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How to look after your hiking gear: 12 kit checks

Muddy hiking boots on a wooden bench

From safely washing a sleeping bag to measuring partially used gas canisters, here’s how to look after your hiking gear

Last spring, I spent the best part of three weeks climbing Denali, the highest peak in North America. There were few opportunities to stay clean on the mountain so by the time I got off the slopes, I – along with all my gear – was in a pretty nasty state. 

As tempting as it was to just stuff everything into my duffel bag and toss it in a cupboard, I spent a few hours going through my gear, cleaning, repairing and storing it, ready for the next adventure. Last month, I hit the trail again in Albania and was so grateful to my earlier self for being so diligent. Packing was a breeze.

Between seasons is the perfect time to do a kit check. Whether you’re planning to pack your gear away for the winter months or brave the plummeting temperatures for a chilly expedition, taking the time to check and maintain your gear will extend its lifespan – and potentially yours.

How to look after your hiking gear

Get ahead of the game and prep your gear now for the season ahead. It’ll save you time and money in the long run. Here’s how to look after your hiking gear.

1. Clean and treat your hiking boots 

First of all, brush off any dried mud from your boots. Then remove the laces and put them aside to soak in warm, soapy water. Half-fill a bucket with warm water and add a dash of washing-up liquid. Scrub the boots thoroughly with a medium stiff brush (a toothbrush will also do the trick) and then rinse them off under the tap. Let them air-dry, ideally in the sun. 

Muddy hiking boots on a wooden bench
Ian Francis/Shutterstock Hiking can be a mucky business

Once fully dry, treat the boots with a high-performance waterproofer depending on the material (leather, fabric etc). Don’t forget to check the laces for any fraying before you re-thread them.

2. Give your tent a once-over

Pitch your tent somewhere dry – a garage is ideal – and give it a good brush inside and out. Get all the loose dust and dirt off before you wipe it down with a wet sponge from warm water with a tiny bit of washing-up liquid in it, just to help break down any grease or stains. Pay attention not to miss the corners, zippers, tent pole connections and guy lines. Also, brush off the tent pegs and give them a quick wipe. Then rinse the tent down and leave it to dry completely.

A man enters a tent to clean itA man enters a tent to clean it
Marmot Check your tent for wear and tear

Give the tent a thorough check for…

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