Backpacking Checklist: Things to do After Each Trip
When the trip is done and you’re back home, all you want to do is toss your backpack in the garage and forget about it for a while. Though this is tempting, it is important to unpack and clean up your gear sooner rather than later. Leaving your stuff in a dirty, damp bundle for a few days or weeks won’t do you any favors.
Get the dirty work done, then relax afterwards knowing your gear is clean and ready for your next trip! Below is a checklist for the most important things to do to clean your gear after a backpacking trip.
1. Air Out Your Tent
It is likely that you had a morning or two where dew gathered on your tent. If you leave that moisture in your tent for the months between trips, it can start to grow mold or develop an odor. Keep your tent clean and dry by pitching it in a dry area to air it out after every trip.
2. Wash All Clothing (even things you don’t wear)
As a general rule, I wash all of the clothing I bring on a backpacking trip when I return. Regardless of whether I wore it or not. One reason is to kill any bugs and ticks that might be hiding in them. Once a bug gets in your bag, your clothes are free reign! This also gets rid of the sweat smell that tends to take over the entire backpack.
3. Air Out Your Boots
Let your boots sit outside in the sun with their tongues out for a couple hours. This will help dry off the mud on the outside so you can brush it off more easily. It will also dry the sweat and eliminate some of the stinky foot smell.
4. Air Out Your Backpack
Empty everything out of your backpack and allow it to sit in the sun for a couple of hours. Keep the pockets open to allow air to flow through it. This will dry it out to keep it from getting musky.
5. Clean Water Filters
After every trip, it is best practice to flush your water filters. This will help limit the clogging and keep your filter working great for more trips. Follow the instructions on your water filter to clean it properly.
6. Clean Water Bladder
If you are using a water reservoir when backpacking, make sure to clean that out and allow it to dry completely. This will prevent it from getting moldy. It will also keep your water tasting fresh the next time you use it.
7. Wash Your Dishes
When you return from your next backpacking trip, make sure your thoroughly wash any dishes, stoves, cups, and utensils that you brought with. Chances are, you didn’t clean them very well on the trail. Use antibacterial dish soap and hot water to kill any bacteria that might be lurking on it.
8. Replenish Anything Used in Your First Aid Kit
Think back on your trip and take inventory of anything in your first aid kit that you used. Replace any bandage, medication, or other safety needs while it is still fresh in your mind. Not sure what should be in your first aid kit? Read this!
Next time you return from a backpacking trip, keep this checklist handy. You will be in better shape for the following trip. Keeping things clean may also limit the wear and tear on your gear so you can use them longer. It may be a little extra work that you’re not thrilled about doing, but it will be worth it in the long run!
Cover photo from namu_photograph on Unsplash
