As winter approaches, for some - it's time to hang up our camping gear and bid farewell to the great outdoors, at least for a while. Storing camping and bushcraft equipment during the cold winter months is essential to preserve its longevity and ensure it's in top shape for your next adventure. By following a few simple guidelines, you can protect your tents, sleeping bags, and other survival essentials from being damaged by the harsh cold weather. In this blog, we will explore the best places to keep your camping and bushcraft equipment to avoid any potential long-term harm.

First and foremost, let's discuss the primary concern when it comes to storing your equipment during winter: maintaining appropriate temperature levels. Extreme cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your gear, causing fabric to become brittle, rendering insulation ineffective, and even leading to moisture problems. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a storage area that remains cool but not freezing. Avoid storing your camping gear in unheated garages, sheds, or uninsulated attics, as these spaces can experience temperature drops that are too severe for your equipment.

Ideally, the best place to store your camping gear during winter is indoors, where temperatures are well-regulated. If you have enough space in your house, designated storage areas like a basement or a spare room are ideal options to safeguard your equipment from extreme cold and humidity.

How to store tents & shelters

When it comes to tents and shelters, proper cleaning and drying are paramount before winter storage. Tents should always be dry before being packed away to prevent mould and mildew growth. After a camping trip, pitch your tent in your backyard, if weather permits, and leave it there for a day or two to air it out. This practice helps eliminate any remaining condensation and moisture, ensuring you store your tent in its optimal condition. Once the tent is dry, carefully fold it and place it in a storage bag or a cool, dry area of your house. Avoid compressed areas like crawl spaces or under heavy furniture, as this can deform your tent's shape and affect its overall stability.

How to store sleeping bags

Next on the list are sleeping bags, which require special attention during winter storage. Before packing them away, it is vital to wash and dry your sleeping bags following the manufacturer's instructions. Doing so ensures you remove dirt, stains, and any other debris that may have accumulated during your camping trips. Once cleaned, make sure your sleeping bag is fully dry before placing it in storage. You might want to invest in a large breathable bag or a cotton sack to help maintain the insulation of your sleeping bag. Avoid storing it in plastic containers, as they may trap moisture and lead to mould or mildew growth.

How to store cookware and other equipment 

Cookware and other survival essentials also require specific care when it comes to winter storage. Before packing these items away, ensure they are meticulously cleaned and thoroughly dried. If any food residue is left on your cookware, it could attract pests or result in unpleasant odours. If you have a backpacking stove, clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions, remove any fuel canisters, and store them separately in a cool, dry place. To protect your cookware from scratches or damages, consider using cloth or padded dividers when storing them in boxes or plastic containers.

Finding the right location and cleaning your equipment is the first step; there are a few other tips to keep in mind for successful winter storage. Be mindful of potential pest infestations, as rodents and insects might find your camping gear attractive for nesting or food. To prevent this, store your gear in sealed containers or bins and consider using mothballs or other pest deterrents that won't damage your equipment. Remember to label your storage containers, as it will make it easier for you to find specific items when you're ready to embark on your next adventure!

Lastly, it is crucial to periodically inspect your stored gear throughout the winter season. Check for signs of mould, mildew, or pest activity, and address any issues promptly. By doing so, you can prevent any potential problems from manifesting and ensure your gear remains in top condition.

As winter approaches, for some - it's time to hang up our camping gear and bid farewell to the great outdoors, at least for a while. Storing camping and bushcraft equipment during the cold winter months is essential to preserve its longevity and ensure it's in top shape for your next adventure. By following a few simple guidelines, you can protect your tents, sleeping bags, and other survival essentials from being damaged by the harsh cold weather. In this blog, we will explore the best places to keep your camping and bushcraft equipment to avoid any potential long-term harm.

First and foremost, let's discuss the primary concern when it comes to storing your equipment during winter: maintaining appropriate temperature levels. Extreme cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your gear, causing fabric to become brittle, rendering insulation ineffective, and even leading to moisture problems. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a storage area that remains cool but not freezing. Avoid storing your camping gear in unheated garages, sheds, or uninsulated attics, as these spaces can experience temperature drops that are too severe for your equipment.

Ideally, the best place to store your camping gear during winter is indoors, where temperatures are well-regulated. If you have enough space in your house, designated storage areas like a basement or a spare room are ideal options to safeguard your equipment from extreme cold and humidity.

How to store tents & shelters

When it comes to tents and shelters, proper cleaning and drying are paramount before winter storage. Tents should always be dry before being packed away to prevent mould and mildew growth. After a camping trip, pitch your tent in your backyard, if weather permits, and leave it there for a day or two to air it out. This practice helps eliminate any remaining condensation and moisture, ensuring you store your tent in its optimal condition. Once the tent is dry, carefully fold it and place it in a storage bag or a cool, dry area of your house. Avoid compressed areas like crawl spaces or under heavy furniture, as this can deform your tent's shape and affect its overall stability.

How to store sleeping bags

Next on the list are sleeping bags, which require special attention during winter storage. Before packing them away, it is vital to wash and dry your sleeping bags following the manufacturer's instructions. Doing so ensures you remove dirt, stains, and any other debris that may have accumulated during your camping trips. Once cleaned, make sure your sleeping bag is fully dry before placing it in storage. You might want to invest in a large breathable bag or a cotton sack to help maintain the insulation of your sleeping bag. Avoid storing it in plastic containers, as they may trap moisture and lead to mould or mildew growth.

How to store cookware and other equipment 

Cookware and other survival essentials also require specific care when it comes to winter storage. Before packing these items away, ensure they are meticulously cleaned and thoroughly dried. If any food residue is left on your cookware, it could attract pests or result in unpleasant odours. If you have a backpacking stove, clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions, remove any fuel canisters, and store them separately in a cool, dry place. To protect your cookware from scratches or damages, consider using cloth or padded dividers when storing them in boxes or plastic containers.

Finding the right location and cleaning your equipment is the first step; there are a few other tips to keep in mind for successful winter storage. Be mindful of potential pest infestations, as rodents and insects might find your camping gear attractive for nesting or food. To prevent this, store your gear in sealed containers or bins and consider using mothballs or other pest deterrents that won't damage your equipment. Remember to label your storage containers, as it will make it easier for you to find specific items when you're ready to embark on your next adventure!

Lastly, it is crucial to periodically inspect your stored gear throughout the winter season. Check for signs of mould, mildew, or pest activity, and address any issues promptly. By doing so, you can prevent any potential problems from manifesting and ensure your gear remains in top condition.