10 Tips to Keep Your Outdoor Gear in Working Order and Well Organized

Camping Gear - It's expensive to buy, make it last.

Maintaining and organizing your outdoor gear is crucial for ensuring it remains functional and ready for your next adventure. Whether you’re into camping, hiking, or fishing, proper care and organization of your equipment can prolong its lifespan and enhance your outdoor experience. Here are ten essential tips to help you keep your outdoor gear in top condition and well-organized.

1. Clean Your Gear After Each Use

Camping Gear:

• Tents: Shake out debris, wipe down the interior, and ensure it’s completely dry before storage to prevent mold and mildew.
• Sleeping Bags: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Usually, a gentle wash and thorough drying are recommended.

Hiking Gear:

• Backpacks: Empty and shake out any dirt or crumbs. Spot clean stains and air out the backpack to remove odors.

Fishing Gear:

• Rods and Reels: Rinse with fresh water to remove dirt and salt, especially if used in saltwater. Lubricate moving parts as recommended.

2. Store Gear in a Cool, Dry Place

Camping Gear:

• Avoid storing tents, sleeping bags, and other camping items in damp basements or hot attics. A climate-controlled environment is ideal.

Hiking Gear:

• Keep backpacks and hiking boots in a dry area to prevent mold and deterioration.

Fishing Gear:

• Store rods vertically in a cool, dry place to avoid warping. Keep tackle boxes and other equipment out of direct sunlight.

3. Use Proper Storage Solutions

Camping Gear:

• Use storage bins and labeled containers for small items like cooking utensils, lanterns, and first aid kits.

Hiking Gear:

• Install hooks or shelves in your storage area to hang or organize backpacks, hats, and walking sticks.

Fishing Gear:

• Invest in a tackle box with compartments for lures, hooks, and lines. Consider a rod rack to keep fishing rods organized and safe.

4. Regularly Inspect Your Equipment

Camping Gear:

• Check tents for tears or holes and repair them promptly. Inspect sleeping bags for wear and tear.

Hiking Gear:

• Examine backpacks for broken zippers or straps and fix them. Ensure hiking boots are free from significant damage and still provide good support.

Fishing Gear:

• Look for frayed fishing lines and replace them. Inspect rod guides and reels for damage and wear.

5. Follow Manufacturer’s Maintenance Guidelines

Camping Gear:

• Adhere to the cleaning and maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturers for tents, stoves, and sleeping bags.

Hiking Gear:

• Follow care instructions for technical fabrics used in backpacks and clothing to maintain their functionality.

Fishing Gear:

• Regularly service your reels and follow the maintenance procedures recommended by the manufacturer.

6. Dry Everything Thoroughly

Camping Gear:

• After washing or exposure to rain, ensure all camping gear, especially tents and sleeping bags, is thoroughly dried to prevent mildew.

Hiking Gear:

• Dry boots and backpacks completely after hikes, especially if they got wet.

Fishing Gear:

• Make sure rods, reels, and other equipment are dry before storing them to avoid rust and corrosion.

7. Organize by Activity

Camping Gear:

• Keep all your camping gear in one designated area. Use clear bins to store items and label each bin by its contents (e.g., cooking gear, sleeping gear).

Hiking Gear:

• Allocate a specific spot for all hiking equipment, making it easy to grab what you need quickly.

Fishing Gear:

• Store fishing gear separately from other outdoor equipment to keep everything easily accessible and organized.

8. Use Silica Gel Packs

Camping Gear:

• Place silica gel packs in storage bins to absorb moisture and prevent mold growth.

Hiking Gear:

• Add silica gel packs to your backpack storage area to keep items dry and free from dampness.

Fishing Gear:

• Put silica gel packs in tackle boxes and rod storage areas to protect against moisture damage.

9. Create a Checklist

Camping Gear:

• Develop a comprehensive checklist for your camping gear. Regularly review and update it to ensure you have everything you need and that it’s in working order.

Hiking Gear:

• Maintain a checklist for hiking trips, including essentials like water bottles, maps, first aid kits, and multi-tools.

Fishing Gear:

• Have a checklist for your fishing gear to ensure you don’t forget crucial items like bait, tackle, and safety gear.

10. Educate Yourself on Proper Use and Care

Camping Gear:

• Stay informed about the best practices for using and maintaining your camping gear. Attend workshops or watch tutorials if necessary.

Hiking Gear:

• Learn about the latest gear innovations and proper care techniques to extend the life of your hiking equipment.

Fishing Gear:

• Understand the proper usage and care for your fishing gear by reading manuals, watching videos, and seeking advice from experienced anglers.

Conclusion

Keeping your outdoor gear in excellent condition and well-organized doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these ten tips, you’ll ensure that your camping, hiking, and fishing equipment remains functional and ready for your next adventure. Proper care and organization not only extend the life of your gear but also enhance your overall outdoor experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying nature with confidence. Happy adventuring!

MDC teaches outdoor skills at Women's Spring Fling

Registration open for April 29-May 1 camp at Lake Doniphan near Excelsior Springs

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will teach outdoor skills at the annual Women’s Spring Fling April 29 to May 1 at Lake Doniphan Conference and Retreat Center near Excelsior Springs, Mo. This weekend retreat provides a safe and friendly environment where women can learn about outdoor recreation.

   Participants will receive hands-on training for activities of their choice such as archery, atlatl, backpacking and camping, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, orienteering and geocaching, outdoor cooking, champion trees and leaf prints, and wild edibles. The Spring Fling is offered to women 18 and older. Young ladies ages 14 to 17 may also participate when accompanied by an adult woman.

   All training provided by MDC staff and volunteers is free. However, there is a $20 registration that is refundable at check in. The registration deadline is April 8.

   Lake Doniphan is a private retreat center, and fees are charged for lodging and meals. The cost depends on accommodations. The center offers hotel-style rooms, dormitory style, rustic cabins with electricity, and camping with electricity.

   MDC connects people with nature. Women’s Spring Fling offers a variety of outdoor activities during the heart of the spring season, a beautiful time to be outdoors.

   For information or to register, contact Lisa LaCombe at 816-655-6263, ext. 1332, orlisa.lacombe@mdc.mo.gov.

   For information about Lake Doniphan, visit http://lakedoniphan.com.

Kick-off 2016 with Cape Nature Center events

The 2016 Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center program schedule starts off with Dutch Oven Cooking: Soups and Stews, Saturday, Jan. 2.  (MDC file photo)

Gain skills in Dutch oven cooking, Nature art, arrow making and tree tapping all in one month.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Nature Center has plenty of programs to cure a wintry spirit. Nature Center Manager Sara Turner said winter is the best time to hone many outdoor skills. 

“Some people think winter is time to hide away indoors, but that’s just not the case,” Turner said. “We have a packed schedule for January, so folks will have plenty to do and discover what nature’s like in the winter months.”

The 2016 Nature Center program schedule starts off with Dutch Oven Cooking: Soups and Stews, Saturday, Jan. 2. This beginner’s course will teach the basics of Dutch oven cooking with practical and timeless recipes. Register on or after Dec. 15 for one of two sessions. This program is for ages 14 and up.

Nature Art: Groundhog Day is Thursday, Jan. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. Ages 16 and up are welcome to scrapbook perfect pages for next month’s Groundhog day pictures. Make a two-page layout to highlight outdoor adventures on Groundhog Day while learning about these little native weather forecasters. Registration begins Jan. 2.

Make your own primitive arrow Saturday, Jan. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn how to use Native American techniques with materials native to Missouri such as river cane, turkey feathers, deer sinew, pine pitch and more. Each participant will have the opportunity to make one arrow. Registration for this program begins Dec. 15.

Saturday, Jan. 16, naturalists will tap trees in preparation for maple sugaring season. Join one of two programs at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. to learn how to identify Sugar maple trees, select a tree to tap and try your hand at tapping a tree. This program only covers the tree tapping portion. Maple sugaring is scheduled for Feb. 13, after enough sap is collected. Adult supervision is required for ages 12 to 17. Registration begins Jan. 2.

Other January programs at the Nature Center are a winter garden tour Saturday, Jan. 23, a Nature’s Recyclers Puppet Show also Jan. 23, and a Winter Tree I.D. walk Saturday, Jan. 30. Call (573)290-5218 to register or inquire for more information about all Cape Nature Center programs or learn more at mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter.

MDC hosts MoNASP teacher training workshop in Osage County

The session is free, but registration is required by Oct. 9.

LOOSE CREEK, Mo.-Teachers can help their students learn responsibility and focus like never before -- all by participating in the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). MDC will be holding a training workshop for teachers interested in joining MoNASP from 4:30-8:30 p.m.on Thursday, Oct. 15 and Friday, Oct. 16, at the Immaculate Conception School gym located at 147 County Road 402 in Loose Creek. The session is free, but registration is required byOct. 9.

The certification course is for teachers and school administrators who would like to start a MoNASP program in their school. Participants must score 80% or better on a 100-question certification exam that will be given at the end of the workshop.

"Nearly everyone -- regardless of age, size, or physical ability -- can succeed in archery," said MDC Outdoor Skills Specialist Brian Flowers. "Statistics show school archery programs improve school attendance, increase participants self-esteem, physical activity, help kids relate to the learning subject matter, and gets kids outdoors to discover nature."

MoNASP is modeled on the National Archery in the Schools Program, which began with a simple idea; teach kids the basics of archery as part of a school curriculum. MoNASP teaches International-style target archery to students in grades 4-12. Currently, more than 500 Missouri schools and more than 135,000 students participate in this lifetime sport.

To register for the workshop, visit http://naspbai.org/ClassView.aspx?cid=4911. For more information, contact Flowers at Brian.Flowers@mdc.mo.gov or 573-815-7901, ext. 3388.

For more information about MoNASP, visit mdc.mo.gov/education/monasp.

MDC offers Effective Wingshooting classes in KC area

Improve game harvest with sharpened shotgun skills and shot shell knowledge

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer Effective Wingshooting for the Hunter courses in the Kansas City and Warrensburg areas. These courses help shotgun hunters improve shooting skills, understand shot shell loads and choke patterns, estimate range, and understand the benefits of nontoxic shot.

   Registration is now open for an Effective Wingshooting course 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the University of Central Missouri Shooting Range, 454 S.E. Division St., in Warrensburg. The course is free but limited to 20 participants. Registration closesSept. 13. Refreshments will be provided but participants are on the own for lunch. For more information or to register, call 660-530-5500.

   MDC’s Lake City Shooting Range in Jackson County will offer a two-day Effective Wingshooting course on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 and Oct. 3. The course is free but pre-registration is required. Registration opens Sept. 1 and closes Sept. 26. The Oct. 2 session will be from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the range, 28505 E. Truman Road, Buckner, Mo. On Oct. 3, the session will be from 8 to 11:30 a.m. To register, call 816-294-3194.

   Participants in Effective Wingshooting must bring their own shotguns and choke tubes. They can bring hunting ammunition if they wish to test patterns. MDC will provide nontoxic steel shot free of charge. The courses will including shooting on trap ranges.

   For more information on Effective Wingshooting course benefits and class schedules, visithttp://on.mo.gov/1Lg89Y3. Missouri is a great place to hunt and for information on upcoming autumn hunting seasons, visit http://mdc.mo.gov.

Related articles

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Cape’s Nature Center offers Family Skills Sampler

The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center will host the Family Skills Sampler event  Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., where skills such as fishing and canoeing will be explored. (MDC file photo)

Naturalists will teach families new outdoor skills they can use and enjoy for years to come.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Families will have a chance to try out a variety of outdoor activities at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces a Family Skills Sampler event at the center Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Many parents would love to take their family fishing or canoeing, but they lack the experience to conquer the new experience with confidence,” said Sara Turner, the manager of the Cape Nature Center. “This event is designed to bring whole families an opportunity to safely try several different outdoor skills, where they can learn together and then use their new skills to make memories together again later.”

Archery, fishing and canoeing are just a sampling of the activities that will be featured at the event. Turner said no registration is required for this event and participants ages 5 and up are welcome to attend. Opportunities will be on a first-come, first served basis, she said.

“This event is just one of many that we offer at the nature center as part of our goal to help people to discover nature,” Turner said. “Some of the most cherished family memories are those surrounded by nature and we hope this event will create many cherished moments for those who attend.”

For more information on this or other events at the MDC’s Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, go online to mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter.

Related articles

• Go fishing without buying a permit (ky3.com)
• Fatal Deer Disease Spreads in Missouri (ammoland.com)
• MDC's Nature Center at Night focuses on ticks and chiggers (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• May 9 OK Kids Day at Meade State Park (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)

MDC’s Nature Center at Night focuses on ticks and chiggers

A diagram of the stylostome, or the hardened tube of dead cells formed by chiggers (Larval form of the trombiculidae) when feeding on them. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is certainly true when it comes to dealing with ticks and chiggers in the warm summer months. Itchy bites can diminish the fun at what would otherwise be some of the most fondly remembered outdoor adventures. Make sure these insects don’t crash your good time by heading to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center event, Nature Center at Night: Ticks and Chiggers. The program is 5 to 8 p.m.,Thursday, May 14.

“We’ll delve deep into the lives of ticks and chiggers and learn how to prevent them from biting,” said Sara Turner, MDC manager of the nature center.

Turner said prevention options will be discussed, such as wearing long-sleeves and long pants when outdoors, various pesticides and insect repellents. Home remedies for treating bites include apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and lavender oil. Over the counter medications are also helpful, Turner said.

All ages are welcome at Nature Center at Night and no registration is required. Naturalist led programs begin at 6 and 7 p.m. Youth and adult groups are welcome. For information on other programs at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, go online tomdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter.

Missouri State Parks providing opportunities for visitors to “Learn2” Camp

For the second year, Missouri State Parks is teaming up with The North Face’s Explore Your Parks Program to teach families how to have an enjoyable and safe camping experience with its Learn2 Camp program. The program provides expert answers and guidance to families who want to go camping but are

uncertain how and what equipment is needed.

This summer, 40 families will have the opportunity to participate in the program, which will be held at five different state parks during June. Workshops will be held at the following locations:

• June 1 – Robertsville State Park, Robertsville.
• June 8 – Trail of Tears State Park, Jackson.
• June 15 – Montauk State Park, Salem.
• June 22 – Arrow Rock State Historic Site, Arrow Rock.
• June 29 – Weston Bend State Park, Weston.

“During our first year, families across Missouri learned about camping and had a great experience getting more comfortable in nature,” Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We are excited to bring this program back for a second year so that even more people can learn the joys of camping in the great outdoors.”

In the Learn2 Camp program, Missouri State Parks will supply the camping equipment, instructors to teach basic camping skills, a campsite in a state park campground, recipes and a list of things campers should bring. Each family should bring food for meals, bedding, personal items such as soap, etc., and a willingness to learn and discover the outdoors.

To become one of the lucky families, tell us why your family wants to learn to camp in 500 words or less. Also, select your first and second choices for the Learn2 Camp program locations and dates. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday, May 13, and the winners will be notified by Wednesday, May 15.

A family group is considered up to six people, with at least one person 18 years of age or older. Please include adequate adult supervision for children to ensure the program can be educational and enjoyable for everyone.

A $10 registration fee will apply to selected families. A camping coupon good for one free night stay in any Missouri State Parks campground will be awarded upon completion of the program.

To apply to be a Learn2 Camp program family or for more information on the program, go tomostateparks.com/learn2camp. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.