Storing camping gear...

SeaVixen

Hello all!

I'm considering moving in the next few months, and will likely be going from my parent's pretty large four bed detached to a very small flat.

However, I'm a camping convert of 3 years, so have amassed a rather large collection of gear that I'm now concerned over storing in my new place. I may be able to keep some things at the parents house, but would rather avoid it if possible.

I'll obviously go through all of it to check for duplicates, or non-needed items. Does anyone have any tips for things that can double up as other things? (e.g. I have a fold up stool that I use to make myself tall enough to put the tent inner up, and also as a small table)

Can anyone share tales of how you keep your camping gear in a compact space? Any stacking tips appreciated!

Are there any products that can help with this? I've just got some proper compression sacks that should make the sleeping bags take up slightly less space - even centimetres will help right now!


(Apologies if this isn't the most appropriate section of the forum to post this, I just thought this is where most of the camping discussion probably takes place)

LittleMax

I keep all my camping gear in a built in double wardrobe, I have a couple of large plastic storage crates with a lids on so that they stack and then they just get lifted out and straight into the car. Everything else, tents sleeping bags etc are just piled up on top.

Problem I have is that as I have bought new gear I don't tend to get rid of old stuff, so I have lots of duplicates, including 4 tents! I could probably get everything into a smaller space if I had a clear out. My advice would be to have a cull now to trim your gear back to just the stuff you use.

Don't store your sleeping bags in compression sacks - it damages the loft and you get cold spots (especially down bags), compression sacks are just for short term use when travelling.

daveyjp

Ottoman beds are well worth having in a flat with limited storage.

SeaVixen

LittleMax wrote: »

Don't store your sleeping bags in compression sacks - it damages the loft and you get cold spots (especially down bags), compression sacks are just for short term use when travelling.

That is well worth knowing - thank you!! Will take them out tonight!

SeaVixen

daveyjp wrote: »

Ottoman beds are well worth having in a flat with limited storage.

Good thinking! We already have a bed that we'll be taking with us, and if we end up with a spare room then will likely opt for a sofa bed rather than an actual spare bed. However, will definitely keep this in mind for next time! Current bed can fit boxes under it very well. Not as polished a final look as an Ottoman bed though!

We're hopefully going unfurnished, so will keep an eye out for furniture that can double up as storage space!