Do you want to make sure your outdoor gear lasts as long as possible? This article will cover how to take care of and maintain your outdoor gear so they last longer and perform better.
Your gear is an essential part of your experience when you are in the great outdoors. And if you've been outdoorsy for any length of time, you know that your gear takes a beating. Whether it's a tent, camping pillow, or trekking poles – we all know these things require a lot of love and care to make them last. From the dirt and grime to the sun and rain, it's tough on all your clothes and equipment.
We all want our outdoor gear to last as long as possible so we can go outside more often! After all, outdoor gear is expensive enough without having to replace them every year! But how do you make sure your outdoor gear lasts? How do you take care of your clothing and equipment? This blog post will give some tips on how you can take good care of outdoor gear so that it stays in a tip-top condition for many years to come!
Related: 10 Survival Gear Items Every Hiker Should Carry
Here are some maintenance tips to help you extend the life of your outdoor gear:
1) Tent
A tent is one of the most important pieces of gear for any outdoor enthusiast. You may not think about it often, but your tent takes a beating on every trip you go on and needs to be well maintained in order to last. So make sure there is nothing on the floor of the tent that can cause damage to it (like rocks or pebbles) when you're setting up your tent. Second, check all seams and zippers for wear and tear-- if they're coming loose or need stitching then do not use them! Third, when packing up your tent after an outing, be sure to fold it in a way so air can circulate around it. This prevents moisture from building up inside.
Related: A Beginner’s Guide To Campsite Set-Up
Never leave your tent out in direct sunlight or rain without protection for a long period of time. The sun can cause damage over time, and water will rust the poles if left unprotected. Make sure that you have a tarp or something similar set up before leaving your tent out in the elements. And when not in use, you should store your tent by hanging it up instead of stuffing it into a storage bag. This will prevent damage from occurring inside due to improper folding and creasing during storage! Following these few basic steps will help keep your tent looking good for years and provide a safe haven from the elements when needed most!
Related: Best Camping Tents of 2021
2) Sleeping Bag
Photo by Steve Halama on Unsplash
A sleeping bag is an essential piece of gear for any camper, hiker, trekker, or backpacker. But even the best sleeping bags need to be taken care of properly in order to last through years of adventures. It needs to be cared for and cleaned regularly to keep it in good condition.
Before getting into your sleeping bag make sure to unzip it completely so all air pockets are released. This will help prevent moisture buildup inside your bedding! You should wash your sleeping bag with cold water and mild detergent about every six months. If there's any sand or dirt stuck in the material, use a brush to gently clean it off while keeping the fabric intact. After washing, place your sleeping bag flat on dry ground for 24 hours before rolling it up again, this will help remove excess moisture from inside the material.
When storing your sleeping bag, make sure it's clean and dry before packing it away. If your sleeping bag has been exposed to the rain, wring out any excess water with a towel before folding it into its original packaging or storage sack. To prevent mildew buildup during cold months, try stuffing some crumpled-up newspaper between the layers of fabric on either side.
Knowing how your sleeping bag works and choosing the right one for you is essential in order to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Give this blog post a read if you're looking for information on sleeping bags!
Related: 10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2021
3) Sleeping Pad/Mattress
When you're camping, sleeping pads such as our "3 inch Foam Bed Ultra" are one of the most important pieces of equipment to bring. Sleeping pads provide insulation from the cold ground and protect against rocks and sticks that might puncture your skin. What many people don't realize is how much work goes into caring for a sleeping pad while camping! So before taking any trips, inspect your mat for any rips or tears, even ones that aren't obvious at first glance. Use a repair kit to fix small holes before they get worse by cutting off excess fabric with scissors.
One way you can extend the life of your sleeping pads is by using a clean tarp as a barrier between the ground and your sleeping pad. Another thing that will help keep your sleeping pad in good condition is to keep it away from fire sources as these can damage the material that makes up most sleeping pads. And finally, always air dry rather than washing by hand or machine! Bring along a disposable cloth or sponge so that after each use, you can wipe down your pad.
Do not store in direct sunlight or excessively humid areas as this will deteriorate the fabric over time. And don't use any sort of petroleum products on it. If you have a sleeping pad with a pillow top, make sure to turn it so that the side without the pillow goes up during storage (just like with any mattresses). This prevents compression and keeps things comfortable when using!
Doing these simple steps will help keep your sleeping pad clean and ready for another night under the stars. Perhaps you're looking for information on how to choose the best sleeping pads? Well, this blog post has everything that will help!
Related: A Quick Guide to Self-Inflating Sleeping Pads
4) Camping Pillow
The best way to make sure you have a good night's sleep while camping is to bring a portable camp pillow with you on your adventure. But people often overlook the maintenance of their camping pillow!
Storing your camping pillow when you are not using it is important to keep the materials from breaking down. The most common way is to stuff the pillow into its own bag and then put that inside another bag with air pressure release valves on them both. You can also store it by rolling it up tight or folding it in half, securing the ends together with rubber bands, and tucking the roll under an elastic banded strap until you need to use it again.
Camping pillows can get dirty easily and lose their fluffiness if they are not taken care of properly. So, you should wash the cover by hand with cold water and mild soap after each use. Then let it air dry completely before putting it back on the pillow. Make sure you're storing the pillow in a well-ventilated, dry space that isn't too hot or humid to avoid molding and mildew.
The right camp pillow can help you sleep better and avoid neck pain from sleeping on the ground. If you're looking into buying a new pillow, we recommend getting our ALUFT 2.0 Camping Pillow. This lightweight inflatable pillow packs down into its own stuff sack that can go anywhere in your backpack for easy access during those long treks through nature.
You can also take a look at this blog post for tips on how to select the best camping pillow for sleeping comfortably outdoors.
Related: Gears to Sleep Comfortably While Camping
5) Camping Chair
A camping chair is a staple item for any camper, hiker, or backpacker. But they can also be tough to take care of. The first step to caring for your camping chair is to make sure it's dry. Drying your folding camp chairs after every use will help prolong their lifespan. You can use a towel, newspaper, or even an old t-shirt to soak up water residue. The next thing you should do is take care of any dirt on it with soap and water so that nothing will stick to it while you're sitting in it. And before heading out, always check for any sign of damage to the frame or fabric of the chair.
When storing a camping chair, always choose a dry location with plenty of air circulation. This will prevent mold or mildew from growing on the fabric which can damage the frame and other components. Be sure to give your chair a good shake before storing it away so that it doesn't collect dust during storage. If there are any loose threads hanging from anywhere on your chair, cut them off with scissors before they get caught up on something else and unravel more threading - this will keep everything tight and looking good!
Remember to keep your camping chairs out of direct heat sources like fires or grills which could cause the fabric to melt and warp over time. Also, never leave your chair outside during extreme weather conditions! And do not place anything sharp heavy objects on top of the seat. With these guidelines in mind, your foldable camping chair should be able to last for many years!
Overwhelmed with the choices of portable camping chairs? We recommend getting our YIZI-LITE Camping Chair! From saving space in your backpack to providing extra seating for your friends, our YIZI-LITE Camping Chairs can be an invaluable asset when you're out and about.
If you wish to get more advice on how to choose the best camping chair, do read this blog post!
6) Trekking Poles
Hiking/trekking poles are a vital piece of gear for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors. They can be used to help you keep your balance on uneven terrain, or to assist with tough climbs. Your trekking poles take a lot of abuse and exposure to the elements so it's important that you take care of them so they last as long as possible.
Most trekking poles are made of aluminum or carbon fiber which can wear out over time. The wear and tear come from using them to push off the ground, hold up your weight when you're climbing steep terrain, and for stability when you're crossing streams. Trekkers should periodically inspect their poles for any signs of damage, such as scratches or dents on the metal parts or cracks in the plastic grips. When these problems occur they can often be fixed by replacing worn-out parts with new ones purchased separately at most outdoor stores.
Related: A Quick Guide To Trekking Pole Tips & Baskets
Other tips include cleaning dirt off trekking poles with dish soap before storing them to prevent corrosion. The dirtier your trekking pole is, the more likely it'll break prematurely due to corrosion. Wash them off after use and wipe down any exposed metal parts using mineral oil every few months (more often if you're out in wet conditions).
If you’re looking for a new pair of trekking poles that will provide stability and balance, we recommend our Trek Z Trekking Poles with Cork Handle. They are easy-to-carry and lightweight yet sturdy enough to cope with all rugged terrain.
Give this blog post a read if you're looking for more information on how to choose trekking poles!
Final Thoughts
Whether it's to go camping for a weekend or trekking through the Andes, your outdoor gear will undergo a lot of abuse. By following these easy steps you'll enjoy all the benefits that come with being an avid camper, hiker, or backpacker for many years! Remember a little bit of care and attention for your outdoor gear will go a long way to making sure that it lasts as long as possible.
See you on the trails!
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