Love the gear you own? Show it a little more love this Valentine’s Day and ensure that it’s ready to go when you are.

How to Show Your Gear Some Love

Tent

Do you own your own tent? You don’t have to write it a love letter to show it that you care. Use a footprint to protect the bottom of the tent from sap, rocks, branches, and other items that might damage the material. Ensure that it’s free of debris by shaking it out at the end of each trip. We do this each morning if we’re moving every day on a trip. Let it dry out completely before putting it away. Store it by hanging it up or stuffing loosely in a larger bag other than its own. And if it’s in need of a little clean or re-waterproofing, follow these instructions.

Sleeping Bag

If your sleeping bag became a little damp on trip, ensure that it is completely dry before storing it. We recommend similar storage methods as noted for tents: hanging it up or stuffed loosely in a bag bigger than the one it came in. We also recommend purchasing a liner and using that inside of your sleeping bag. It’s much easier to wash than the sleeping bag itself. However, if you do need to wash it, follow these instructions.

Boots

Knock the dirt off of (and out of, as needed) your boots after your trip. If your boots are wet or damp, take out the insoles and loosen the laces to let them dry. Stuff them with newspaper if they’re sopping wet. Otherwise put them in a well-ventilated area to dry, out of direct sunlight. If you’re in need of re-waterproofing your boots, follow these instructions.

Want to Join Us on Trip?

The Quiet Guiding Co. provides the group gear on trip (including tents) so we haven’t provided an extensive list of gear care here. If you’d like to take a guided trip, we would love to share a canoe (or a hike!) with you. Book here!