How you put gear away decides what shape it's in next season. A short routine now prevents odor, mildew, and damage — and means you can grab and go when the weather turns.
Key takeaways
- Clean everything before it goes away.
- Dry fully — trapped moisture causes mildew and odor.
- Refresh function (DWR, wax) before storing.
- Store cool, dry, and loosely packed.
Clean first
Wash apparel, wipe down coolers, and spot-clean bags and hammocks before storage — dirt and oils set in over months and attract pests and mildew. Don't store anything you wouldn't want to pull out as-is next season.
Dry completely
Trapped moisture is the main cause of off-season damage. Let everything dry fully, and store coolers with the lid cracked so air can move. Never bag up anything even slightly damp.
Refresh before you store
It's a good time to renew a rain jacket's DWR or re-wax a canvas bag, so they're ready to perform the moment you need them. Handling it now beats discovering a soaked jacket on the first rainy outing.
Store smart
Keep gear somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sun, loosely packed so fabrics don't crease or compress permanently. A labeled tote or two keeps a season's kit together and easy to grab.
How to store gear for the off-season
- 1
Clean
Wash apparel and wipe down coolers, bags, and hammocks.
- 2
Dry fully
Air-dry everything completely; crack cooler lids.
- 3
Refresh
Renew DWR on rainwear and wax on canvas as needed.
- 4
Store cool and dry
Keep gear cool, dry, out of sun, and loosely packed.
Frequently asked
Should I store a cooler with the lid open or closed?
Store it with the lid cracked or open so air circulates and it doesn't trap moisture and odor. Make sure it's fully clean and dry first.
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