It’s December. The snow is falling, and the bears are going into hibernation, and so should your camping gear. While the newbs out there might just throw things in a box to store in the garage, the smart camper knows that there are ways to keep your gear working longer and staying nicer. Plus, a few reminders that you’ll want to follow so you don’t end up with a box full of exploded sunscreen (true story). 

Follow these 7 Winterizing Techniques and you’ll be sure to start next year’s season off right. 

Sleeping Necessities 

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags need to breathe to retain their warmth.

Keep them stored, but not stuffed in their stuff-sacks for long periods of time. I know, right? Seems counterintuitive. However, keeping them stored compressed like that for too long will cause the down to lose its loft, ultimately causing it to lose its insulation superpowers. Read REI’s article on sleeping bag storage for more information. Additionally, be careful not to store the sleeping bag in areas easily accessible to little critters. Mice would love a down sleeping bag for the wintertime.

*Tip: We like to store ours in a large pillowcase and keep in a separate bin. 

Sleeping Pads

Keep your sleeping pads naturally inflated. Similar to sleeping bags, do not compress your sleeping pads for long periods of time. You’re probably seeing a pattern here. To keep this puppy lasting longer and inflating faster, store outside of its stuff sack with the inflation valve open but not totally inflated. Simply put, let it be its true self, and avoid any areas that tend to be damp or are subject to large temperature swings. This includes attics and garages. Again, you can learn more in REI’s article How to Store a Sleeping Pad.

*Tip: We like to store ours standing up in our guest bedroom closet. Out of sight, for us at least, and takes up little room. 

Tents

Before storing your tent for long periods of time, winter or not, always check that it’s clean and dry. Storing tents even slightly wet can do significant damage and allow mold to build-up. Just before winter is also a great time for tent maintenance. Making sure that your tent seams are properly taped and waterproofed will save you a major headache come your first camping trip in the spring. Check out REI’s post on How to Waterproof a Tent for more info.

Accessories & Sunscreen 

Pots, Pans & Silverware

During camping season you might conveniently forget to properly wash your favorite ramen scooping spork when you come back from an adventure. Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that spork, as well as your other cooking instruments, should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a year. Doing a deep clean before winter storing can save a utensil replacement, and a nasty surprise come spring. 

Water Purifier

If you have one of these, you’ll know how convenient they can be. You’ll also remember that it has a long tube and filter that take forever to dry out. Before storing, clean and completely dry your water purifier. Note this might take days to entirely dry but will prevent mold, and keep it in tip-top shape for years to come. 

Sunscreen, bug spray

If you have a camping bin or bag with all your necessities readily packed, be sure to take out any liquids that are susceptible to changing temperatures. Simply place in an area indoors that stays at a reasonable temperature during the wintertime. 

*Lesson Learned: A friend stored liquid sunscreen in her backpacking bag and realized during a trip that it had exploded. Not only was it messy, but something in the sunscreen permanently damaged her clothing.

First Aid Kit & Other Used Items

Winter is a great time to double-check that your gear is up to par for that first warm weekend. Restocking or improving your first aid kit can save you time next season. For more information on what to bring, check out REI’s First Aid Checklist. This is also a great time to add items that you might have wanted while out in the wilderness: batteries, aluminum foil, that extra trash bag… you get the idea. 

*Tip: This is when I restock the TP. Shhh... 

Re-organize & Tidy

Finally, while your restocking and prepping, might as well reorganize that camp bin or bag.

Winter is a time for restocking and preparing. While your camping gear is happily hibernating, you can relax, ski, eat a godly amount of roasted marshmallows, and know that you’re ready for next spring.