The camping season comes to an end for many of us with the autumn half-term holidays. Before putting your tent away in the loft until spring, a few simple steps will prevent the unpleasant surprise of April: a canvas covered in mould, a sleeping bag that no longer puffs up, a mattress that smells musty, or a lamp whose batteries have leaked. Here's how to store your camping gear for the winter, piece by piece.
The tent: dry, clean, then stored
It's the golden rule: never store a damp tent. Even if it was folded dry, morning dew or condensation is enough to cause problems. Manufacturers warn that mould can appear in just a few days, and its marks won't come out without damaging the waterproof coating. They are generally not covered by warranty.
- Dry it: reassemble your tent in the garden on a dry day, or lay the inner tent and flysheet out in a garage or on a clothes horse, turning them over to dry both sides. Leave them for several hours, or even a few days, even if everything seems dry to the touch.
- Clean it: brush off soil and needles once dry. For a stain, a sponge, warm water and mild soap are enough. Avoid washing-up liquid, bleach, stain removers and above all the washing machine or tumble dryer, which can melt the fabric or remove its waterproof treatment.
- Check it: go round the seams, zips and groundsheet. A small tear is easily repaired today with a patch, much less so the day before you leave.
- Store it: preferably folded loosely in a breathable bag rather than a sealed plastic bag, in a dry place away from light. A damp cellar is the worst place.
The poles and pegs also deserve a look: wipe them down, straighten any bent pegs and replace any missing ones. If you're thinking of getting a new tent next year, our guide Choosing your camping tent details the points to watch for.
The sleeping bag: never compressed all winter
Whether it's down or synthetic, a sleeping bag left in its compression bag for months will lose some of its loft, and therefore some of its warmth. Manufacturers recommend removing it from the bag as soon as you get home, airing it out, then storing it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage bag, or hung on a coat hanger in a dry cupboard. A pillowcase or duvet cover will also do. For washing, follow the label: down requires suitable detergent and long, complete drying.
The mattress: unrolled, valve open
For a self-inflating mattress, the manufacturers' advice is clear: store it unrolled and inflated, with the valve open, in a dry place, for example under a bed or behind a wardrobe. The foam retains its shape this way and any remaining moisture inside can escape. An inflatable mattress should be cleaned, dried completely and then stored folded without tight creases. Take the opportunity to check that it doesn't leak: a mattress that deflates during the night is a sure way to be cold on your next trip.
Camp kitchen: stove, cartridges and cooler
- Stove: clean the burners and supports, then store it dry. Always disconnect the cartridge or bottle before putting it away.
- Gas cartridges and bottles: store them away from frost and heat, in a ventilated space, never in a cellar or basement, and away from any flame. Bear in mind that butane doesn't work well in very cold weather: for winter camping, cartridges mixing butane and propane are better suited.
- Cooler and jerry can: wash them, dry them and store them with the lid or cap slightly open to prevent odours.
- Crockery: a final thorough wash, and everything in the same box. Make a note of what's missing or broken while you can see it all.
Lamps, electronics and small accessories
Remove the batteries from head torches, lanterns and devices that use them: batteries left for several months can leak and damage the contacts. External batteries and rechargeable lamps are best stored partially charged rather than completely empty, following the manufacturer's instructions. Chairs, folding table and awning should be cleaned and stored dry, like the tent.
Prepare for next season now
The best time to note what was missing this summer is now. Store all your equipment in the same place, stick a list on the box and plan repairs over winter. In spring, all that's left to do is load the car.
And if the urge to get away comes back before spring, some campsites stay open all year round, particularly in the mountains or in the south. This is the case with Domaine des Écrins in the Hautes-Alpes, according to its listing, and the coast of the Var enjoys mild days in the shoulder season. Our tips for autumn camping will help you sleep well when the nights get cooler. Always check the opening dates with the campsite before you go, and browse the map of campsites or the list of campsites to find your next destination.
