it’s important to replace them with new ones. This will help keep the gear in good condition while in storage and ensure that they are still FUNCTIONAL when used again.
It could also save you from potential SAFETY hazards that may arise from broken or worn-out parts. For example, camping chairs with missing pieces or a tent with a ripped floor.
Store Each Item Separately
When storing your camping gear, it’s essential to make sure that each item is stored separately. This helps PROTECT the items from damage or deterioration caused by exposure to moisture and other environmental factors.
Pro Tip: Store items you will be using the most often at the front of the storage area for easy access.
Organizing And Storing Camping Gear
Organizing and storing your camping gear can be daunting, especially if you don’t have the right tools and supplies. But it doesn’t have to be complicated with the right methods, tools and tips.
Here, we’ll discuss tips on how to organise and store camping gear so that you’re ready for your next outdoor adventure:
Find Right Storage Containers And Plastic Bins
The first step to organize camping gear is finding the right storage containers or bins to protect them from moisture, humidity, dust, dirt and other environmental elements [1].
Opt for sturdy, waterproof containers or water-resistant ones to ensure MAXIMUM protection of your items while in storage. Additionally, ensure they are large enough to accommodate the size of your items.
Label Each Container Or Bin
Once you’ve found the right storage unit or bins for your camping gear, it’s important to label each one clearly.
This will help you quickly and easily FIND exactly what you need when it’s time to go on your next camping trip. It’s also helpful if multiple family members use the same gear, making organising easier.
Create A System For Quick Access And Easy Organization
Creating a system that keeps your camping gear organised is essential for quick access and easy organisation.
Consider creating a SEPARATE area in your home or garage specifically dedicated to storing all of your camping equipment, such as tents, sleeping bags, and other items.
Additionally, you can use shelves and drawers to store SMALLER items such as tools, camping cookware, and clothes.
Use The Right Materials For Maintenance And Protection
Using the right materials when maintaining your camping gear is essential to keep it in good condition while in storage.
Use BREATHABLE materials like canvas or cotton to cover them, as these will help protect your gear from dust and dirt build-up over time.
Additionally, consider using silica gel packs inside each bin or container to ABSORB excess moisture that could potentially damage your items.
Pro Tip: Use a dryer sheet when storing your gear to keep them smelling fresh and help prevent mold, mildew, and dust build-up.
Cleaning And Maintaining Camping Equipment
Before storing your camping gear, it’s important to clean and maintain them properly. This will help ensure they stay in the best condition possible while in storage.
Here are some tips on properly cleaning and maintaining your camping gear:
Regularly Wipe Down Exterior Surfaces
Regularly wiping the exterior surfaces of your camping gear with a damp cloth or brush will help reduce dirt and dust build-up over time. Make sure to use mild detergent when cleaning so that you don’t damage the surface of your items.
Disinfect And Clean All Soft Goods
When it comes to soft goods like sleeping bags and blankets, it’s essential to DISINFECT and CLEAN these items before storing them.
Use an antibacterial solution or a damp cloth with water and mild detergent to disinfect the item. Once done, allow the item to air dry before storing it.
Treat Metal Surfaces
To keep metal surfaces like cookware or camping tools in good condition, it’s important to TREAT them with a rust-resistant coating before storing them away [2].
Several rust-resistant coatings available on the market can help protect your metal items from corrosion and other environmental factors.
Clean And Repair Tent, Sleeping Bag And Camping Clothes
It’s essential to thoroughly clean and repair your tent, sleeping bag, and camping clothes before putting them away.
Make sure to wash these items with a mild detergent and air dry them to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated during your outdoor adventure.
Additionally, if there are any rips or holes in the fabric of your items, make sure you REPAIR them before storing them away.
Inspect Outdoor Gear Thoroughly
Before putting your camping gear away, ensure to INSPECT them thoroughly. Pay close attention to any damage that may have occurred while out in the elements, such as broken zippers or torn fabric.
Follow Any Manufacturer’s Instructions
When properly storing your camping gear, it’s important to follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will help ensure that you are storing your items correctly and in a way that won’t DAMAGE them over time.
Where To Store Your Camping Gear At Home
Finding the right storage space at home is important when storing your camping gear. The key is ensuring the area is dry and free from moisture and pests. Here are some ideas on where you can store your camping gear:
Garage Or Shed
This can be a great place to store your camping gear if you have a garage or shed. Make sure it’s well-ventilated and has enough space for your items.
The garage or shed is ideal for larger items like tents, as they require more space than other items.
Attic Or Basement
An attic or basement can also be ideal for storing your camping gear. However, make sure that the space is well-ventilated and free from moisture and pests.
It’s best to store small items like sleeping pads or camp clothes in the attic or basement, as they require less space.
Closet
For smaller items of camping gear, such as cooking utensils or flashlights, storing them in a closet can be a great option. Make sure to label each item and store them neat and organised.
Pro Tip: Don’t use plastic bags for storing your camping gear – they can easily trap moisture and cause mould or mildew to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Use To Clean My Camping Gear?
You can use a damp cloth or brush with mild detergent to wipe down the exterior surfaces of your camping gear.
Use an antibacterial cleaning solution or a wet cloth with water and mild detergent for soft goods like sleeping bags and blankets.
Can I Put My Camping Gear In Cardboard Boxes?
No, storing your camping gear in cardboard boxes is not recommended, as they can easily trap moisture and cause mould or mildew to grow. Investing in some plastic containers with airtight and water resistant lids is best.
What Should Not Be Stored Together With Camping Gear?
Items that contain strong odours, such as food or cleaning products, should not be stored together with your camping gear. These items could transfer their smells to the fabric and cause it to become discoloured or mildewed over time.
Conclusion
Storing your camping gear correctly ensures you’re prepared for your next adventure. Stowing away tents, sleeping bags, and other camping equipment ensures that it’s in the best condition possible when you’re ready to use them again.
By following these tips and tricks on storing your camping gear at home, you can know that your gear will be well-cared for and ready to use on your next adventure.
