Post-Trip Protocol: Your Guide to Drying Camping Gear & Preventing Mold

The Post-Trip Protocol: Drying Your Camping Gear to Prevent Mold

That feeling when you pack up a wet campsite is the worst. The sopping gear goes into its bag, then into the car, and eventually, into your garage. What you do next matters. If you leave the gear wet for too long, you risk mold and bad smells.

Mold damages outdoor gear. It stains fabric, ruins waterproofing, weakens materials, and makes your equipment smell bad. As someone who has learned this the hard way, I know that drying your gear is part of keeping it in good shape. It helps your gear last longer and smell better.

Chapter 1: Why Mold Attacks Your Gear

Mold isn’t just ugly; it’s a living organism. It grows in the dark, in damp places, and where there is no airflow. Damp tents or sleeping bags in their sacks are perfect for mold growth.

What’s at risk?

• Bad Smells: The musty smell that gets into your gear.
• Damaged Fabric: Mold eats away at fabric, making it weak.
• Waterproofing Problems: Mold can damage the waterproof layer on your tent or rain jacket, causing leaks.
• Health Issues: Mold can cause allergies or breathing problems for some people.

Chapter 2: Act Fast When You Get Home

The most important tip: Do not wait.

• Unpack Right Away: Take all wet gear out of its bags as soon as you get home. Every hour matters.
• Loosen Gear: If you can’t dry everything right away, at least unroll or loosen the wet items. Keep them from being folded tightly. Expose them to air quickly.

Chapter 3: How to Create a Good Drying Space

Where you dry your gear matters. Airflow is most important but avoids the sun, if possible.

• Airflow is Key: Make sure air can flow around all parts of your gear. Don’t pile or fold it.
• Good Ventilation: Use a space with good airflow. Examples:
  • A garage or basement (if you have a dehumidifier).
  • A laundry room.
  • A covered porch (away from direct sun).
  • A large room.
• No Direct Sun: The sun can damage the fabric and waterproof layers on your gear. Dry things in the shade or inside.
• Low Humidity Helps: Dry air helps gear dry faster and prevents mold.
• Use Fans: If drying inside, use fans to blow air around. This speeds up the process.

Chapter 4: How to Dry Specific Gear

Different kinds of gear need different drying methods.

• Tents:
  • Best Way: Set up your tent completely, with the rainfly. This lets all surfaces air out.
  • Second Best: Drape the tent and rainfly over clotheslines, chairs, or furniture. Don’t pile it up!
  • Open Everything: Unzip all doors and windows to allow air to flow through.
  • Dry the Footprint: Dry your tent footprint separately.
• Sleeping Bags:
  • Unzip and Hang: Unzip your sleeping bag and hang it. Use a clothesline or drying rack to spread out its weight. This lets the inside dry properly.
  • Avoid Hanging by One Point: Don’t hang a sleeping bag by one corner, as this can hurt the insulation.
• Backpacks:
  • Empty the Pack: Take everything out of all pockets.
  • Open All Zippers: Open every zipper.
  • Remove Liners: If your pack has liners, pull them out so the inside can dry.
  • Hang Upside Down: Hang the pack upside down so water can drain.
• Clothing and Shoes:
  • Hang Clothes: Hang clothes on a line or on hangers.
  • Remove Insoles: Take insoles out of shoes and open them fully to dry.

Chapter 5: Mistakes to Avoid

These mistakes can ruin your drying efforts.

• Never Store Wet Gear: Wet gear in a bag is a breeding ground for mold.
• Don’t Use Sun Only: Sun can help, but too much will damage your gear.
• Don’t Store Too Soon: Make sure everything is completely dry before storing it. Even a little dampness can cause mold later.

Chapter 6: How to Store Gear Long-Term

How you store your gear after drying is also important.

• Use Breathable Bags: Store tents and sleeping bags in large, breathable bags (like cotton or mesh bags). This allows air to circulate and keeps the insulation from being crushed.
• Cool, Dry Place: Store your gear in a cool, dry place, away from heat and humidity.

Wet camping trips happen, but moldy gear doesn’t have to. By following these steps, you’ll protect your gear and avoid bad smells. Your gear will be ready for your next trip.