How to properly store your camping equipment

At the end of each season, you must store your camping equipment in order to keep it in good condition for future use.
Here are some tips from one of our Outdoor Department experts on this topic.

Storing a tent

To get rid of the tree sap stains that could be stuck to your tent's rain fly, place it in the freezer and then scratch it off with your nails. If you brush it with warm water, the sap will soften, and the stain will spread.

Hang the tent’s fabric outdoors to dry. Also make sure that the poles and pegs are dry and clean. Fold and roll the tent, then store in a cool, dry place.

Storing a sleeping bag

After having hung the sleeping bag to dry and air it out (you can also put it in the dryer for 10-15 minutes at low heat with 3-4 tennis balls), the best is to store it on a hanger in its storage bag—ideally a mesh bag. By doing so, the insulation will remain "puffy" and its compression capacity will be preserved.

Storing a mattress

For self-inflating mattresses: keep them unfolded in a dry place with the valve open to let the moisture out.

For air mattresses: keep them folded or rolled in a cool and dry place. The ideal would be to store them inflated, just like any inflatable device.

Storing lighting products

Whether it is your headlamp, table lantern, tent lantern or flashlight; if it is battery-powered, the batteries should be removed during each extended storage period.

If your lighting devices use rechargeable batteries, make sure they are periodically recharged so they don't lose their capacity. If your lighting systems are gas powered (propane or butane): separate the gas cylinder from the lantern and store in a cool, dry place.