Temperatures in Minnesota have started to rise, which means that many people are starting to think about hiking and camping gear for summer (as long as pandemic restrictions are relaxed). Thinking and acting are, of course, separate things: the fact is that it is easy to put this child's sleeping bag on the day before his first seasonal trip and search desperately.
It's not just about locating sensitive devices. This mountain of things you stuffed in the back of the garage last fall - bags, tents, mats, stoves, bags - needs a bit of maintenance before it's done this year, including cleaning, repairs, and replacements.
With so many people spending more time at home, there really is no excuse for delaying things until the last minute.
Preparing for some summer trips shouldn't be a monumental task. Chew on these ideas.
Sleeping bags: wash what you have
It is always best to keep sleeping bags loose in a storage bag or on a hanger. If you don't, the padding, synthetic or down, will eventually lose its height. Once you've put your bags in storage bags, it's time to organize them to see if they still have a lot of space in the attic. Otherwise, it might be time for a new bag. (In either case, you may need a new bag if you have an adult child.)
The bags need to be washed at least once a year (more if you sleep in your dirty hiking clothes, which should be a no-no). So if you weren't last fall, it's time. Wash it in a bathtub or washing machine without a shaker (usually a front loader) with the right detergent for sleeping bags. Some people put tennis balls in the dryer to break the strands while the bag dries. Finally, make sure all zippers work, and use a Gear Aid zipper cleaner and lubricant to clean and operate them smoothly.
Sleeping mats - check for leaks
Self-inflating foam cushions are like sleeping bags: keep them unwrapped and partially inflated with the valve open. Gives the foam a longer life inside. Inflate all your pads this spring and leave them outside for a few days to make sure there are no leaks. Take your time to remove the dirt that was left on them last year. If you have a leak, repair it according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you don't feel comfortable with it or can't find the leak (putting the tampon under water in a bathtub is an easy way), most tampon manufacturers do repairs for a small fee (or sometimes free of charge). If you don't have one, order a mattress repair kit and make sure you have it with you when you travel. Nothing is as uncomfortable as sleeping on an empty pillow.
Tents: cleaning, repair, exchange
A common mistake among campers is to pack a tent in the rain and then throw it in the garage for the winter. This is the fastest way to form mold or mildew that can ruin carp. If your store has mold or mildew, Revivex Odor Eliminator can remove odors. Otherwise it's time for a new tent. You may also need a new tent if the ground peels off (which is not uncommon with inexpensive, even relatively new tents).
If the body of your tent and the fireflies appear to be in good condition, open and shake the door (s) to remove dirt. Check the tent poles to make sure there are no cracks or gaps. The simplest solution is to buy spare parts of the same size if you can find them with the same length and diameter. Replacement poles are surprisingly difficult to get from manufacturers, especially if a tent is older than two years and if the manufacturer doesn't offer a free replacement (which is not uncommon), they can be expensive. There are third parties like tentpoletechnologies.com that replace the specifications.
If your bars have been stored folded (and it is difficult enough to do something else), the discharge cable will eventually lose its elasticity, which seems to happen much faster these days for some reason. Bulk in an outdoor store, cut and replace; Just be sure to arrange all sections of the bar so that you don't mix them up when using the new unloading cable.
Again, make sure you have a good repair kit for your business, including net stains - mosquitoes like to get through unrepaired tears. Also carry a small metal bag, available in any outdoor store, that can be slid over a pole that breaks like a temporary "rail".
Backpacks: Get rid of dirt
Fortunately, today's internal frame backpacks have few difficult parts (hairpin pins, split rings) that generally need to be repaired or replaced with older external frame packages. However, it is a good idea to give him his backpack once in the spring. Open the lids and bags, turn the bag over and shake it. You may be surprised at how much dirt and debris falls. Give it a good sponge bath, especially the floor, and check for holes. Make sure all loops are working properly.
It is also good to know
Do a dry test on all of your other devices like stoves and water filters. Check the supplies (e.g. stove fuel) and fill up now.
If you end up with the equipment you want to sell or donate, especially if you want to replace it and need money in advance for new things, you need to check some online websites.
You can donate to goodwill or similar organizations upon reopening. REI accepts use at rei.com/stewardship/give-back-box .
To sell online you should consider eBay or one of the many Facebook websites like Backpacker Gear Sale, SHT Discussion and Hiking Gear Exchange or Backpacker Gear Flea Market.
Jeff Moravec is a freelance writer and photographer. Contact him at jmoravec@mac.com.
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