After the fun of a camping trip, it is important to make sure that your camping gear is stored safely and hygienically. Don’t simply pack away the camp gear as is. Instead, consider stashing the gear in a sealed plastic container to keep it in good shape.
Shelter
First, set up the tent and spray it down with a hose to wash away dust and grime. It should then be left in a sunny spot in the backyard for a few hours. You’ll want to ensure the tent is entirely dry and aired out before it’s put away. After the tent is completely dry, roll it up tightly and pack it in the original bag. A good tight pack keeps it from loosening and protects it from fraying or tearing while in storage.
Sleeping gear
Preparing your sleeping gear for storage starts will rolling out the bedding. Then you’ll want to shake it out thoroughly, removing any leaf litter or grass. After that, hang the bag up on a line to air out. If your gear contains nylon, lay it in the shade to air out instead. The reason for this, is because sunlight can break down the nylon, damaging the bag in the long run.
Cookware
Scrub down all of the camp cooking gear. Even if it was washed during the trip, there is a chance that grease and other food scraps clung to it. Over time, this can corrode the metal, leading to severe damage. Dry off the cooking gear and store it properly. Remove any wet rags that were used to clean the gear on the trip, as this can lead to rust if left in the wrong place.
Clothing
Finally, make sure that all clothes from the trip are washed in hot water. Ticks and other insects can cling to the clothing, and the sooner the clothes are washed, the better. This includes hats and other accessories. Some people choose to freeze their camping boots or to leave them in ziplock bags as a precaution against insects.
Taking care of camping gear after a trip is an essential part of camping. After taking a break once you get home, get up and take care of the gear that was used. This ensures that the gear will be ready to use and easy to pack for the next trip!
Related article: How to Care for Your Camping Gear
Featured Image from Sarah Brown/Unsplash
