How To Properly Store Your Kit

Storing your kit the right way is an often-overlooked but necessary part of looking after it, so that it keeps performing at its best season after season. Whether it’s time for your hardworking down jacket’s summer rest, or you won’t be pulling on your walking boots for a while, here’s how to put your kit away the right way.

Washing and drying your down jacket the right way is essential before storing it for a long time; you can read our guide on how to wash your down insulation here. If you wear your down jacket weekly, it’s recommended that you should wash it once every two months; for less regular users, washing it once a season is plenty. Some brands even offer kit washing services, if you’re not confident doing it yourself.

Once you’ve washed and dried your jacket, hang it up instead of folding it or putting it into a stuff sack. A down jacket’s performance relies on its filling, and compressing it can cause the down to clump together and lose its insulating effectiveness. This is the same for synthetic insulated jackets, although synthetic filling isn’t as sensitive to compression so can be stored folded in a pinch.

It’s a good idea to remove mud and grime from your walking boots after every wear to prevent it wearing away at the material, but before you store them, you should always properly clean and reproof your boots. Read our guide on how to do that here.

Once they’re totally clean, reproofed and completely dry, store your boots in a well-aired, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight, to avoid damage and keep them in great condition.

When you get home from a camping trip, always take your sleeping bag out straight away, unzip it and air it out in a warm, dry area to make sure it’s completely dry. Once you’re sure there’s no moisture left, store your bag in a large cotton or mesh storage sack – sleeping bags often come with these included, but they can also be purchased separately. Like down jackets, it’s important not to compress your sleeping bag, as this will damage the filling.

Perhaps the neediest of all your kit, storing your tent properly is always important, but especially if it won’t be used for a while. Before storing it, you should spot-clean your tent using cold water and a mild detergent before allowing it to completely dry - preferably pitched to ensure all areas are aired out, but hanging the tent should also work well. Check out our full tent care guide here. 

Your tent should then be packed loosely into a mesh bag to allow the fabric to relax, and stored in a cool, dry place like a garage until it’s time for your next adventure.