10 Camping Gear Storage Hacks
Camping is one of the best pastimes to get into because of the versatility it brings. Depending on your comfort level, you can take nothing more than the basics into the wilderness or you might kit out a full-sized RV or minivan for a weekend away. There’s no shortage of great outdoor gear out there to help make the experience as easy (or challenging) as you’d like.
If there’s one thing about camping gear that’s universal, however, it’s that finding outdoor gear storage can feel like a real hassle. This is especially true if space is limited due to living in an apartment or because your garage is already taken. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll want to invest in some of the following camping and hiking gear storage hacks (including our favorite: using a local self storage unit to stay organized).
1. Invest in plastic storage bins.
One of the most commonly found backpacking gear storage ideas is to buy plastic bins for organization. Plastic bins allow you to keep all your hiking gear and camp equipment clean, accessible, and organized. There’s never a mystery as to each bin’s contents. In addition, using plastic bins can even allow you to just grab the bin and throw it in your vehicle prior to your trip.
A good plastic storage bin features a lid and is generally watertight, which is important if you plan on taking it somewhere rainy. As an added bonus, storage bins stack neatly on shelves in garages and storage units. In addition to giving you plenty of space and visibility to store your hiking gear, this frees up space in duffel bags for clothing and personal items.
2. Buy items that are camping specific.
While it’s definitely tempting to just grab what’s on hand, consider purchasing items that are specifically ready for trips. These can include eating utensils and paper plates, but don’t forget key items like:
- Coffee mugs
- Dishrags
- Trash bags
- Cooking equipment
By having these items on-hand, ready, and dedicated to your camping expeditions, you can cut down on the amount of time you’ll spend packing.
3. Pack with intention and attention to detail.
Rolled clothing takes up less space than folded clothing, and it makes finding what you need easier. Create an inventory prior to your trip and check things off as you add them. You can even make copies of this list and place them with your gear.
4. Give each person their own duffle bag.
If space allows, don’t try to pack more than one person’s belongings in a bag. That’ll add to the hassle of packing, staying organized during the trip, and unpacking when you get home. Give each member of your party/family a color-coded duffle bag and make them responsible for what goes inside it. Have them put all belongings back in the bag at the end of the day.
5. Take stock of what you use and purge what you don’t.
After a few trips, you’ll have a great idea of what often gets used and what doesn’t. If space is at a premium in your closet or home, it may be time to rid yourself of items that are infrequently used. Try to hang your camping clothes or outdoor gear in one spot in your closet. If you keep pushing stuff that isn’t normally worn off to the side, it might be time to say goodbye.
6. Use all available space.
While many items work best when placed in plastic bins, remember that your camping backpacks are technically a way to store things, too. If you know a specific pack will only be used for certain activities or trips, it’s okay to keep items inside that you don’t often use.
When you think about available space, don’t forget verticality. Hang packs, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads from hangers or wall hooks inside closets. Organize them by size or by the length of the trip they’re often used for.
If you have bare walls—such as in a garage—consider adding peg boards for storage. Don’t forget to add a small frame to the back so that there’s plenty of space for hooks to pass through.
7. Remove batteries from all electronic devices.
After you arrive home from a trip, take all batteries out of flashlights, headlamps, GPS devices, radios, or other equipment that use them. This keeps the batteries from corroding or leaking, which could damage your devices as well as anything stored near them. Place the batteries in a sealed plastic bag near these items.
8. Dry and clean your tent prior to storage.
If you place a wet tent into storage, you’re going to have to deal with mold, mildew, or rot. If weather allows, set the tent up outside and allow it to dry out. Clean away any dirt or sand from a wet tent and its poles and stakes. Cleaning your tent now makes setting it up a much more pleasant experience later.
9. Air out sleeping bags, blankets, and bags.
Hang or lay sleeping bags flat after a camping trip in order to air them out. For nylon sleeping bags, avoid hanging or laying them in direct sunlight. UV rays damage the material. Cotton blankets, however, can be placed in the sun because light acts as a natural disinfectant for these surfaces.
10. Invest in a self storage unit to give yourself plenty of room.
One of the best camping gear storage hacks we know of? Finding a space outside your home. Renting a self storage unit allows you to keep all your camping gear and equipment in one place. It also frees up valuable room in your garage, closets, or attic. In many cases, you can even rent a climate controlled storage unit; these units are kept at a steady temperature throughout the year and are located inside storage facilities.
Find your nearest self storage facility today.
If you need to free up space in your home—for camping equipment or other needs—and know that self storage is on your list, visit your nearest Freedom Storage Management managed facility today. We can help you find the right size and type of unit to meet your needs, and our friendly team of storage professionals can answer any questions you might have. Visit us today to get started.