Spending time in nature is a popular pastime, and those who really get into it often end up spending hours agonising over what gear to buy, from the boots they wear to the backpacks they will bring. What sometimes gets neglected, however, is the maintenance their gear needs to make it last as long as possible.
On the long run, treating your gear right can save you significant money. It also ensures that your kit is always ready to go if you feel like a spontaneous getaway in the great outdoors. Here are some simple ways to keep your essential outdoor gear in great condition.
1. Clean Your Boots After Every Outing
Hiking boots are designed to be durable, and leading brands invest huge sums into making them so. However, there is only so much mud and dirt that any fabric or leather can hold up against. When dirt dries, it sucks the moisture out of the materials it is stuck to and ends up rubbing away at them like sandpaper.
That is why it is important to scrape mud and dirt from your boots as soon as you can when you return from the outdoors.
.webp)
A multi-purpose scrubbing brush with some water and mild soap will do the trick. Leave your boots to dry naturally as exposing them to heat can also dry them out and make them weaker.
2. Protect Your Camping Gear from Mould
Camping is one of the most popular outdoor activities to do with your family, and to ensure that everybody has a good time it is important to make sure that they are safe. While you likely have the basics like keeping warm and protecting yourselves against animals covered, there could be another source of danger that you have overlooked if you did not wash your tents after your last trip – mould.
Mould and mildew can build up on tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks, so it is important to wash all of these down after a trip. Like with your boots, a brush and some soapy water is enough
3. Clean Your Outerwear Correctly
Jackets and other outerwear, such as waterproof trousers, are waterproof because they have been waxed or coated in waterproofing chemicals. This coating can wear off over time, especially if you do not wash your garments as per the instructions.
Specialist detergents are sometimes required to help maintain the coating, so be sure to check before you wash and to brush off stains such as dry mud before washing.
4. Store Everything Properly
Once your gear has been cleaned and dried out, do not just throw it in a pile and let it gather dust until your next outing. Store it somewhere that is dry, well-ventilated, and free from pests and dust.
Hanging your items or using storage bins are both good solutions.
Conclusion
Whether you are hiking your favourite trail or heading to your favourite camping area, your trip will be much more enjoyable when your kit is ready to go and you know it can be relied on.
Cleaning it properly and storing it well is all it takes. It might take a little extra time, but it also extends the life of your gear.
