How to Avoid Potential Dangers That Can Ruin Your Camping Gear - Panergy
You should always try to find high-quality equipment and read up on different types of tents, portable stoves and other camping devices to choose reliable, durable products. Even if you invest thousands of dollars on the best equipment money can buy, however, you will need to take appropriate steps to protect your gear from the elements.
You'll need to recognize and avoid dozens of potential dangers, including:
BUGS
Insects are mainly an annoyance, but certain bugs can damage electronics and clothing. Very few bugs will eat through tarp or other hard materials, so you can avoid problems with many insects by keeping sensitive items in your tent.
You can also spray your gear with bug repellant, but most repellents work by masking carbon dioxide to hide human scents from mosquitoes and other pests, so they won't work especially well on equipment. Avoid harsh insecticides, which can damage the local ecosystem. Many campsites have laws against pesticide or harsh repellant use.
RAIN
Moisture can damage your cast iron pans, your flashlights, electronics, and just about every other piece of equipment that you bring with you on a camping trip. Camping gear is often water resistant, but anything not specifically designed for the outdoors will probably require some careful planning.
To keep your campsite out of the rain, choose a good spot that's on a slight incline. The incline should stop water from pooling during heavy downpours. Pick a high-quality, weatherproof tent and test its ability to withstand rain by spraying it with your garden hose before you leave on your trip.
Always think about rain before turning in for the night. Remember, you're outdoors, so you should always keep your electronics and anything that could be ruined by water in your tent with you.
DIRT AND TWIGS
Believe it or not, dirt can find its way into your gear, preventing it from working correctly. Dust can damage anything with gears or anything electronic. You could also snag your tent or clothes on sharp twigs, so you'll want to pick your campsite carefully to avoid these dangers.
Obviously, you'll encounter dirt and dust almost anywhere, but you can keep your tent safe by placing a thick-bristled mat at the tent's entrance. You can also keep potentially sensitive gear in a clean, empty cooler or other airtight container.
Inspect your site carefully for twigs, burrs and thorns. Avoid camping near "hard" plants whenever possible and bring a small broom to clear off sites for your equipment.
FIRE
Fire--and more often, smoke--can seriously endanger your equipment. Fortunately, you can stay safe and protect your gear by putting out your campfires properly. Put water in your campfire ashes and swirl the embers with a stick to completely eliminate any embers. Make sure to keep delicate electronics away from fire and smoke at all times.
Above all else, pay attention when you're camping. Watch the weather and understand the limitations of your equipment. With careful planning and some common sense, you should be able to keep your gear in pristine condition for years to come.
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