Gear Condition Checklist

Make sure your gear is in working condition as you prepare for a new season of adventure! Follow our gear condition checklist to make sure nothing is overlooked.

 

Clothing - Look closely at the clothes you plan on wearing, keep an eye out for rips, tears, and busted seams. Then check the condition of the following. 

  • Zippers
  • Buttons
  • Strings
  • Snaps

Bags & Packs - It all starts with you pack, don't get caught far from the car with a bag that has suffered a tear or puncture. Consider cleaning the pack and spraying a fresh coating of DWR. Then closely review the following items. 

  • Zippers
  • Straps
  • Buckles
  • Retainers
  • Draw cords
  • Shoulder Straps
  • Webbing

Sleeping Bags & Pads - Don't risk losing insulation or suffering from a deflated sleeping pad. Closely review the entire bag for rips and busted seams. Fill your sleeping pad with air and gently apply pressure to the pad. Listen closely for the sound of air escaping from a faulty valve or puncture. 

  • Seams
  • Zippers
  • Draw cords
  • Retainers
  • Velcro
  • Valves

Tents & Hammocks - No one wants a leaky tent or risk falling from their hammock. Ensure to review the following items to ensure a comfortable trip. Set up your tent or hammock and closely inspect them. 

  • Taped seams
  • Zippers
  • Retainers
  • Velcro
  • Poles
  • Guylines
  • Tensioners
  • Loops
  • Straps
  • Carabiners
  • Stakes
  • Mesh 

Boots & Shoes - Your footwear will dictate how comfortable you are on your adventure. Once verifying that your boots or shoes still have a solid structure that will properly support your feet and ankles. Further review them for damage or maintenance needs. 

  • Aglets
  • Eyelets
  • Laces
  • Insoles
  • DWR or Wax
  • Sole adhesion
  • Tread 

Cooking & Camp Essentials - Lastly, take a few minutes to review your cooking & camp gear. Make sure it is in good order and will hold up to the rigors of the trail. 

  • Stove in good condition 
  • Fuel levels
  • Headlamp Functional with fresh batteries
  • Cutlery clean 
  • Pocket knife is sharp
  • Multitool is clean and sharp
  • Wet wipes have not dried out
  • Dry bags no not have punctures
  • Ample fire starting tools
  • Consider adding a bandana to your camp kit for cleaning your hands
  • Compass & mapping tools are in good order
  • Water bladder is not leaky
  • Consider adding a role of repair tape and a needle with thread