Gear Care 101: Storing Your Hunting Essentials

After a successful season of limiting on waterfowl, take a few simple steps to preserve your hunting clothing until next year.

Clean Up

Before packing up your gear, give all of your hunting clothing a good, gentle cleaning according to labels. For items that aren’t machine-washable, be sure to wipe off any dirt, blood, and saltwater with a wet cloth. After everything is clean, allow it to thoroughly air dry.

Get Organized

If you have a variety of jackets, waders, and other pieces for different destinations and times throughout the system, sort your clothing so you can easily find everything you need when the early season rolls around next season. Fold items so they take up less space.

Pack Up

The easiest and most affordable way to store hunting clothing for months at a time is inside clean plastic bins with a solid seal. Place your gear inside, based on your organization system, along with desiccant packets to prevent moisture, then add a label on the outside. You can also opt for vacuum-sealed bags, which can take up even less space and allow you to see what’s inside at any time.

Store Wisely

Once all your hunting clothing is in dry plastic bins or vacuum-sealed bags, store it in a dry spot away from the elements to prevent fabric and components from degrading in extreme conditions.