Camping gear lasts longer when you dry it before storage, clean according to care labels, and inspect fabric and zips after each trip. Care is mostly ten-minute habits at home — not a special workshop day.
After every trip: dry first
Pack out wet tents and bags only when you must; unpack and air-dry as soon as you can. Mildew damages fabrics and fills and is harder to fix than prevention.
Tents and tarps
- Shake out grit; sponge mud when dry enough
- Follow label advice for washing — many flies prefer gentle hand wash, not hot machine cycles
- Reproof when water stops beading (use products matched to coating type on the label)
- Store loosely, not compressed in a hot car boot long term
Sleeping bags and mats
Air bags before storage. Wash only when labels allow; drying thoroughly matters for down and synthetics. Mats: wipe surfaces and check valves for leaks.
Stoves and fuel
Wipe burners; check hoses and O-rings per manufacturer instructions. Store fuel as directed on the canister label, away from heat and out of reach of children.
Monthly at-home check
- Zips, pole hubs, and guylines
- Loose pegs and worn guy points
- Torch and headlamp batteries
- First-aid consumables used on the last trip
Material context: materials explained. Seasonal prep: camping by season. Avoid common errors: care mistakes.
Clean, dry, store — in that order
Identify fabric and coatings from the care label before you scrub. Start with the gentlest method that removes grit (shake, cold rinse, soft sponge); escalate only when the label allows. Never store damp — dry completely, then bag loosely so zips and coatings are not stressed.