You meant to clean your gear before putting it away last fall… but let’s be honest, things got busy. The good news? Spring is the perfect excuse to dig it all out, clean it up, and get adventure ready.

Outdoor and Camping Gear: 

Here’s your gear check-in, cleanup, and tune-up checklist so you’re prepped for your next “let’s go” moment.

1. Give Your Tent Some TLC

   Unpack it, inspect it, and give it a good shakeout. Check for any unwelcome surprises—mold, rips, or the lingering smell of that last rainy camping trip.
   
   
   
   Holes happen, patch them up instead of tossing. Don't forget to check the zippers. Put vaseline on the zippers to keep them lubricated and to prevent them from getting stuck or damaged.
   
   Top it off with seam sealer and a fresh spray of water repellent. Bonus points if you let it breathe outside for a few hours. Don't forget to do a gear check - poles, pegs, cords. Everything should be in working order.
   
   

2. Air Out Your Sleeping Bag

   Your sleeping bag deserves a spa day. Hang it outside on a sunny day to bring back that cozy fluff (aka. loft). Spot clean any obvious signs of dirt. If it's machine washable, follow the label and treat it gently. Many brands suggest drying on low heat with a few tennis balls to evenly redistribute the insulation.
   
   
   
   Spot any holes? Patch them now before they grow into bigger problems.
   
   

3. Restock That First Aid Kit

   Empty it out and take inventory. Replace anything that's been used, and check expiry dates on medications and ointments. A good rule? Review it every 3 months - but if you're only doing it once a year, now is the time.
   
   Need to build a kit from scratch? Start here.
   
   
   
   

4. Wash Your Rain Jacket

   Yep, rain gear needs cleaning too. It'll work better—and last longer—with regular maintenance.
   Check out our full GORE-TEX care guide here.
   
   
   
   

5. Clean Out Your Backpack

   At a minimum, shake out and vacuum crumbs and dirt from inside pockets and compartments. (Spoiler alert: You will find an old granola bar. Eat at your own risk.) A little mild soap and warm water go a long way in making your pack smell less like last summer. Do NOT throw your backpack in the washing machine. 
   
   
   
   

6. Deep Clean Your Hydration Bladder

   Hydration systems are mold magnets if you're not careful. Clean it with any of the following:
   > Reservoir cleaning tablets
   > A baking soda mix (1/4 cup per litre of water)
   > Lemon juice (1/4 cup per litre of water)
   
   
   
   Let it soak for 20 minutes, scrub the tube with a brush (this part matters!), rinse with warm soapy water, then air dry with all parts disassembled. Boom—no funky taste on your next hike.
   
   
   

7. Inspect Your Camping Stove

   Brush off cobwebs, clean the burner, and inspect the fuel line for clogs. Make sure you've got full or fresh fuel canisters on hand. No one wants to find out mid-trip that the stove's a no-go.
   
   
   
   
   

8. Test Electronics & Headlamps

   Check batteries and clean contacts to avoid any sketch flickering in the dark. Swap in fresh batteries now so you're not fumbling for spares in the woods later. A working GPS unit could mean a matter of life or death (literally).
   
   
   
   

9. Refresh Your Boots

   Mud happens. Scrub them clean, let them dry completely, then apply a waterproof spray made for leather or fabric. Check laces and insoles too—no one wants to blow a lace 5km into a hike.
   
   
   
   

Bonus Tip: Organize Your Gear Like A Pro
Now that everything's clean and inspected, get it all sorted. Use storage bins, label them, and make your future self proud. Easy grab-and-go access = more spontaneous adventures.

Whether you're gearing up for weekends at the lake or epic backcountry trips, a little spring cleaning goes a long way. Clean gear = happy camper.

Need repair tools or touch-up products?
> Check out our gear maintenance essentials
> Browse Nikwax cleaning & waterproofing 

Get Set For Opening Day: Your Fishing Gear Prep Checklist

Spring isn't just about cleaning—it's about getting ready to cast off. Before you hit the water, take a little time to prep your gear so you're not scrambling on opening day. Here's what to check:

1. Tune Up Your Rods & Reels
   Your reels work best with a little routine love. Reel maintenance ensures your drag system pulls smoothly, that your handle and spool turn freely, and that your line releases effortlessly. Clean and lubricate them, then spool fresh line if needed. Got old line? Toss it in a designated fishing line recycling bin (no landfills, please).
   
   
   
   Wipe down rod handles with warm, soapy water and check for cracks or damage while you're at it.
   
   
   
2. Tackle Box Overhaul
   Time for a tackle audit.
   > Wipe down boxes, trays, and bags with a damp cloth
   > Sort and organize your tackle so you're not digging mid-cast
   > Label trays for quick access (Plano systems make this easy)
   
   
   
   Sharpen dull hooks, toss anything rusty or damaged, and restock now so you're not short when the bite is hot.
   
   
3. Check Your Tools & Gear
   Give your pliers, scissors, and other essentials a clean and a quick tune-up. Missing anything? Now's the time to replace it. Inspect rain gear, waders, and PFDs for rips, leaks, or wear. Patch or upgrade as needed.
   
   
   
4. Boat Maintenance
   Don't leave boat maintenance until the night before.
   
   
   
   Get your servicing done early and do a complete circle check. Check the hull, motor and prop, as well as ensure working trailer lights, and proper tire pressure. Don't forget to restock safety equipment so everything's good to go.
   
   
   
5. Update Your Paperwork
   Last but not least, renew your fishing license and boat registration before opening day. Nothing kills the mood like forgetting the paperwork. Also, check to ensure you are familiar with any new fishing regulations in your fishing zone.
   
   Fishing Regulations: https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary.
   
   
   
   Buy Fishing and Hunting Licenses: https://www.huntandfishontario.com/

Once all that's done? You're ready to hit the water the minute the season opens—no stress, no scrambling. Just you, your gear and the open water.td