Hiking, Biking and Camping: How to Move and Store Your Outdoor Gear

Hiking, Biking and Camping: How to Store Your Outdoor Gear

 

If you’re an avid camper, hiker, or cyclist, you know that purchasing equipment for your hobbies isn’t cheap. That’s why it’s important to protect your equipment through proper storage, whether you’re moving to a new home or simply finding the perfect place to keep your equipment at your current residence. Follow these storage tips to get the most use out of your outdoor equipment for years to come.

 

Camping Gear

  • Keep stoves and other kitchen gear clean after use. Avoid rust by keeping them dry before placing them in storage. Remove fuel pressurizers from liquid-fuel stoves and empty fuel bottles, as failing to do such can create a hazard.
  • Before storing, be sure all fabric gear – from tents to clothing, sleeping bags, etc. – is dry. This helps you to avoid mold.
  • Shake out and hang clothing and sleeping bags. Keeping them compressed will break down the insulating fibers over time and result in lost warmth in spots or altogether.

 

Hiking Gear

  • Wash any backpacks in the washing machine or by hand after a summer of use. Hang them upside down to dry and store them flat or hanging up.
  • Before storing your hiking boots for the winter, clean them with leather or fabric treatment. Ensure they are completely dry before storing them away.
  • Check sleeping pads for leaks and repair any damage you see. Then store them fully inflated with the valve open.

 

Biking Gear

  • If you live in a cold-weather climate, remove tires from your bicycle and store them inside during the winter to protect the rubber.
  • Don’t store your bike in direct sunlight, as your tire walls can split and become dried out.
  • Store steel-framed bikes in a heated location. If they become too cold, condensation can occur, leading to potential rust.

A BIG thank you to David Shapiro for his guest post and fantastic information! Click on David’s link below for more great information.

David Shapiro, a marketing specialist for moving companies such as North American Van Lines, enjoys outdoor activities like camping and hiking.

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