Yard sale (gear explosion at camp)
Overview
A yard sale is informal slang for spreading out a large amount of gear to dry, sort, or reorganize, usually at camp or during a rest stop.
Key points
- Refers to gear laid out over a wide area, resembling items spread out at a yard sale.
- Often done to dry wet equipment, inspect items, or reorganize a pack.
- Can be helpful for inventory and maintenance when done in a controlled, low-impact way.
- May be limited by campsite size, regulations, or social considerations around shared spaces.
- Usually temporary and followed by careful re-packing once items are dry and sorted.
Details
The phrase yard sale is widely used among hikers to describe the moment when gear is spread out around a campsite, rest area, or sunny patch of ground. Items such as sleeping bags, clothing, tents, and food bags may be laid out to air, dry, or be inspected, giving the appearance of many belongings on display.
Yard sales can serve practical purposes. After prolonged rain, spreading out equipment allows moisture to evaporate and helps reduce mildew and odour. Sorting gear into clear categories can also reveal what needs repair, what are often packed differently, or which consumables are running low.
At the same time, a large yard sale can affect how others experience a shared space. Spreading gear onto paths, vegetation, or high-use areas may be discouraged or regulated, especially in busy campgrounds or fragile environments. Many hikers choose locations for gear drying that are durable, out of the way, and consistent with local guidelines.
When managed thoughtfully, a yard sale is simply a brief stage in camp routine. Once gear is dry and organized, items are usually re-packed in a way that supports the next day’s hiking and keeps the campsite orderly.
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