Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature and escape city life, but it’s not much fun if you have to spend hours digging through unorganised camping gear every time you go away. Packing your camping equipment efficiently and storing it safely can minimise clutter, protect it from damage, and help you keep track of your essentials long-term. Here are some general tips on storing camping gear, and a few bonus tips on storing popular camping items.
Clean your equipment
When storing camping gear, you need to make sure everything is clean and dry. Damp gear can develop mould and emit odours, particularly tents and sleeping bags. Dirty kitchen items can attract pests and vermin. Backpacks can be washed in warm, soapy water, rinsed, and then hung out to dry. Hiking boots should be cleaned thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. And don’t forget to take out the batteries in any electronics, or a corroded headlamp could be a nasty surprise when it’s time for your next trip.
Organise similar items
If you’re wondering how to pack camping gear for storage, organise it into logical categories. For example, ‘items for shelter’ (like your tent, tarps, etc.), ‘items for sleeping’ (sleeping bags, linen, pillows, etc.), and ‘cooking items’ (dishware, utensils, dry/tinned food, etc.)
Discard items you don’t want
Sort through each pile of similar items, setting aside anything you no longer want or need. From clothing that no longer fits to gear duplicates, ‘less is more’ when it comes to camping. If the equipment is still useful, gift it to a friend, donate it or sell it secondhand.
Prepare an inventory
Before it goes into storage, make a list of everything, keep a copy with your gear, and take one home — it will make a great checklist when you’re preparing for your next adventure! Identify your most frequently used items, and when packing your shipping container, put these where they’ll be easily accessible.
Make the most of the space
In terms of the best way to store camping gear, you want to get the best bang for your buck in terms of the space you have to work with. Plastic tubs are ideal for kitchen gear, pegboards are great for hanging lighter items, and shelves are your best friend! Backpacks are also ideal for storing more fragile items, plus they’re hangable. Also, think about how you can organise things vertically — there is always ample space up high.
Tips for storing your tent
- Make sure it is clean and completely dry (set it up in the backyard, use a brush to remove exterior dirt and debris, and then sweep out the interior).
- Roll up and put it back into its tent bag, being careful to store tent poles separately so they don’t cause damage to the tent.
- Store it off the ground.
Tips for storing sleeping bags
- Store them uncompressed (not in their stuff sacks), as it can affect their long-term lofting ability (the ability to fluff up).
- Ideally, hang your sleeping bag in a dry wardrobe or pack it loosely into a large, breathable bag, such as a mesh bag.
Tips for storing kayaks and canoes
- Although these are outdoor items, they shouldn’t be stored outside as UV rays can damage their components.
- Leave any compartments open to the air so that no moisture is trapped.
- Pull out any float plugs.
- Store upside down, and cover with a cockpit cover or breathable sheet.
Tips for storing fishing gear
- Clean and dry all components, including taking apart your reels for cleaning.
- Store vertically to avoid stress or bending.
- Store lines in loose coils to keep them clean.
- Clean, sharpen and store fillet knives.
- Replace any rusty or bent hooks and then return them to your tackle box.
Need to store your camping gear so it’s ready for summer? Contact us for the perfect on-site and off-site solutions.
References:
- Storage Solutions (2024) ‘How to Safely Store Outdoor Gear & Toys in Self-Storage’, Self Store article, accessed 22 July 2024
- Nikola Asambelevski (2024) ‘Organizing and Storing Your Camping Gear’, Storwell article, accessed 22 July 2024
