Love your gear and it will love you back

Anytime you tread off pavement, you’re bound to get dirty. After a day hike or a backpack, your gear is going to need attention. Follow a few simple tips and the boots, bags and tents you invested in will last longer. And you'll be more comfortable and ready of your next outing.

Photo credit: Jane Simpson

Unpacking (time matters)

--Check your gear after unpacking at home. Does something need a repair? Do you need to clean or dry out a rainfly or tent? Did you leave something behind that you'll need next time? Don't wait until your packing for the next trip to check your gear.

--After a wet day, dry everything out -- from clothes, to tent, to boots. 

--In your car, keep extra clothes; a stiff brush to remove dirt; and a rag, sponge or scraping tool to remove mud. A flashlight or extra lantern is a good idea to have if you get back in darkness and need to repack or clean off your gear. 

--Handy repair items: A dab of Shoe Goo will stop small tears from growing, and Tenacious Tape works much better than duct tape.

Footwear

--Brush off dirt and mud as soon as you return. Mud will dry out leather. 

--Rinse the insides of leather boots with cold water to remove old sweat residue

--Dig out those rocks and thorns from the bottoms with care.

--Cloth footwear, like running shoes, needs a scrub now and then too.

--If you use orthotics, take them out of your shoes and let them dry out.

Clothes

--Don’t let damp hiking clothes sit around in a heap for days. Spread them out and wash them soonest. 

--If you use wicking garments, never use fabric softener or a hot dryer setting.

--For down jackets or sleeping bags and puffy synthetics, store them loose and uncompressed (not in their stuff sacks)

Packs

--Empty your pack occasionally to get rid of accumulated dirt and rocks as well as any trash.

--Check for hidden snacks or food scraps before you go into bear country and after you return. Rotting food could attract unwanted critters, in the wild or at home.

--Note any repairs needed and don’t wait to do them. 

Backpacking gear

--Spread your tent out when you get home after every trip to avoid mildew. Store loosely when dry.

--Store your self-inflating sleeping pads flat with the valve open

--On stoves, check for wear on rubber o-rings and order replacements before you need them.

--Empty your bear canister of trash or perishable items. If there's an odor (or even if there's not), rinse it out. --When twist-lock trekking poles stop locking they need to be disassembled so the insides can be rinsed and the plastic friction pads scrubbed clean. Clean off grime and dust after using them.