How to Store your Camping and Hiking Gear for the Winter

As you begin to pull out your winter gear and put away your summer and fall camping gear, it is important to store your items properly so they are still in good shape come next spring when you are ready to hit the trail again.  Below are some suggestions for storing your hiking and camping gear over the winter season.

Down Sleeping Bag – Make sure your bag is clean before storing it in a cool, dry place out of sunlight.  If possible, leave flat out of the stuff sack or put in a large laundry bag so the loft isn’t compressed for a long period of time, which will reduce its overall warmth. 

Backpack – Empty out all the pockets of wrappers, food bits, etc. and wipe down with a wet clothe if dirty.  Once dry, store in a cool, dry place out of sunlight to prevent mold and fading.  Be sure to empty out all food (even those random peanuts) in order to prevent rodents from tearing a hole in your backpack.

Tent – air out entirely, shaking out all dirt and making sure no moisture is left in the tent.  Once dry, stuff the tent in the stuff sack or other medium size bag.  Avoid folding the tent body or fly as folded seams will degrade over time.  Make sure all dirt is out of tent poles and shock cord.  Store in stuff sack or with tent.

Rain Gear – Air out completely, so it is dry.  Best to hang in a closet if possible.  Leaving rain gear folded for long periods of time can cause the folded seam to degrade over time.

Boots – Scrape off all the exterior dirt with a stiff brush.  Air out entirely, pulling up insoles to let the foot pads dry completely.  Store in a cool, dry place away from insects and spiders, who like to make their home in your warm, dry shoes.

Proper camping and hiking equipment storage over the winter will make sure your ready for the trail come spring!