Summer is now well and truly gone and the camping season has come to an end – it’s time to show your gear some love before it takes a long winter nap.
Our friends at Good Change Store share our passion for outdoors adventures and they know their stuff when it comes cleaning and maintaining gear in sustainable ways. We’ve teamed up with them to help you get your gear ready for winter, whether you’re packing it away or getting it out of storage!
So… What’s the Go when Hibernating your Kit?
1. Treat your gear to a spa day
Hasn’t your tent and camping gear been good to you this summer? Isn’t it time to return the favour and give them a polish before they go into hibernation? Use our natural, eco-friendly cleaning sprays and bio-degradable cloths to gently clean your tent, sleeping bags, and other gear. This is crucial in preventing mould, mildew, and odours from building up, and our sprays leave everything smelling lovely and fresh. Before packing things away, make sure everything is bone-dry to prevent any sneaky moisture from causing damage during storage. A sunny day is perfect for air-drying, but a low-heat setting on your dryer works wonders for smaller items like sleeping bags.
2. Store your gear properly to prolong its lifespan
Proper storage of your gear is crucial for preserving its quality and extending its lifespan. Store your tent, sleeping bags, and other camping equipment in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Use breathable storage bags or containers to allow air circulation, preventing moisture build-up and mildew. Hang your waterproof jackets in a closet, rather than folding them, to prevent creases and damage to the waterproof coatings.
3. Give your waterproof jackets & pants a refresh
Did you know that most of our water-proof clothing has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating applied to it, and these are now more eco-friendly than ever before? These coatings keep the garment waterproof and breathable (which is great!), but they used to contain PFCs and other Fluoro-Carbons that were harmful to the environment and human health. New DWR coatings are safe for you and the planet, and they work just as well providing they are maintained. It’s worth buying a bottle of DWR spray from your local outdoors store and following the manufacturer’s instructions to reapply. This will help keep you snug and dry all winter long!
4. Look after your footwear
Don’t forget your trusty tramping boots! Give your boots a thorough clean using a soft brush and eco-friendly cleaner. Make sure to remove any dirt or debris, as these can cause the material to deteriorate over time. Once clean, apply a waterproofing treatment to keep your boots ready for action. Stuff them with Good Change bamboo towels to maintain their shape + absorb any stray moisture and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Conclusion: Taking the time to clean, maintain, and store your camping gear and wet weather equipment will ensure they remain in top condition for many seasons to come. By following these tips and embracing eco-friendly practices, you’ll be ready for your next camping adventure as soon as the seasons change. Happy camping!
