Listen to the full episode here:
Could your gear use a little TLC?
This episode of the Snowys Camping Show Podcast is the one for you! Listen in as our gear experts Ben and Lauren talk you through the importance of maintaining your gear and what should be done before a trip. They also dive into transporting it securely and storing it properly, plus correct use, DIY repairs, warranties, and more!
Shortcuts:
00:00 – Intro
02:20 – Test your tent before your trip
04:33 – Cleaning gear after your trip
05:37 – Transporting gear
06:18 – Zip maintenance
07:37 – Storage at home
08:36 – Waterproofing your gear
09:21 – Setting up your gear correctly
10:09 – Manufacturing faults
11:08 – Using your camping gear properly
11:57 – Environmental factors
13:59 – Airbeds & punctures
16:21 – Spare parts & warranties
21:52 – Repairs & modifications
23:06 – Wear and tear & lifetime of products
Mentioned in this Episode:
Products:
Blogs:
Guide to Camping Gear Maintenance & Repair
Other:
YouTube: How to Repair a Broken Tent Pole
YouTube: How to Repair a Leaky Air Mattress
Before Your Trip
Even if it’s not a brand new tent, set it up at home before your trip so you can suss out if there is anything missing. Or if it is a new purchase, take it out of the box and give it a test run so you can get to know your new gear and troubleshoot anything that you’re uncertain with before heading off on your trip.
Cleaning & Transport
Before you leave the campsite, wipe off any dirt or moisture from your gear before you pack it up. This will prevent it from getting mouldy, keep it cleaner, and will ensure it lasts. Plus it makes it much nicer for next time.
It’s also important to pack your gear up properly into a sturdy carry bag so that nothing gets broken while you’re in transit.
Where to Store Your Gear
Choose somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight to store your gear. Inside a cupboard or in tubs in your shed will ensure it’s unaffected by moisture.
Living in a humid environment can potentially have a negative impact on your gear. For example, the fly on lightweight tents can become sticky if the waterproof coating is exposed to moisture. A way to mitigate this is to keep it in a dry cool area out of sunlight and in a breathable bag.
Ensure your gear lasts by taking care of it properly. Image: Oztent
Correct Use
It’s important to set up your gear properly using all the included pegs, poles, and guy ropes, and don’t take any shortcuts. If you are using the standard pegs that come included with your tent, then consider upgrading to heavier duty ones.
It’s a good idea to use your gear for its intended purpose and keep within the laws of ‘fair use’.
Environmental Factors
Tents are not a permanent structure, so they’re just not designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. That’s why it’s super important to get to know your gear, understand the limitations and use your common sense when out in the field.
Repair
Repairing your gear is something that is generally a great skill to have so that you can do an impromptu fix if it breaks mid-trip. Spare parts across brands are not always readily available, but we may be able to source one directly from the supplier should you need it.
We have some resources such as videos on how to fix a hole in an airbed, and how to repair a broken tent pole which are worth checking out too.
Warranty
Care, storage, and correct use are all factors that are important when it comes to warranty. This is because manufacturers won’t cover the wear and tear on your products, just the materials and workmanship of the product.
Some examples of wear and tear can include abrasions, scuffs, stains, rips or tears, loss of DWR, fabric wearing thin, or degradation from UV exposure.
We are passionate about after-care service and we have an in-house warranty department to streamline the process for our customers. Unfortunately, we can’t control the outcome of a warranty claim as we are a 3rd party, but we aim to make it easier to achieve a resolution from a supplier should your product fail.
Also keep in mind that warranty claims take time to be processed by the supplier and in some instances, the product may require testing. This highlights the importance of checking your gear before you leave so that you’re not caught out in the middle of a camping trip.
Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!
Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of the Snowys Camping Show Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pocket Casts, or Stitcher so you never miss an upload.
If you have any questions for Ben and Lauren, make sure you head over to our Facebook group and let us know as we’d love to hear from you.
Catch you out there!
From tent pegs and air tents, to setups for summer and one-pot wonders – our gear gurus Ben and Lauren unpack the topics on every camper’s tongue, taking each minute to the limit with how-to’s, destinations, and expert interviews. Be it a swag, tent, or ‘swent’ – set up camp with us!