How to Store Your Camping Gear

Keeping your camping gear in tip-top shape could mean the difference between an epic adventure and a cold, rain-soaked disaster. Proper storage is the key to ensuring your outdoor gear stays ready for action—and guess what? You don’t need to clutter up your living room with your wilderness arsenal. 

A small storage unit can be your ultimate gear command center. Imagine pulling up to your next adventure with gear that’s clean, organized, and ready to go at a moment’s notice. We’re here to show you how to clean and organize your camping gear like a pro. The last thing you want is to pull out a moldy sleeping bag or a tangled mess of climbing ropes when you're miles from home. 

How to Store Your Tent 

Tents are your fortress in the wild, so treat them like royalty. After a trip, make sure your tent is completely dry. Moisture is your tent’s mortal enemy. If you stuff it away while it's even slightly damp, you’ll be greeted by mildew on your next trip. Follow the tips below so you don’t end up sleeping in the equivalent of a used hiking sock.

• Pro Tip: If you didn’t have time to let your tent dry properly before leaving your last campsite, set it up at home (indoors or out) and let it air out.
• Cleaning Tip: Shake out dirt and debris, spot clean with mild soap, and ensure all zippers function. A stuck zipper can turn your tent into a fabric prison, so treat your zippers with silicone lubricant periodically to keep them “zippy.”
• Storage Tip: Don’t roll it too tightly. Store your tent in a breathable storage bag, not the snug one it came with. 

Storing Your Sleeping Bag 

Sleeping bags can quickly become a little stale after a few nights under the stars. Cleaning them before storage is crucial unless you enjoy the smell of campfire, sweat, and bean burritos months later.

• Pro Tip: To prevent your sleeping bag from getting soiled, use a sleeping bag liner or sleep in your cleanest clothes. 
• Cleaning Tip: Launder your sleeping bag by hand or in a front-loading washing machine using a mild detergent or sleeping bag-specific cleanser. Dry on low and check periodically that your fabric isn’t melting. If it's down-filled, toss in a few clean tennis balls to prevent clumping. For more details, REI has full instructions. 
• Storage Tip: Hang it up or place it loosely in a large cotton sack (pillowcases work). Avoid squishing it for storage, as compressing it in its stuff sack for long periods can damage the insulation and reduce loft. 

Sleeping Pad Care

Sleeping pads deserve a little love to ensure you sleep well after those grueling hikes. Nobody wants to wake up in the wilderness with a deflated pad under them.

• Pro Tip: Clean off dirt and debris with a damp cloth. Ensure your pad is completely dry before rolling it up. The quickest way to dry it is to inflate and set it outside. 
• Storage Tip: Store self-inflating pads partially inflated with the valve open. For foam pads, simply lay them flat if you have the space (hint: even a small storage unit can provide enough room for this).

Backpack Storage 

Your backpack probably did most of the heavy lifting on the last trip, so give it some TLC before storing it.

• Cleaning Tip: Empty all pockets (including that granola bar wrapper), then give it a good shake to remove dirt and sand. Wipe it down with a cloth and mild soap, and leave it to air dry.
• Storage Tip: Loosen all straps and buckles, and hang it or store it loosely to preserve its shape. 
• Pro Tip: Use the vertical space in your storage unit to hang your pack or keep it in a storage bin with other soft items. 

Organize Your Camp Kitchen 

Camping stoves, utensils, and cookware need a good scrub after each trip to prevent those chili mac remnants from generating surprise growths in the off-season. 

• Cleaning Tip: Wash everything thoroughly and let it dry completely.
• Storage Tip: Store pots, pans, and utensils in a clear bin so they’re all in one place. This way, you’ll be able to easily find that beloved titanium spork for the next trip. 
• Pro Tip: A small storage unit is perfect for stacking gear bins while keeping everything in one easily accessible place.
• Reminder: You can’t store flammable items like fuel canisters in a storage facility.

Treat Your Camp Electronics Right

Your GPS, headlamps, and other electronics don’t fare well if left in a damp corner of the garage.

• Storage Tip: Remove batteries from electronics to avoid corrosion, and store items in airtight containers. If you’re storing them long-term, consider adding silica gel packets to absorb any moisture.
• Pro Tip: A climate-controlled storage unit will preserve all your gear better and will significantly benefit your electronic gear. 

Camp Clothes and Boots

Quality outdoor clothes and boots are a serious investment. Treat them right so you have many happy trips together. When it comes to storing garments and footwear, give them their own dedicated space instead of taking up valuable closet or dresser real estate. 

• Cleaning Tip: Clean your boots thoroughly—remove dirt, treat leather (if applicable), and let them dry completely. For clothes, follow regular washing instructions, but make sure everything is bone dry before storing.
• Storage Tip: Store clothes in sealed bags or plastic bins, and let your boots air out in a cool, dry spot. Organize items by season so that they’re easy to find.

Storing Climbing Gear 

Harnesses, ropes, carabiners, and helmets are the gear that saves your life, so proper storage is non-negotiable. A storage unit allows you to organize your precious items without them being moved or misplaced. 

• Cleaning Tip: If ropes and harnesses have been exposed to dirt or salt, rinse them with fresh water and let them dry out of direct sunlight to prevent UV damage.
• Storage Tip: Store ropes coiled loosely in a cool, dry place. For other gear, a pegboard in your storage unit works wonders to keep everything organized and easily accessible. Storage bins work well for smaller items like carabiners, chalk, and quickdraws. 



Self-Storage for All Your Camping Gear

Camp chairs, fishing gear, binoculars, and hammocks all take up space. Treat them to a safe, dedicated space where they’ll always be ready to hit the trail. You’ll be happy, and your gear will be happy. 

Don’t let your gear take over your garage, basement, or bedroom corner. Storelocal offers small, economical storage solutions for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Visit your local Storelocal facility online or in-person to reserve a unit today. We make storage easier than roasting the perfect marshmallow.