Maintaining your outdoor gear is essential to maintaining its lifespan. Whether that’s cleaning your tent, checking your backpack for damage, or replacing your trekking pole tips. Maybe you might need to purchase new backpacking gear entirely.

Our equipment sees as much wear and tear as we do, but unlike us, it doesn’t recover. That’s where we come in. This blog aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to keep your gear in tip-top shape so you stay hike-ready, making the most of your off-season.

Inventory Checks

A great place to start is by simply gathering all your equipment. Ultralight hiking packs, hiking boots, duffel bags, and poles, and inspecting them for any signs of wear and tear. Make a priority list so you can organize what needs the most work. 

Clean Thoroughly & Appropriately

The outdoors have a way of getting grime and dust in corners of your gear you didn’t even think were possible to get dirty. Outdoor hikers need to clean and maintain every part of their gear while being mindful of the proper ways to clean it.

Clothing

Marino wool, fleece, and down are just some examples. You’ll need to clean all of them appropriately; a simple wash may ruin your gear. Always check the care label on each item of clothing to ensure you take the proper steps to clean it. For example, you shouldn’t ever give your ultralight hiking backpacks a wash with bleach.

Footwear

Check for any mud and debris on your but. If you use leather, make sure you condition it. Cleaning your boots helps protect the waterproof coatings and prevent abrasions. Try to take the insoles out, and as a general rule of thumb, always go for air drying.

Backpacks

Empty every single pocket. Debris tends to get into most of them, which can cause issues - crumbs of food, for example, can potentially attract insects out on hikes. Wipe them down with a damp cloth, let them dry, and store them in a well-ventilated area. 

Taking care of your pack prevents you from needing to purchase backpacking gear again and again!

Protect from Moisture & Pests

One of the biggest threats to gear safety is storing damp gear away before fully drying it. The moisture buildup ruins waterproof linings and insulation, while mold attracts pests, some of whom can even invite diseases.

Once you’re done organizing, inspecting for damage, and cleaning, before you move on to storage, you’ll want to ensure there’s no moisture buildup on your gear.

A great way to ensure that your gear stays dry is by using desiccants. These are moisture-absorbing substances commonly used in gear maintenance. You should be taken care of with clay dessicants or silica gel.

Store Your Gear Properly

Our gear needs a place to sleep, too! A common issue we see with failing equipment is improper storage. Everything about the environment, even the lighting, can play a part in the shelf life of your gear. 

The factors you want to look out for are:

Temperature: Choose cool, dry areas. Most hiking gear, like ultralight hiking packs, is built with synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester, common in tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags. Heat causes these materials to lose their strength or become brittle. 

Avoid compression: Gear like tents or sleeping bags shouldn’t be stuffed tightly together with other equipment. Chronic compression can damage their insulation and reduce their overall effectiveness. Ensure you use breathable storage bags that help circulate air, preventing mold build-up. 

Organized storage: Store everything in its proper place. Sharp tools, like knives, tent stakes, screwdrivers, or pikes, shouldn’t be near sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks. Giving everything its proper space also makes quick access easier, ideal for people who use and purchase backpacking gear year-round.

Smart Storage Solutions With Light Hiking Gear (Formerly AARN USA)

Whether you’re an off-season hiker looking to shop travel duffel bags for more storage or a dedicated hiking enthusiast taking care of their gear, we have you covered. 

At Light Hiking Gear (Formerly AARN USA), we offer replacements for worn and rusted gear, making sure that you stay ready for your next big hike year-round. 

To take your hikes, gear, and performance to the next level, call us today!