Guide Tips - Preparing Your Camping Equipment for the Summer Season

The camping season is approaching! It's time to take a look at your gear and make sure it's ready for your next adventure. Here's how to prepare your camping gear.

1. Cleaning camping equipment

- Clean your equipment to maximize its lifespan and use it to its full potential for longer.

- Tents, boots, technical clothing, find out how to care for them and the products to do so on the Nikwax website. 

- Wash your water bottles thoroughly to avoid bacterial growth. A 1:10 mixture (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) is sufficient. Scrub the inside with a brush and don't forget the neck! Use the same recipe for your hydration bag and don't forget to wash the hose.

2. Check tent

- Check the zippers, and if this one seems to catch, use an old toothbrush to brush away any sand or other particles that might block the slider. You can also lightly rub an odorless bar of soap on the zipper notches to help them slide more smoothly.

- Check the nets to repair any snags. You can simply sew up any small tears with fine thread. If necessary, you can buy a self-adhesive patch for mosquito netting at specialized outdoor stores.

3. Redo first-aid and repair kit

- Redo your kit inventory

- Check expiry dates and make sure your kits are suitable for your activities, their duration and the number of people they will be used by.

- For the repair kit, ask yourself these questions: What equipment could break that would require me to turn back? What do I need to repair such a break? What parts do I need to replace a break that can't be repaired?

- For your first-aid kit, assess the type of injury that's likely to occur in the activity for which it will be used (e.g. mountain biking, where injuries are quite different from hiking). Make sure that the inventory will allow you to treat the injuries you are considering. If you're not sure what your kit should contain, sign up for one of our specialized first-aid courses for remote areas!

4. Check your camping kitchen equipment

- Consider washing or rewashing all your kitchen equipment so that it's clean for the next adventure.

- Check your stove, make sure it's working, and if you have a naphtha-burning stove, it's a good idea to clean it before using it again, and lubricate the pump well.

- Check your water filter to make sure it hasn't gone mouldy from improper winter storage, and that it's still working properly.

- Sharpen your kitchen knives

5. Other aspects to consider for the camping season

- Update your navigation and map applications

- Play seamstress with your clothes and make sure you repair all the little holes. Or simply apply a technical garment patch.

- If your walking poles have an adjustment screw, make sure it fits properly.

- You can wash your backpack and waterproof your bag cover using Nikwax products.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events this summer! 

Renée-Claude Bastien

Professional adventure guide

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