Spring gear cleaning

With summer weather here, it’s a good idea to take stock of your outdoor gear and make sure everything is in shape and ready for the season, making your first trip of the year that much easier.

Wash your sleeping bag and scrub down your backpack. Unfurl your rain jacket and rain pants from their zip-up pouch and get all the crinkles out with a good wash. Rejuvenate their rain rappelling ability with a spray on water-proofer if necessary. Set up your tent and look for any tears and make sure no poles or stakes are missing. Seal the seams on your tent while you have it set up. Give your stove the once over, including a good lube for any parts that need it. Buy a new can of fuel for the year if you use white gas, as old fuel burns funny.