Airing out gear
Overview
Airing out gear is the routine practice of unpacking and exposing items such as sleeping bags, clothing, or footwear to open air to reduce moisture, odors, and condensation buildup.
Key points
- Often done during camp breaks or zero days to dry out insulation, fabrics, and footwear.
- Helps manage accumulated moisture from sweat, condensation, and environmental humidity.
- Supports long-term comfort and can contribute to gear longevity.
Details
On long hikes, gear gradually accumulates moisture from body heat, weather, and condensation. Airing out gear involves taking items such as sleeping bags, quilts, pads, and damp clothing out of stuff sacks and spreading them where air can circulate. When done under appropriate conditions, this practice can help reduce residual moisture, moderate odors, and restore loft to insulated items. Airing out gear is not a specific cleaning or disinfection method; rather, it is a routine maintenance step that helps keep equipment more comfortable to use over extended periods outdoors.
Related topics
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