After a long camping weekend, you might not have the energy to take care of your camping gear. But neglecting proper camping gear storage could mean a not-so-fun surprise when you take it out again.
I’ll talk you through the post-camping process that keeps me organized and ready for my next adventure whenever the mood strikes me.
How do you store camping gear when not in use?
Clean
After being in the dirt and muck, you want to thoroughly clean your camping gear before putting it away. Skip the bleach and other harsh chemicals; instead, use a water and vinegar mixture (5:1) to get rid of any mold. You can add a drop of dishwashing soap for good measure if you’d like. Use warm water and a soft-bristle brush or a cloth to give everything a good scrub before thoroughly rinsing it.
Pro-Tip: Don’t forget to clean all cooking gear, including pots, pans, stove, and utensils. Scrub any remaining food particles to avoid unwanted pests poking around.
Dry
Storing camping gear that’s wet is a recipe for disaster. Once you’ve scrubbed away the dirt, give it enough time to air dry. A good rule of thumb is three hours, but that might depend on where it is while drying (e.g., in the sun versus in the garage). If you skip this step and put your gear away while it’s still wet, it’ll most likely develop a mildewy smell.
Pro-Tip: Drying your camping gear near a dehumidifier can speed up the process.
Do Laundry
While your camping equipment is drying, it’s time for laundry. Toss your camping pillowcases, blankets, and towels into the washing machine so they don’t stay damp and dirty. Use the hottest water allowed, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can also use some vinegar in the laundry softener compartment to get rid of any mold or mildew smell.
Pro-Tip: Airdrying fabrics in the sun offers additional disinfecting properties.
Sort
This is the perfect time to sort through and take inventory of your camping gear. Lay things out and separate them into categories that go together. Is anything broken or rusted? Try to fix it or make a plan to dispose of it safely. Then, make a note to replace it ahead of time so you have it ready to go for your next trip.
Pro-Tip: If you’ve collected quite a bit of equipment, start a camping gear storage list. You can write it down on a notepad and keep it with your camping gear or type it up on the computer.
Restock
Before storing camping gear, restock any consumables you’ve used on your past trip, including batteries, sandwich bags, paper towels, wet wipes, etc. Write down any items you need to repurchase, and make a plan to take care of it.
Organize
Take the time to organize your equipment, storing it in airtight containers or cardboard boxes. Repurpose a shoe hanger so it’s easy to see some of your gear at a glance. You can even use a laundry hamper to store longer items like oars, ski poles, or tent poles. Label your camping gear storage system to make everything easier to find.
Pro-Tip: If you’re not planning to use your camping electronics (headlight, flashlight, GPS) for a while, take out the batteries to avoid corrosion.
Where do people store camping gear?
Most people store their camping gear in a storage unit, shed, basement, or garage, but it comes down to whatever works best for you. I recommend keeping everything in one place so it’s easy to find.
The space you pick needs to be dry and free from humidity, direct sun, and water. Some folks run a dehumidifier near their camping equipment for extra assurance that it’ll stay dry.
Your storage space also needs to be clean. If you’re choosing a new place for camping gear storage or it’s been a while since you cleaned yours, sweep away dust and spider webs, wipe down the bins or shelves you use for storage, and get rid of any mold.
Hopefully, these camping storage tips have inspired you to plan another adventure! If you have questions about equipment or maintenance, our team is always here to help.
Realized you need more camping gear?
Hey, it happens. Luckily, we have the camping gear you need for a proper restocking. Check out our camping essentials at Mel’s Outdoors and get ready for another outside adventure!
