The last thing you want to do when you’re tired after a trip is unpack and organize gear. However, organizing and proper storage is an absolute must if you want to make sure your gear stays in top condition for your next trip. Bonus: organizing your gear ensures that you have everything ready the next time you head out to play outside. Here are our top tips and tricks to keep your gear shelves organized for your next adventure.
Large Storage Spaces
One way to make sure you can neatly arrange all your items is to invest in storage bins, action packers, or large duffel bags to keep all the small things together. Compartmentalizing your gear will stop your storage room from looking like a tornado swept through. Instead of zippering and unzippering through endless backpack pockets for your Klymit Pillow X, throw all the gear into larger storage bins. Plus, make sure to label the outside for maximum efficiency. Not only will this cut down on searching through smaller bags, it can also make your space look a little neater and less overwhelming when you go to pack for a camping trip.
Store Common Items
In order to prevent rips and tears in sleeping pads and bags, store similar items together. Pack pads and other soft goods away from items like axes, knives, and even sharp corners of packages. Having a storage system also allows you to find items easier, so that when you need to track down something, you always have a first place to look. Depending on what adventure gear you might have, you can split into several different categories. We have put together a possible organization system below:
Sleeping Outside
Camp Furniture for Outside
- Camp Chairs
- Tables
Cooking Outside
- Stoves
- Propane
- Camp Dishes
- Water Filters
Water Activities for Outside
- Kayaks / Dinghies / Paddleboards
- Life Jackets
- Paddles
- Wet Suits
Hiking Outside
- Backpacks
- Hydration Bladders / Water Bottles
- Trekking Poles
- Hiking Shoes
Change with the Seasons
Gear rooms can be intimidating if you are a four-season adventurer. Blending winter and summer equipment can cause a hectic environment, so it’s good to separate your seasonal gear. When spring comes into session, swap out the winter gear like big puffy coats, beanies, insulated pads, and 0 degree bags for lightweight summer pads, 35 degree sleeping bags, and sunshades. Creating separation between summer and winter belongings can make sure that your most frequently used gear is front and center, while the off-season stuff is being stored towards the back of your closet.
Grab and Go Bag
During camp season, you do not want to be worried about making sure all your gear is there. Especially when an impromptu trip comes up, and you just need to grab a bag and then go. So during summer, it’s a great idea to have a packed bag (or two) that has all the essential things you need for a quickly planned trip. Use the Klymit Gear Duffel to hold your tent, sleeping pads, pillows, etc. Store bug spray, sunscreen, silverware, bear spray, and other smaller items in the top pocket so that you can just grab and go when your friends call you up to leave within an hour. Protip: This method only works well as long as you take time to prepare your packed to-go bag after you get back from your latest trip. What are your gear room organization tips?
