Questions tagged [storage]

Questions with reference of best practises on storing items. This could be gear or food related.

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41 votes
5 answers
18k views

What is the best way to store my sleeping bag for long periods of time?

I've heard that storing a sleeping bag in its stuff sack for long periods of time will cause it to lose loft, and won't provide as much comfort or warmth when used again. If so, how should I store my ...
Reverend Gonzo's user avatar
40 votes
4 answers
12k views

Things to keep away from climbing ropes

There are some no brainers like don't throw your climbing rope next to car batteries in the back of your car. The effect of bug sprays containing Deet seem to be controversial. I have also heard a ...
DJBunk's user avatar
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22 votes
7 answers
7k views

Permanent Camping Cooler - No Ice Needed

Situation: Forest Clay Ground covered in pine needles Pacific Northwest Climate No River No Electricity Can provide purified water, and whatever building materials needed. Goal: Construct a cooler ...
Anon's user avatar
  • 817
22 votes
3 answers
31k views

Can oiling keep tools from rusting?

Even stainless-steel can rust, and I've seen axes and saws that were visibly rusted. I've been told that wrapping the metal parts of the tools in oiled paper will prevent this. Can oil really be used ...
Henrik Hansen's user avatar
21 votes
2 answers
7k views

Can a compass needle become de-magnetized over time?

My compass has become increasingly untrustworthy. Over the past couple years I had noticed that it often pointed pretty close to magnetic South, but it corrected after a light tap. In two recent ...
orangejewelweed's user avatar
18 votes
2 answers
276 views

Apart from down, is there any outdoor material that should not be stored stuffed?

Down sleeping bags and down jackets should not be stored in the stuffbag, but as loose as possible. Tents, as far as I know, can be stored stuffed as long as they are dry. Are there any other ...
gerrit's user avatar
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18 votes
3 answers
976 views

What is the best way to store my tent?

How can I store my tent when I'm not using it for months at a time, so that it is still in good condition when I use it again?
Reverend Gonzo's user avatar
16 votes
3 answers
3k views

Stuff or roll a tent for storage?

When packing a tent, is it best to stuff it in its sack or roll/fold it? I always stuff my sleeping bag so I wasn't sure if it was the same for tents.
Paradox's user avatar
  • 505
16 votes
2 answers
2k views

Storing Headlamps: With or without batteries?

When we store our headlamps, currently we store them with the batteries. Should they instead be stored separate from the batteries?
Russell Steen's user avatar
16 votes
1 answer
366 views

What factors should I be aware of when storing a kayak?

I've seen various images / comments online of how people decide to store their kayaks. Some people wall mount them, some have a rack, some stack them with padding, some hang them (horizontally / ...
Aravona's user avatar
  • 15.4k
15 votes
4 answers
11k views

How to deal with keeping a first aid kit inside a hot car?

Excluding parking the car in the shade or carrying the kit in person, what are some solutions to handle emergency car kits in the heat? I am aware medications, ointments, creams, adhesives are the ...
Jennifer's user avatar
  • 151
14 votes
3 answers
2k views

What do I need to do to a tent that's been stored for a long time?

I have a rather nice 1-2 person hiking tent from over 20 years ago. It's still made, with very few changes, and is a double wall design that pitches in one go. I thought it was nylon but the current ...
Chris H's user avatar
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14 votes
3 answers
3k views

To stuff or not to stuff (the rain-fly of a tent)

I have friends who say stuffing your rainfly prolongs the life of the tent, because folding waterproof material over and over is going to make it leak. I have other friends who say folding and rolling ...
DudeOnRock's user avatar
  • 7,491
12 votes
1 answer
2k views

Should you store a compass flat?

My girlfriend keeps hanging my compass on the wall. Is this doing it any harm?
user avatar
11 votes
2 answers
2k views

Do barrel style root cellars get colder the deeper you dig them?

I am thinking of digging a six feet narrow hole, and filling it in with a piece 2ft wide piece of sewage pipe, and using that as barrel style root cellar. The reason I want to go so deep, is that I am ...
Anon's user avatar
  • 817
11 votes
2 answers
2k views

What is the best way to store paddles?

I have wood canoe paddles, currently after being out in the water, I bring them in the house and lean them against the wall in the corner. They actually look pretty nice and kind of add to the home ...
James Jenkins's user avatar
11 votes
1 answer
1k views

How to fold rope for storage?

What is a good and easy way to fold a (50-100') rope for storage so that it resembles a caterpillar and has no loose ends getting undone? Close to the way it comes folded in a store like this at the ...
amphibient's user avatar
  • 4,053
10 votes
3 answers
2k views

Do I need to hang a bear cache?

I am considering to get Garcia Machine Backpacker's Cache. According to MEC user reviews, this is the only cache approved in the Adirondack Mountains. Canadian parks, and other places as well, ...
gerrit's user avatar
  • 27.2k
10 votes
2 answers
908 views

Does a groover have to stink?

I have used several different products and none of them work that well. Bottom line, is there a product that will subdue the offending groover? So a groover is a river toilet. On multiple day river ...
MaskedPlant's user avatar
  • 6,232
10 votes
1 answer
3k views

What are the proper precautions/protocols for storing food while car camping in an area with bears?

Anyone with experience in bear-populated areas, what's the best way to store food when your on the move with a car? Are some foods better than others? Wondering specifically about black bears in ...
user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
3k views

Should I leave my boat lift above water or submerged when in storage?

I have a boat lift in my boat house. I'm concerned that leaving the lift in the water will cause the carpeted bunks and metal cross beams to deteriorate more quickly. Should I keep it up or down when ...
Homer's user avatar
  • 473
8 votes
4 answers
1k views

How to re-store an inflatable sleeping pad?

I can't figure out how to put the kelty pdsi back in its stuff sack as small as it did before and can't figure out an easy way to get all the air out
Enzo the backpacker's user avatar
8 votes
4 answers
47k views

How to safely store a propane/butane/isobutane canister in a vehicle?

The canisters that I have purchased so far have included a warning not to let the canister get above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It looks like the inside of car can get well above that, hot enough to bake ...
Charlie Brumbaugh's user avatar
8 votes
4 answers
8k views

What size dry bag is best for keeping and washing clothes?

I want to buy a drybag for washing clothes while backpacking (travelling, not hiking) and also keeping dirty/wet clothes until it is time to wash them. I have available near me 5L, 10L and 20L dry ...
Luiz Borges's user avatar
8 votes
4 answers
2k views

Gear storage: what gear that can be safely stocked outside?

I have plenty of gear and I live in a small apartment. I am planning to buy an outdoor closet to put on the balcony to get some extra space. Here's a sample to show you how it would be like. I would ...
Dakatine's user avatar
  • 4,585
7 votes
1 answer
2k views

Vaseline or Teflon grease near potable water?

I want to install a deck plate in the top of the fresh water tank of my camp trailer (RV) to allow for cleaning the inside at the start of the season. The product I am looking at recommends "...
James Jenkins's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
571 views

How do I store a bivy sack?

I bought a BlocVent bivy sack. What’s a good way to store it for a long time? Obviously I’ll dry it after a hike, but is it okay to roll it up and put it into a small stuff sack afterwards? Or should ...
zoul's user avatar
  • 4,983
6 votes
1 answer
2k views

How can I store skis in car without rust during ski season?

When winter comes, me & family like to downhill ski about twice a week. There are 3 people, and therefore 3 sets of skis that need to be stored. We live in an apartment with no garage, and it is ...
Astor Florida's user avatar
5 votes
4 answers
2k views

Volume of cargo area in a kayak

What is the approximate volume in cubic feet or inches of cargo space in the average sit in kayak?
Randy 's user avatar
  • 67
5 votes
2 answers
702 views

How can I keep a water-proof barrel dry for use in a canoe?

I purchased a couple of used water-proof barrels for keeping things dry in the canoe. They are easy to open and close, so in theory they keep your stuff dry and they float. The lids clamp on (image ...
James Jenkins's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
246 views

How to store a snowboard?

What should one consider while storing a snowboard? Mine is in the same position for about 7 months of the year. In case it makes any differences, here are the specs: Directional shape Sidecut: ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
4 votes
3 answers
404 views

Screen cover for boat inspection port

Looking for solutions for screen covers for the inspection port on a sunfish. In the Q&A What to look for in Marine Grade Expanding Foams we learn that water in the hull of sunfish can be an ...
James Jenkins's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

How to store roe (fish eggs) at home in a refrigerator?

My boyfriend seems to think it’s OK to store his open container of roe on the top shelf of my refrigerator next to all of our food what do you think about this?
Denise Romero's user avatar
4 votes
0 answers
74 views

Which procedure should I do before using a water filter after being unused for two years? [duplicate]

I have a Katadyn hiker pro. I used it for the last time was two years ago and then I stored it without following the procedure for long term storage. This procedure consists in using it with water ...
serbring's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
107 views

Ratchet straps — Purpose of 15-inch loops

I have a set of Rhino 1-inch ratchet straps. The straps came with separate 15-inch loop straps: What is the purpose of the loop straps? And why do they have a twist in them? They aren't sewn with a ...
User1974's user avatar
  • 1,255
3 votes
3 answers
275 views

Best practices for physical and inventory management of a ready pack/bug out bag

Hopefully this is acceptable. I figure this could be relevant as my bug out bag is essentially what I would bring on a camping trip (first aid, fire starters, some food, shelter materials, mess kit, ...
Greg's user avatar
  • 149
2 votes
1 answer
90 views

Paracord spool coming apart

I bought a 1000' spool of paracord for hunting, fishing and general outdoor use. Over the last year or so one end of the spool came off and the cord has started falling off the spool. How can I ...
matt.'s user avatar
  • 121
2 votes
1 answer
125 views

Polyethylene canoe storage in hot attic

I recently got a secondhand Old Town Discovery 169 canoe, which is at least 15 years old and made of some kind of polyethylene (I assume). The problem is, I have nowhere good to store it. I'm ...
Nuclear Hoagie's user avatar
1 vote
3 answers
4k views

How to store fresh dead bait shrimp for a short period of time?

I buy live shrimp at a bait shop on the weekends and use most of it but I always have some left over that I have been throwing out. Is there a way to save recently dead shrimp in the freezer to ...
NULL's user avatar
  • 721