The Best SIM Card for Europe Travel

When traveling abroad, the modern traveler needs a reliable and stable connection, preferably at a reasonable rate. In this article, we will weigh the different mobile network options when traveling abroad, the best SIM card for Europe, and what an esim+mobile data travel can offer for users.

The best SIM Card for Europe: Roaming, travel eSIM, or local operator card?

The best mobile connection option when traveling abroad is the one that meets your needs. In order to find the right option for you, it is worth considering your usage scenarios. For this, you should ask yourself a couple of questions.

How long will the trip be?

If you are planning a return trip somewhere and you still have a local SIM card from your last visit, you may still be able to use it. Be sure to check its expiration date, because usually operators cancel cards that are inactive for more than six months. If the card works, there is a great chance of finding a tariff more profitable than roaming, especially for long-term trips.

But if you are going to a new country for a short time, a local SIM card is hardly your option: it can be pricey, and not everywhere offers weekly rates. 

In this case, an eSIM for your Europe trip is more economical.

How many countries do you plan to visit?

If your Europe trip covers several countries, it is advantageous to use a universal eSIM.

Which is more important to you: Calls or using the Internet?

If you need a phone just to call your mom, there is no need to overpay for a data plan. In this case you can simply use a package for calls. If you need a little data, you can pay for it by usage via a local operator, without splurging on a daily subscription fee. If you need constant and reliable connection to the internet, you should immediately choose eSIM for your Europe trip.

Often travelers overpay simply because they did not check the settings on the eve of the trip. Many operators have unprofitable tariffs by default: if you do not configure roaming for the destination country, then you can lose all the money at the first connection to the network abroad. 

To avoid senseless expenses, it is worth preparing for your trip in advance and choosing an eSIM.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM card is a virtual SIM card distributed in the form of a QR code. It is registered in the settings of mobile devices, without requiring a physical SIM slot. 

This technology is still in the early stages, but it is already supported in 88 countries. In the near future, it should be available worldwide. As the technology spreads, new devices with its support will appear on the market.

The eSIM card is a new technological development in the telecommunications market, which is a digital SIM card for working with modern phone models. The main advantage of this technology is the ability to link several virtual numbers and tariff plans at once. This can be convenient for situations such as simultaneous use of personal and work numbers on the same smartphone, or trips abroad which require connection with multiple mobile operators.

In addition, one of the key differences between eSIM and traditional physical SIM cards is the ability to purchase a digital SIM card online, without visiting the operator’s office. This may be especially important if you need to purchase a SIM card for cheap Internet while abroad.

What solutions does an eSIM provide when traveling Europe?

A SIM card for Europe travel can solve several problems at once. For example, the problem of the high cost of roaming tariffs abroad. Or the fact that Wi-Fi is not stable and available everywhere. 

Additionally, it is inconvenient to purchase a SIM card in a new country for several reasons. Firstly, it is not always easy and quick to find a local SIM card. Secondly, even on short trips, you typically have to buy a data plan for a month. Thirdly, you are leaving your personal data exposed in a foreign country. The fourth inconvenience concerns owners of smartphones with just one SIM card slot: once you change the SIM card, you will not be able to receive calls to your permanent number.

The main advantages of eSIM

  • There is no need to remove and rearrange the physical SIM card, which provides better moisture protection for the phone, and also eliminates mechanical failure or loss of the SIM card.
  • The ability to link several virtual SIM cards to one device at the same time.
  • The use of this type of SIM card is possible not only in phones and tablets but also in smartwatches, trackers, and other devices.
  • The new technology is more environmentally friendly because it helps to reduce the production of plastic, microchips, and other elements used in the production of traditional physical SIM cards.

Plastic or eSIM?

An electronic SIM card is a chip built into new models of smartphones, tablets, and watches. You do not need an additional slot for the second SIM card, you can use eSIM simultaneously with a plastic version of your local operator. If your phone supports eSIM, it’s more convenient than plastic.

Check if your phone has a built-in chip. If yes, just download the settings from the selected mobile operator. You can set up several electronic profiles from different operators. For the duration of the trip, you can disable your home SIM card and set up call forwarding to the sim. Or use one of the cards for calls and the other for the Internet.

The best SIM card for Europe Travel: Final Thoughts

In 2023, a large number of virtual SIM cards (eSIM) will be presented on the mobile communication market. They will be put forth from various manufacturers offering flexible tariff plan systems, both for calls within their country and abroad. When buying a digital SIM card, you can choose the region or country in which you plan to use communication services.

A convenient advantage of eSIM is that several SIM cards from different operators can be activated on one device at once, or with different tariff plans, with the ability to instantly switch the active SIM card.

The choice is yours, but we recommend choosing eSIM!

8 Travel Memory Gifts and Keepsake Ideas

When you share a love of travel with someone, giving them something you have discovered during your travels is a great gift idea. It gives them a gift they will remember for the rest of their lives and allows you to share your memories with them in a way that other people would not be able to.

Giving travel memory gifts is an easy way to make sure that your friends and family feel valued when they are around you. You can share these travel keepsakes in different ways too – whether giving them something small like a postcard or something more substantial like a new camera, there is always an option for everyone.

A small gift can go a long way and doesn’t have to be expensive. It could be as simple as giving your travel companion a book about the destination or some postcards from local artists.

If this sounds like something you want to do, here are several ideas of travel memory gifts and travel keepsake ideas you can give your travel buddy.

Wooden World Map

A wooden world map keepsake is a great travel keepsake gift for your travel buddy. It can be a great way for them to show where they have been using pins, inspire them to continue the adventure, and get them excited about their next destination.

A wooden world map is a fantastic decoration in any home, making them feel like they are always on the go, no matter where they are. This map will remind them that there is always more to explore and more places to go. A wooden world map can also give you more knowledge about the world and helps you get acquainted with the geography of different countries.

Local Rocks or Minerals

A rock is a perfect travel memory gift for a travel buddy because it can be a symbol of your friendship. A stone can remind them of you and your shared memories. It’s also a great way to say that you are always there for them, even when you are not physically present.

We often think of rocks as boring and not something we would like to get as a gift. But they can be a great travel keepsake for your travel buddy.

Rock collections are inexpensive to show someone you care about them and that you want to commemorate their love for travel. You can create your collection by picking up a few rocks from your favorite destinations or buying one of the many ready-made collections available at stores.

Personalized Travel Memory Gifts

Personalized gifts are a great way to show how much you care about your travel buddy. Something as simple as personalized books for adults can be great memorabilia for your travel memories together. It can be a story about the two of you or an adventure you went on together. It will remind them of all the good times you had when traveling together.

Personalized books are a great way to show appreciation for someone who has traveled with you. They can be funny, sentimental, or adventurous depending on what kind of person they are and what kind of trip it was.

Local Toys

The best thing about local toys is that it offers something different from the usual travel gifts people give each other.

Local toys are a great travel keepsake for your travel buddy because they are unique, and the receiver will think of you whenever they play with the toy.

Local Currency

One of the best travel memory gifts for your travel buddy is local currency from the country you are visiting together. You can buy it at the airport or before your trip online. The local currency is a fabulous souvenir and an excellent way to get more bang when traveling abroad.

Local currencies are great gifts for travelers who already have an upcoming trip planned. Give them a bit of starting cash that they can spend in the country they visit. They can also use it as a travel souvenir of their trip and keep it as a memory of their travels.

Wine and Spirits

Local wine or spirits make excellent travel memory gifts for your travel-loving buddy. Many cultures around the world pride themselves on their unique traditional beverages, and this is a great way to bring that culture home. Maybe your travel buddy and you can enjoy the wine or spirits together while reminiscing about your trip.

Plates and Cutlery

Decorated earthenware in a souvenir shop, Sozopol, Bulgaria

Pick up decorated earthenware as a travel keepsake, like these in Sozopol, Bulgaria

We have the perfect suggestion if you are looking for unique, thoughtful, and practical travel memory gift ideas for your travel buddy. Plates and cutlery can make a truly unique travel keepsake. Locally-crafted plates and cutlery are typically elaborately decorated and will add an international flair to your kitchen equipment back home.

Consider buying these travel memory gifts or travel keepsake ideas when you’re interested in showing appreciation for your travel buddy. Aside from your usual postcard, these gift ideas can be more interesting for your recipient. Check these out for yourself so that it becomes easier to find the right travel gift.

What to Wear for Winter Hiking

Snow-capped mountains, coniferous forests, and gently frosted streams – a winter hike is one of the best ways to catch the beauty of the winter landscape. It also presents a challenging and rewarding outdoor activity for you to go solo or with friends.

All hikes need to be prepared for in a way that ensures safety and comfort – but none more so than those attempted in winter. As you’ll learn, the season presents greater challenges than just keeping out of the cold.

In this article, we’ll look at what to wear for winter hiking, what gear you should be using, and some tips to retain that ever-important heat in the frigid winter months. With the right equipment, you’ll be able to get the most out of these affirming, exciting outdoor experiences.

What Are The Perfect Clothes For Winter Hiking?

We’re going for a comprehensive guide to what to wear for your winter hiking outfit, so let’s start the top down. As a general rule – warmth is the name of the game, but it’s not the only metric to consider when finding the perfect set of clothes for winter hiking. As we discuss each garment, we’ll be assessing its benefits and potential flaws.

What Hat Should I Wear For Winter Hiking?

Starting off on our list of cold weather hiking clothes – the hat. It’s often said that we lose most of our heat through our heads – this isn’t strictly true – but a sensible piece of headwear is a vital part of what to wear for winter hiking.

As with all items on our list, a good hat isn’t just about providing warmth but comfort as well. Think of how the tops of your ears feel when exposed to the cold wind – it stings, doesn’t it. That’s because your ears aren’t particularly fatty, and therefore aren’t as well insulated. It can be a shock to all those tiny blood vessels.

You can make up for this with a piece of headwear that covers them, such as a beanie. Polyester blends are popular, and typically more affordable than other materials. Wool offers the highest amount of heat retention at the lowest weight – but may not be waterproof, something you’ll come to value as all that snow settles on your head. This is where acrylic knit beanies come in handy, and they often include a microfleece interior to retain that level of warmth.

Whatever material you choose, you can go out into the snow in style – their popularity and versatility mean that many brands offer warm beanies that are the height of winter hiking fashion. To summarize:

  • Look for something that covers the tops of your ears, like a beanie or other wooly hat.
  • Choose a material that is waterproof, but still warm, such as acrylic knit with a fleecy interior.
  • Go for something that’s lightweight and unobtrusive.

And what do those little bobbles do, you might be wondering? Nothing – they were once used to denote ranks and status but are now just a cheerful remnant of winters passed.

What Jacket Should I Wear For My Snow Hiking Outfit?

In snowy conditions it's essential to have the right winter hiking attire

In snowy conditions it’s essential to have the right hiking attire

Once again, as is the general rule for a snow hiking outfit, warm and waterproof is the key. Puffy jackets do this best, and synthetic insulation is a popular option for its water-resistant qualities.

Traditional down insulation, while made from fluffy feathers that trap air to retain heat, becomes heavy and virtually useless once damp. For a dry cold weather hike, this may be your preferred option – it’s also far lighter, but if you’re entering areas with expected snowfall, the bulkier synthetic insulation is a better bet.

Regardless, in very cold climates make sure you have something that covers the torso and arms. Bodywarmers are a popular choice for what to wear for winter hiking – flexible and covering the vital chest area – but naturally provide less coverage.

Go for a tall collar that extends over the neck (this is fairly standard for most outdoor jackets) in order to protect that area as well.

Hikers may consider a scarf over the top of a looser fitting jacket to keep the collar tightly pressed to the neck stopping cold air from entering, but this may restrict movement and provide unnecessary bulk.

A good quality, well-insulated, waterproof, form-fitting jacket covers all the basics.

What Gloves Should I Wear When Winter Hiking?

While other areas are vital for retaining heat, the extremities are the most receptacle to the effects of cold, including the nasty and devastating effects of frostbite.

You’re going to be weighing up protection and dexterity here – you’ll want to wear something that offers plenty of heat, but you’re also probably looking to use most of your equipment with your gloves on, potentially even those finicky GPS screens. Mittens, while certainly warm, are probably not the best things to wear for winter hiking.

We can’t stress enough that in snowy or wet environments – make sure your gloves are waterproof. The last thing anyone needs after potentially falling in deep snow is cold hands and gloves that won’t dry out – in fact, we would advise bringing a spare pair in any situation. Windproof and waterproof qualities are an absolute must, despite how bulky they can be, and make sure they stretch over the wrists to stop snow and other elements from getting in.

What Trousers Should I Wear When Winter Hiking?

Any warm, water-repellent trousers will suit your hiking needs. Synthetic fiber is a popular material that suits these requirements – look for a stretchy fabric with breathable qualities for maximum comfort, and make sure that the fit is just right. You’ll need those stretchy qualities for better flexibility and demanding uphill walking.

If you’re wondering what boots to wear – we’ll move on to that in our next section.

What Gear Should I Bring With Me on a Winter Hike?

As vital as the right set of clothes – you’ll want a good set of boots and kit to take with you on a winter hike. Here’s some essential gear for hiking in the snow.

Boots

Your gear for hiking in the snow starts with a good pair of winter hiking boots. The ideal pair guarantees warmth, durability, and that all-important fit. Here are some factors you’ll want to consider for optimum functionality, and comfort.

  • Weight – the overall weight of the boot, including the weight of the insulation.
  • Shaft height – how high your boots rise up towards the leg.
  • Warmth – how good they are at retaining heat.

Waterproofing is a must regardless of whatever boot you’re going for – but there are costs and benefits to these other factors, and should be selected based on the kind of hike you’re intending on.

In terms of weight, think about how long you’ll be hiking. Heavier boots may cause a strain on your feet and your overall energy levels on longer excursions.

Shaft height depends on the kind of terrain you’re getting into. A high shaft is best in thick snow or potential water crossings, as it will reduce the chance of these frigid, uncomfortable elements entering at the top of the boot – this will however add an unfortunate bulk that can be more restrictive to your movements.

For warmth, boots are generally given a temperature rating to inform the consumer about the level of cold they can withstand, so consider what kind of climate and how much the temperature may drop in the area you’re going to be hiking in before you purchase.

In terms of fit, remember that you’ll likely be wearing thick socks, so make sure you wear these while trying your boots on. And don’t forget to give them a test run before purchase, including on different inclines, to ensure that they don’t slip.

Microspikes

In areas with frequently frozen surfaces – hiking microspikes are essential gear for winter hiking. These are devices consisting of a series of spikes and chains that can be tethered to the sole of the boot, digging into the ice and preventing slippage. They’ll also increase the surface area of your foot stopping you from sinking even deeper into the snow.

Other Equipment

  • A waterproof, lightweight backpack to carry all your equipment in – including that extra pair of gloves.
  • Sunglasses are always helpful in providing better visibility against the bright winter sun.
  • A sturdy pair of poles to help keep you steady and upright when hiking.
  • A buff to wrap around the neck and cover the lower face for comfort and heat.
  • An emergency bag and head torch for safety.

Tips for Staying Warm

Now that we’ve covered what to wear for winter hiking – here are a few ways to keep warm that’ll prove invaluable in a challenging winter hike.

  • Keep snow and water out however you can. This doesn’t just mean buying waterproof clothes – make sure your gloves are wrapped tightly around your wrists, and consider whether your boots can deal with the depth of whatever snow or water is ahead. These elements will result in dampness, and your gloves and socks will take a long and potentially dangerous amount of time to dry.
  • Think about your layers. A great jacket is essential – but layering up underneath will help to trap air and insulate your body. Thermals for both your torso, sleeves, and legs can be vital in those seriously cold climates.
  • Pack a hot drink. It’ll not only warm you up but keep you hydrated and energized on longer hikes.
  • Plan! Consider the climate of the area you’re hiking in. Consult local guides, other hikers, or the internet for information. And don’t forget to check the weather forecast!

 See outdooradept.com for more outdoor & hiking hacks and guides.

How to Choose a Family Tent

Going camping is always exciting, and it gets doubled when it’s with family, right? If you’re embarking on a group trip, choosing the right family tent is an essential part of the trip.

The right-sized tent determines the comfort level throughout the camping trip for you and your family, but choosing the right size isn’t an easy task. To help with the process of how to choose a family tent, we’ve assembled this guide.

Tent Size – Why Is It So Important?

The tent’s size holds the utmost importance for your camping trip. Its size determines your trip’s comfort level, not just for you but for your family as well. No matter the family size it’s better to get a slightly bigger tent than you need. Otherwise, you and your family members will feel cramped inside throughout the trip.

If you don’t select the right-sized tent for the family camping trip, you’ll face discomfort while staying inside. Not only that, you won’t have enough room to move around and sleep comfortably.

That’s why it’s crucial to choose the right-sized family tent. However, as mentioned at the beginning it’s not as you might think. Without the right know-how, you might miss something that’ll ruin the whole trip.

Not to worry, our following segments will help determine the right-sized tent for your family trip.

Different Types Of Family Tents

As we mentioned earlier, there are quite a few types of tents but not all of them are well suited for your family and conditions.

In the following segment, we’ll have a brief discussion about a few types of family tents, which will help you have a better understanding of your needs.

Pop-Up Tents

A typical pop-up tent with external flexible poles

A typical pop-up tent with external flexible poles

The Pop-up tent is the most portable tent on our list. It’s built with light aluminum looped framing which is confined with a tension strap.

When you release the tension strap from the framing you’ll have your tent ready to set up. Once the tent is popped you need to locate the braided loops at the bottom of the tent.

They are the stakeout points of the tent. Just stake out the braided loops and you’ll have your tent ready for camping. It’ll take about 2 to 4 minutes to complete the setup.

Yes, it’s true that pop-up tents are easy and quick to set up. However, it has a significant drawback, which is that it can’t withstand bad weather conditions. Because of its light aluminum framing, it can’t withstand bad weather such as heavy rain, wind, and snowfall. So if you know it’s going to be bad weather where you’re going then the pop-up tent is probably not the one for you.

Instant Cabin Tents

A large 'instant cabin' style family tent

A large ‘instant cabin’ style family tent

Instant cabin tents are square or rectangular-shaped tents that provide a huge vertical space.

The instant cabin tents are structured with large aluminum pole framing, which makes them sturdy. That makes them withstand bad weather with ease.

It takes roughly 5 to 7 minutes to set up this type of tent for a single person. However, the larger cabin tents are harder to set up and require at least 2 people.

One of the major drawbacks of this type of tent is that it’s hard to carry because of the large size even after being folded in a box. So if you wish to use the instant cabin tent then you’ll need a much larger space inside your car.

Dome Tents

A typical dome tent for families

A typical dome tent for families

Dome Tents are the most popular tent, the reason being they’re widely available, unlike the other tents, also they’re very cost-effective.

That being said dome tents are designed with versatility in mind. That means these tents can easily withstand any kind of weather.

It’s because of its structure. Dome tents are made from a flexible interlocking frame that supports the main body of the frame and helps withstand bad weather conditions.

One thing that makes the dome tent different from the other two is that it’s a double-wall tent. This means it’s both properly ventilated and well protected at the same time.

The only drawback when you choose a dome family tent is the setup process, which is quite complex. One missed alignment will make your tent set up unsuccessful.

So if you are planning on using the dome tent for your family camping trip you should learn the setup process.

Factors to Consider When Choosing A Family Tent

As we mentioned earlier, determining the right size of your family tent depends on many structural factors as well as your personal situation.

The variety of tents available on the market can easily overwhelm you if you don’t know what you’re looking for. In this segment, we’ll review the factors you’ll need to consider while choosing a family tent for your next trip.

Tent’s Shape

The tent’s size and shape is the factor that will influence your comfort throughout the camping trip. Tents come in different shapes, and not every shape will provide the best support for you.

No matter the size of the tent, if the shape is not suited to you, it’ll cause hindrance to movement freedom and thus lead to discomfort.

So make sure you choose the right shape along with the size that’s suited to your needs and comfort for the tent. It’ll help ensure a successful trip for you and your family.

Living Space for a Family Tent

A family tent will offer plenty of space for the group

A family tent will offer plenty of space for the group

When you’re choosing a tent, you must consider the living space, and while considering the living space, you must include a few things. Such as:

  • Family members (How many members of your family you’re bringing along)
  • Trips duration (How many days are you going to stay for camping)
  • Whether you’re spending a lot of time inside the tent or not

According to these considerations, you must choose an ideal living space for your family tent. The rule of thumb is to plan for at least 20 square feet in the tent for each person. But if you plan to spend more leisure time in the tent, you will want to allow for even more space.

Entry Points

Along with shapes and sizes, there are different types of entry points that you can leave open or close as per requirements. You might be thinking that fewer entry points on the tent would be good for better protection of your tent. Well, just like living space, it depends on your needs.

Most tent doors are designed with nets that will keep the insects out and will let you enjoy the view without opening the whole door.

While choosing the entry points, you should also consider the number of members using the tent. For example, if you’re buying a large tent for 16 people, you should look for a tent with multiple entry points on each side.

Ventilation System

A proper ventilation system is necessary to allow for proper airflow inside the tent. Just having a few entry points can’t provide the required ventilation for you and your family.

So it’s a good idea to choose a tent with several windows. It will ensure the necessary influx of air, which will provide the proper ventilation system inside the tent.

Ease of Set Up

Setting up a tent can be easy or hard according to the methods. Some tents have an easy setup system that can be done by one person and some are so hard that it needs more than two people to set up properly.

So unless you want to go through a complex tent setup process you should choose an easy-to-set tent. It will not only save you a lot of hassle but also your valuable time. It’s also a good idea to run thru the setup process before your trip.

Organizational Features

Keeping your necessary items organized inside the tent is a hassle, especially if you have children.

You should know that there are tents that come with features that help you better organize your essential items and tools. If this is something you’re interested in, look out for tents that have organizational features like vestibules, gear lofts, and tent dividers. This will help keep the interior of your large family tent organized and make your camping experience more enjoyable.

Portability

It’s ideal for a tent to be portable, and as we all know, portability makes traveling much easier.

Before you buy a big family tent, you must consider its portability as well. Otherwise, you’ll face trouble and complexity while traveling.

Logically, a bigger tent takes a lot of space even after being folded in a box. So make sure you plan out enough space inside your vehicle for the large tent.

Rainfly

The rainfly is a water-resistant material that stops the rain or condensed water from coming inside the tent. If you’re looking to buy the cheapest possible family tent, the quality of materials may not be the best. If the rainfly material is of poor quality, it can lead to water condensing inside the coating, causing water to leak inside the tent.

On the flip side, buying a tent with a proper rainfly will help prevent the heavy rainwater from getting inside the tent, which is especially important if you’re faced with bad weather conditions. While buying your family tent make sure to check reviews that mention the rainfly.

Durability

Family tents need to be much more durable than your regular tents. The more people who will be using the tent, the more wear and tear will occur. The sturdiest tents are those built with aluminum framing. These are more resistant to damage.

Just so you know, aluminum frames bend if stressed, however, they can be easily repaired and you don’t need any special expertise for it either. So while buying a tent make sure you get the one with aluminum framing.

Final Considerations for Choosing a Family Tent

Not only is it important to choose the right-sized family tent, but there are also plenty of factors to consider before making your purchase. Luckily, now you can follow the above-mentioned factors and easily find the right tent for your family camping trip.

How to Properly Care for Your Backpacking Gear

The only thing more impressive than brand-new backpacking equipment is gear that’s survived multiple seasons and has taken on a rugged, well-loved appearance. Dented coffee mugs, frayed backpack handles, and boots with mismatching laces tell a story of adventure and are direct evidence of a life spent in the backcountry.

Of course, if you properly care for your backpacking gear, it should last a long time. Backpacking equipment is built to last and should stand up to being dropped, stepped on, and thrown about.

However, that’s only true if you put some thought into the proper backpacking gear storage. Even the sturdiest tent can be undone by mildew and no amount of TLC will save a camping stove that’s been broken in storage. This means you need to learn how to properly care for your backpacking gear to ensure that it lasts a long time.

How to Maintain Your Backpack

Good backpacks are expensive and choosing the right backpack for you takes time and effort. This means that you have to give your backpack plenty of love between trips so that you don’t worry about its sturdiness while you’re on the trail.

Get yourself a rain-proof dry bag when you purchase your backpack. Rain-proof covers are cheap and easily stretch over your bag. By stopping moisture from getting in, you reduce the chances of mold forming later on.

After every trip, give your backpack a gentle scrub to remove any dirt and hang it to dry in a sunny, warm spot. Be sure to open all the pockets and remove any waste you find. When it comes to storage of your backpack, make sure it is in a well-ventilated, dry place to avoid any mold or damage by pests.

How to Take Care of Your Hiking Boots

Hiking boots may be the most important backpacking gear you own. Uncomfortable or misshapen boots can quickly lead to blisters and no amount of duct tape can save boots that are falling apart while you’re hiking.

You can prevent the worst boot mishaps by properly washing your shoes between every adventure. Remove any dirt that has accumulated on the soles and use a little disinfecting spray to kill off any bacteria that might be lurking in your insoles. Make sure you store your shoes in a dry space and give them a good look over before you lace them up.

It is worth bearing in mind that hiking boots can be repaired by a good cobbler. Shoe repair shops are ideal for things like resoling your boots, and many big-brands partner with particular repair shops that specialize in outdoor backpacking gear and shoes

Proper Care and Storage for Your Tent

Tents are infamous for mildew and mold. There’s simply nothing worse than getting your tent out before an adventure only to find a large patch of black goo has formed on the ground cover or fly. Fortunately, you can avoid the worst by storing your tent properly.

Proper backpacking tent storage and care start from the moment you start breaking down your camp. Shake out every layer of your tent to remove any dirt or waste that may have accumulated, and pack the tent away in its original bag.

When you get home, take the tent out and wash it down with soapy water. Next, hang the tent in a sunny spot — washing lines are ideal for this purpose. When you’re certain that the tent is bone dry, you can re-pack it into the bag.

Properly Store Your Sleeping Bag

Many of the rules that apply to your tent also apply to your sleeping bag. However, unless your bag is waterproof, it’s not a good idea to hose it down between every use.

Instead, invest in some disinfecting spray and hang the bag, fully unzipped, in direct sunlight. UV light from the sun can kill bacteria and stop an unwanted microbiome from forming in your sleeping bag.

As always, make sure you store the bag in its intended packaging and inspect it before you throw it in the trunk with the rest of your backpacking gear.

How to Store Your Camping Gear Between Trips

Camping gear like stoves, tin coffee cups, and plates make backpacking that much more convenient. There’s simply nothing better than firing up the cooker after a long hike and eating your fill of dehydrated hash browns and beans.

But how do you care for your backpacking gear between adventures? Just stuffing this all-important equipment into the nearest closet is not the answer. Instead, you should create a dedicated space to store all your campground gear.

Attics and basements make for ideal storage spots. But, if you’re working with limited space, you can always make extra space in small closets by decluttering and getting creative with clothes wracks, tack shelves, and compression bags.

When the time comes to store your camping gear put the hardiest equipment on the bottom and more fragile equipment on top — this is particularly important for gas canisters and stoves which can easily break.

Conclusion

A restful break in the woods can quickly turn into a wilderness nightmare if you don’t know how to properly care for your backpacking gear between trips. Before any trip, take a quick inventory of your equipment and test it to ensure that it is in full working order.

You should also create a dedicated storage space for all your outdoor backpacking gear. This space should be dry, secure, and well ventilated to stop critters and creepy-crawlies from ruining your next trip to the campground.