The smell of a campfire and the quiet of nature are great, but caring for your camping gear doesn’t stop when your trip ends. How you store your camping equipment is as important as selecting the right tent or making a perfect marshmallow. Storing your gear properly helps it last longer, keeps it ready for your next trip, and saves you from problems like mold or lost items. Knowing the right way to store your camping equipment is something all seasoned campers learn.
This guide covers everything you need to know-how to clean, dry, and put away your gear, where to store it, and which storage methods work best. Following these steps means your equipment will always be ready for your next adventure.
Why Storing Camping Equipment Right Is Important
Your camping gear represents money and future adventures. Just like you wouldn’t leave your bike outside in the rain, ignoring your gear shortens its life and makes trips harder. Storing your equipment the right way isn’t only about being neat; it helps keep your things in working order and makes trips easier to plan.
Keeping gear organized and ready lets you head out on a last-minute trip without stress. Instead of searching for lost items, you’re quickly packed and on your way.
Stops Mold, Mildew, and Bad Smells
Moisture is one of the biggest problems for camping gear. Putting away a wet tent or sleeping bag gives mold and mildew a chance to grow, which brings bad smells and can break down fabrics. These issues can ruin waterproof coatings, the insulation in sleeping bags, and even cause health problems. Always dry your items out completely before putting them away.
Makes Gear Last Longer
Camping equipment isn’t cheap-so you want it to last. Protecting your gear from heat, sunlight, dampness, and pests stops it from wearing out early. Proper storage helps tents stay waterproof, sleeping bags stay warm, and electronic items keep working. Taking a few minutes to store gear the right way saves money in the long run.
Makes Packing and Planning Trips Easier
When you decide to camp on short notice, it’s a lot less stressful if your gear is organized and in one place. You can easily find everything you need, and you’re not likely to forget important items. Being organized also helps you see what you have and what you need for each trip.
What Conditions Affect Camping Gear During Storage?
The place and conditions where you keep your camping items matter. The wrong environment can ruin equipment over time. Knowing these factors will help you pick a good spot for your gear.
Humidity and Dampness
Humidity and moisture are very bad for gear. Wetness leads to mold and rust, makes glue break down, and weakens fabrics. Even things that seem dry can absorb moisture in a humid room. Don’t keep your gear in damp places like basements or sheds. A dry and temperature-controlled room is best, and make sure everything is dry before storing.
Sunlight and High Temperatures
Sunlight and heat can damage gear too. UV rays break down fabrics and cause fading and weakness. Heat can warp plastics and ruin electronics. Don’t put your gear in hot garages, attics, or in front of windows. Dark, cool spots are safest.
Rodents, Bugs, and Other Pests
Animals and insects can chew up bags, leave droppings, and create a mess. Open food packs are especially attractive. Store your stuff in sturdy, sealed containers and in clean places where pests are less common. Clean everything before storage to avoid problems.
What To Do Before Putting Camping Equipment Away
Before storing your camping items for a while, there are a few steps to follow that will pay off later. Skipping these steps can mean smelly, broken, or lost gear next time you go camping.
Sort and Divide Your Gear
Start by pulling out all your equipment. Lay it out and divide it into groups: like “cooking,” “sleeping,” “tents,” “clothes,” and “first aid.” You can also make “always take” piles and “special uses” piles. This process helps you see duplicates and what you might still need to buy.
Check Items for Damage and Throw Out Broken Ones
Look over everything for rips, missing parts, or wear. Decide what can be fixed and what should be tossed. There’s no point in keeping things you won’t use, and unnecessary clutter makes storage harder. Consider giving away, selling, or disposing of what you don’t need.
Clean and Dry Each Item Well
Cleaning and drying are the most important steps. Dirt, food, and moisture attract pests and make mold grow. Wash everything according to label instructions (tents, sleeping bag liners, dishes, water bottles, etc.), then dry them fully-even leave them out a full day longer than you think is necessary.
Where Should You Store Camping Equipment?
Choosing the right place matters as much as cleaning your gear. The best spot keeps your gear safe from too much moisture, wild temperature swings, sunlight, and pests. Pick a place that’s easy to reach but keeps items protected.
Best Indoor Spots
Inside your home is better than outside. Closets, spare rooms, or under your bed all work. These places have stable temperatures and low humidity, which helps keep gear in good shape. A corner shelf or closet spot makes a great home base for your equipment.
Outdoor Storage: Good and Bad
If you must use a shed or detached garage, remember these spaces get hotter, colder, and damper than indoors. That means faster gear breakdown, more mold, and pests. If it’s your only choice, use tough, sealed containers and keep sensitive gear (like sleeping bags and electronics) inside if you can.
Places to Avoid
Don’t use damp basements, unheated garages, attics, or anywhere with big temperature swings. Stay away from places with direct sunlight. These spots shorten the life of your gear.
| Storage Location | Good For | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Closet or Spare Room | Most gear types | Limited space |
| Basement | Large, heavy items | Usually too damp |
| Shed/Garage | Bulky, less sensitive gear | Possible high humidity/pests |
What Are the Best Storage Containers and Organization Methods?
After your gear is clean and you’ve chosen a spot, use good storage containers and systems to keep things in order. The best method is usually a mix of bins, bags, and shelves.
Bins, Totes, and Flat Containers
Plastic bins protect gear from dirt and pests and stack easily. Opaque (non-see-through) bins keep things looking neat and protect from light. Use the right size for your space and gear. Ventilated bins are useful for items that need air, like tents or sleeping pads.
Shelves, Hooks, and Hanging Systems
Wall-mounted shelves and hooks save floor space and keep things organized. Heavy shelves can hold bins or large items. Hang up backpacks, sleeping bags, or jackets to save space and keep shape.
Color-coded Bags
Use different colored stuff sacks or dry bags for certain gear categories (for example, red for first aid, blue for cooking tools). Dry bags are good for protecting smaller items from moisture.
Labeling and Tracking Gear
Labels help you find things quickly. Write clear names on bins and bags-like “Cooking Gear” or “Summer Sleeping Bags.” Keep a list of your equipment and store it near your gear or on your phone. This helps track what you have or need to replace.
| Organization Type | Best For | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Stackable Bins | Most gear | Label sides, not just lids |
| Color-coded Bags | Small items | Assign color by category |
| Wall Shelves | Bulky/light gear | Heavier items on lower shelves |
How to Store Different Camping Items
While most gear benefits from being clean, dry, and stored inside, some pieces need special care.
Tents and Shelters
- Always dry your tent fully after a trip (indoors if needed).
- Shake out dirt and wipe down wet spots.
- Loosely fold or place in a big, breathable bag (not the small stuff sack) for storage.
- Store tent poles separately and break them down from the middle out to balance tension.
Sleeping Bags and Pads
- Never store bags compressed; use a large sack or hang them up.
- Store pads slightly inflated (foam pads) or hanging (air pads) with valves open for airflow.
Backpacks
- Empty pockets, remove crumbs, and wipe inside and out.
- Hang backpacks if possible, to keep their shape, or store on a shelf (not under something heavy).
Shoes and Boots
- Remove laces and insoles, clean, and dry completely.
- Don’t store in sealed bags-let them breathe.
- You can use boot trees or newspaper inside to help keep their shape.
Camp Kitchen Gear
- Wash and dry all cookware and food containers.
- Store clean items in bins; keep food in separate, sealed bins.
- Never keep perishable food between trips.
Stoves, Coolers, and Water Containers
- Clean stoves and coolers, let them dry, and store coolers with the lid propped open.
- Store fuel in a cool, well-ventilated place (not your home).
- Empty and dry water jugs; leave lids off until fully dry.
Clothing and Specialty Fabrics
- Wash gear after each trip, following instructions for technical fabrics.
- Hang jackets and heavy layers; fold merino wool and keep in a dry bin or bag.
- Avoid hanging wool for long periods-store it flat if possible.
Electronics and Lights
- Take batteries out before storing to prevent corrosion.
- Keep electronics dry and store with silica gel packets if possible.
Trouble Prevention: Common Storage Problems and How to Stop Them
- Dry everything fully and use moisture-absorbing packets in bins.
- Clean away crumbs and use strong containers to keep pests out.
- Don’t stack heavy bins on top of things that can get squished, like sleeping bags or tents.
- Organize shelves by weight: heavy stuff on the bottom, lighter gear up high.
Tips for Small Homes and Apartments
Even in a small home, you can find room for your equipment with clever organization.
- Put up shelves or hooks to use your wall space.
- Slide flat bins under the bed or use empty closet shelves.
- Stack bins and rotate which gear is easy to reach based on the season.
Storing Gear Packed Together or By Category?
You can keep your gear packed by trip type (like a “car camping” bin) or by item category. Bins packed by activity help you leave for trips faster. Just be careful not to compress things like sleeping bags this way and have a routine to clean gear when you get back.
- Make sure to unpack, clean, and repack your kits after each trip.
- Use checklists to make sure essentials don’t get left out.
Common Questions About Camping Gear Storage
How Often Should You Check Stored Gear?
Check your stored equipment once or twice a year for any dampness, mold, pests, or damage. If you live somewhere humid or keep gear in a less ideal spot, check more often.
Is Vacuum Storage Okay for Sleeping Bags?
No, don’t use vacuum storage for sleeping bags (especially down). Long-term compression ruins the insulation. Store sleeping bags in a big, loose bag or hang them.
What Should You Do if You Find Mold or Bad Smell?
If you find mold or a bad smell, clean the item outside first, using a vinegar solution or a cleaner made for the material. Rinse well and dry fully. For stubborn smells, try special gear wash. Also, make sure your storage area is clean and dry so the problem doesn’t return.