Every amazing adventure packed summer must eventually reach an end. And when it does, it will comes time to put that summer gear away for the season. There is more to storing your summer gear than simply tossing your pack full of gear in the basement somewhere. Here at Ute Mountaineer we have been storing our summer gear for over 45 years. Here are some things we’ve learned over the years.
Tents
Before you stash your tent away for the winter, you are going to want to clean and repair it first. When it comes to our rental tents we like to soak them in a tech wash to ensure they are spotless. But your tent might just need to be scrubbed in a few spots. Once everything is clean we like to spray our tents with a water proofer so they will be ready to go for next season.
After washing make sure your tent completely dry. Even a little moisture can lead to mildew, which no one wants to discover come spring. Inspect your gear for any spots that may need patching up. Use a basic repair patch for tears on your tent or rainfly and a special mesh patch for tears in the meshing. If you have been doing a lot of camping in sandy areas we recommend applying a zipper lubricant. This will help ease any resistance the zipper may be giving you.
Pro Tip: Stuff your tent instead of folding it to avoid creasing and wear on the same spots.
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags need a little extra love before hibernation. Air it out after your last trip to release moisture and body oils. Once clean and dry, don’t compress it for long-term storage. Instead, hang it up or store it loosely in a large mesh sack to keep the insulation fluffy and ready for next season’s adventures.
Sleeping Pads
Start by wiping off any dirt or sap, and check for leaks or sticky valves. If it’s an inflatable pad, store it partially inflated with the valve open — this keeps the foam inside from compressing and extends its life. Foam pads are easy: just keep them flat or loosely rolled in a cool, dry spot. Avoid setting heavy objects on top of them that could cause permanent dents or creases.
Happy Camping!
A little effort now means smoother adventures later. Properly cleaning, drying, and storing your summer gear keeps it ready for when the next camping season rolls around. At Ute Mountaineer, we’ve been helping adventurers care for their gear for over 45 years — because we know that well-loved gear lasts longer, performs better, and holds all the memories of seasons past. If during your storing process you discover that any of your gear needs replacing, you know where to find us!
