Updated September 2026

As summer waves at us in the rearview mirror, the space in our drawers where shorts and T-shirts live for a precious few months of the year yields to sweaters, fleece, and jeans. Basements waft with the smell of ski wax, and the clank and din of ice screws, snowshoes, and plastic boots is the soundtrack we play in anticipation of the deep powder days ahead. At the same time though, it’s sobering to think of all the gear you won’t be using for the next six months. All that ultralight summer gear just won’t cut it in winter, and storing it improperly all winter can be catastrophic. With that in mind, here are a few gear maintenance and storage tips we’ve found handy for minimizing unwanted spring surprises and extending the life of your gear for many seasons to come. 

Tents

Set up your tent and shake out any dirt, trash, and debris from the summer. Use a damp sponge to clean out corners and wipe away any spills or squashed mosquitoes from the walls. Let it dry completely, then take inventory of the poles, stakes, ground cloth, and guy lines. Instead of squishing it all back into its stuff sack, pack it all in a mesh duffel or oversized cotton bag so it can breathe and not be compressed and creased for months on end. Even a little excess humidity can cause mold and hydrolysis (the reaction that makes rainflys sticky), so think twice about storing in damp basements and use a dehumidifier if you're not sure. Ideally, store your tent somewhere at room temperature, like under your bed or in the back of a closet. Check out this MSR® blog for even more tips on how to make your tent last longer.

Sleeping Pads

Body oils can build up on your sleeping pad from sleeping directly on it, sweating, or just from your head, face, and hair coming into contact with it. Over time, those oils will damage the fabric and airtight coatings. In addition, no matter how careful you are, your pad will eventually pick up some dirt, sap, or food spills along the way, which can accelerate long-term degradation.

Every year or two, depending on use, a light cleaning with a gentle degreaser like BioClean^™ All-Purpose Cleaner can help. Start with a 2:1 dilution, then spray it onto your mattress (with valves closed) and gently work it into the fabric. Now is a good time to check for leaks too: inflate your pad tight as a drum and watch for any bubbles coming from leaks as you clean. Rinse it well with a hose, mark any leaks with a Sharpie® marker for later repair, and let your pad dry completely.  

For repair tips, check out our previous post on how to repair your sleeping pad or watvh the video above. Just like tents, dry thoroughly after cleaning and look for a dry area to store them – unrolled and with open valves–just like you should after any trip.

Summer Clothing

Again, a good washing is recommended, using Nikwax® Tech Wash® or Down Proof™, or another specific cleaning agent to match the needs of your gear. Try an enzyme treatment to stay ahead of funky odor build-up in you baselayers. Dry thoroughly, of course. Most waterproof garments with a DWR benefit from being dried on medium heat (read the label or check with the manufacturer) and a treatment of a spray-on DWR revitalizer (ReviveX® or TX-Direct™) will keep water rolling off you like quicksilver. It’s tempting to use bins, but be sure they are well ventilated–I’ve lost entire seasonal wardrobes to nasty mold and mildew in bins I thought had ample air flow. You can drill holes in plastic bins to ensure some air flow, but be sure to check on them frequently for any signs of funk. You can even hot glue some screen material to the inside to prevent spiders and such from taking up residence through the holes. 

Sleeping Bags

Wash them. Please. You can skip it if you only spent a few days in them, but if you had a busy season, body oils can accumulate on the insulation and decrease loft – especially down – and your next tent mate will thank you for other reasons too. Washing instructions for Therm-a-Rest sleeping bags are pretty universal. Check with your manufacturer if you have any questions. After they’re completely dry, store your bag in an over-sized, breathable bag that they easily fit into. Storing them compressed will reduce loft and shorten the lifespan and temperature rating of your sleeping bag.

Water Filters

Most water filters should be dried out and/or disinfected with a very diluted bleach solution before long term storage. Definitely check with your manufacturer for their best cleaning and long term storage techniques on this one, but don’t forget to take care of them!

Backpacks

Much like tents, shake out the extra dirt. Using a wet sponge, wipe inside corners and any trouble spots. Use a mild soap solution for trouble spots and wipe again with a damp sponge to rinse or just hose out particularly dirty packs. Unzip everything to let it dry and check often to move it around and keep it drying. By now, you should be able to fill in the last part: dry completely and store in a dry place. 

Trekking Poles

For simple seasonal maintenance, pull the trekking poles apart completely and wipe them down. That white powdery stuff on the inside of aluminum comes from storing them wet and makes adjusting them difficult. Dry, reassemble and hang them up. Do that after every trip and you'll thank us. 

Boots

Treat leather boots with plenty of goo to keep them from drying out over the winter. There are a ton of products out there, so make sure you get the one that’s best for your boot. Also consider refreshing your insoles with a new pair. It’s like getting new boots for a fraction of the price. REI has a great page with lots of information on caring for your boots.

General Tips for Winterizing Gear

• When in doubt, place a dehumidifier where you store your gear. It costs a little but can save you a lot.
• Again: Beware of big plastic bins. Drill holes in them to ensure air flow. Add dehumidifier packs if you have any doubts.
• Check on your gear after a few weeks or a month to be sure everything is storing well. You might catch some things before they get too bad, like mice or mold.
• Generally speaking: Laminated fabrics (GoreTex® etc.) are OK to machine wash. Coated fabrics (Urethane-coated backpacks, tents, duffle bags, etc. ) aren’t. Check with the manufacturer if you have any questions.

Got some tips or cool ideas that have worked for storing or cleaning your gear? Share them and let’s help each other out!

Related Posts:

• How To Build Your Winter Sleep System
• 3-Season Sleeping Bags vs. Winter Sleeping Bags
• 26 Tips for Winter Camping Around the World