Back in 2011, nearly 42.5 million Americans went camping — and it’s only become more popular since then. These fun family vacations can allow you to create memories that will last a lifetime, but you’ll need to prepare well ahead of time to get the most out of your trip. Whether you’re going to spend time in South Dakota cabins or plan to rough it in the wilderness, you’ll likely be using your fair share of outdoor gear while you’re camping with your family. Before you set out on your adventure, look over this list and replace any items sooner rather than later.
You should replace your hiking boots if…
…they’re uncomfortable, they’re no longer waterproof, the soles are worn-out, or your kids don’t fit into them anymore. Many boot manufacturers say that boots should be replaced every 300 to 500 miles, but it really depends on the overall quality, how frequently you wear them, and overall comfort. You should never be able to easily touch the inner treads of hiking shoes or boots. And if you find that there’s no more tread left on the soles or that the stitching is coming out, it’s time to look for a new pair.
Replace your tent when…
…it has large holes or rips, it’s overly stretched, or it has lost its waterproofing. A high-quality tent can allow you to experience fun family vacations for years without incident. However, accidents can happen. You may be able to patch a small hole, but anything bigger than an inch in diameter should warrant complete replacement. It’s more likely you’ll need to replace the tent poles, rather than the tent itself, but if the poles no longer stretch the tent fabric the way it should, you may want to look into a newer and better tent.
Consider replacing your sleeping bags if…
…they are frayed, have broken zippers, or no longer offer water-resistance or warmth. Sleeping bags aren’t typically subjected to the wear and tear that other camping gear is, but they may lose their ability to protect your family if they aren’t maintained properly. You can extend the life of your sleeping bag by storing it outside of its compression bag. Keeping those sleeping bags as “puffy” as possible is what will actually keep your family warm and dry. You may be able to restore a sleeping bag by washing and drying it in your machine at home. If this doesn’t seem to help, you may want to replace it. You should also look into new sleeping bags if the ones you own are no longer waterproof, if the fabric has frayed, or the if the zippers are broken.
You’ll need a new backpack when…
…the frames are bent, the straps and buckles are worn out, or it’s uncomfortable to wear. Your backpack’s components aren’t likely to wear down all at once, so it’s possible to use the same backpack for many years. However, you should think about replacing it if the frame is jutting out or if the shoulder straps have lost their padding. You may also want to think about getting a new one if the buckles are broken, the fabric is fraying, or the hip belt is worn out. Keep in mind that many manufacturers will offer long-term guarantees (sometimes even lifetime warranties!). They may offer to repair or replace it at no cost to you.
If you take the time to inspect your camping gear and replace any items prior to your trip, you’ll have many more fun family vacations to look forward to. To start planning your camping trip, contact us today!
