How To Store Camping Gear At Home

When we buy outdoor gear, we mostly think about where we will use it and not where it will go once we are finished using it. And if you do manage to cram it in somewhere, you might be less willing to use it down the track because of how annoying it was to store it in the first place. One of the most annoying things about outdoor exploration is storage - where does everything go? Is there enough room in the garage to store the tent? Hmmm but now there isn't any room for the bikes. And if you live in a smaller apartment then the problem is so much worse - or is it? Well, our expert team at Anaconda has come up with our top picks for the ultimate camping gear storage solutions to ensure your camping is ready to go when you are.

Quick Links

• How To Store Camping Gear In A Small Apartment
• How To Store Camping Gear In A Garage
• Camping Gear Storage Tips

How To Store Camping Gear In A Small Apartment

Now if you live in a small apartment, then storing your camping gear can seem like quite the challenge, especially if you love exploring the outdoors and have a lot of gear to store. Luckily, here are some useful tips to help you when it comes to how to store camping gear in a small apartment.

Utilise Storage Space Under Your Bed

Utilising the storage space underneath a bed is an excellent space-saving solution for storing camping gear in a small apartment. If you don't have a raised bed, then you can extend its height by placing raisers underneath the legs to maximise your storage potential. Zippered cloth wardrobes are perfect for organising larger camping items like sleeping bags, tents, hiking clothes and backpacks. They will keep your outdoor gear clean, dust-free and easily accessible. You can also use smaller storage boxes as they are ideal for smaller camping essentials like cooking utensils, lanterns and first aid kits. Choose clear or labelled boxes so you can quickly identify what's inside so you don't need to grab everything out just to find one thing.

Place Storage Boxes Underneath Staircases

Placing camping gear in storage boxes underneath a staircase is another excellent way to optimise the storage space in a small apartment. This often-underutilised area can be transformed into a highly efficient storage solution for your camping gear. By selecting durable, stackable storage boxes that fit snugly under the staircase, you can store a wide range of camping gear, from day packs and sleeping mats to smaller items like torches and headlamps. Another tip is to arrange the boxes so that frequently used items are at the front or on top, making it easy to access your camping gear without having to move multiple boxes around.

Store Folded Camping Chairs Behind The Couch

Storing folded camping chairs behind the couch is another smart way to maximise storage space in a small apartment without having it clutter up your living space. Camping chairs, when folded, have a slim profile, making them easy to slide behind most couches - but ensure the chairs are clean and dry first to prevent any damage to the upholstery. Arrange the camping chairs vertically behind the couch, leaning them against the wall for added stability. If the gap is too wide, consider using a bungee cord or a simple strap to keep them in place, preventing them from sliding or toppling over.

How To Store Camping Gear In A Garage

The garage can be used for so much more than simply storing a vehicle - it can be an amazing way to create storage for camping gear as well! Here are our top picks for ways you can store all of your camping gear in your garage.

Utilise A Pegboard

Utilising a pegboard is a fantastic way to store camping equipment in a garage due to its versatility and space-saving design. To set one up, start by selecting a durable pegboard and mount it securely onto your garage wall, ideally near the entrance or workbench so you can have easy access. Ensure the pegboard is at a height that allows you to reach all areas comfortably. Camping equipment such as hiking poles, paddles, ropes and smaller items like water bottles can be hung on hooks. Larger items like travel bags, large sleeping bags, folding chairs and other camping furniture can be supported with more robust hooks or brackets. Additionally, shelves can be added to the pegboard for items that cannot be hung such as camp stoves. Pegboards are particularly useful because they keep gear visible and easily accessible, reducing the time spent searching for items.

Utilise Overhead Storage

But what if you don't have enough space in your garage to set up an entire pegboard and shelving system? Then you need to utilise your overhead storage space instead, and the two main ways of doing this are to install a pulley system or overhead racks. Installing a pulley system to your garage ceiling involves choosing a sturdy pulley kit, locating ceiling joists for secure attachment, drilling pilot holes, fastening brackets, threading the rope through pulleys and attaching hooks to the items. This is ideal for storing very bulky items such as bikes and kayaks. For storing smaller items, then installing overhead racks to the ceiling is another great option. They utilise otherwise unused vertical space, freeing up floor and wall areas for other needs. Overhead racks will keep all your camping gear organised, easily accessible and protected from damage.

Camping Gear Storage Tips

Now that we've listed our top camping gear storage ideas, here are some very helpful tips when it comes to camping gear storage to make sure that when you're ready to hit the road, your camping gear is ready to go as well.

Stack Your Tarps First

Stacking your tarps first when storing camping gear is a great idea because tarps are generally flat, flexible and provide a stable base for other items. Tarps can also cushion and protect more delicate items that are stored on top, reducing the risk of damage. Tarps can also quickly turn into a jumbled mess when stored on top of other items, so stacking them first means they'll stay neatly folded for when you need them.

Store Some Of Your Gear Inside Backpacks

Storing your backpack on the wall is a great way to save space - but did you know that you can take this even further? You can also store sleeping bags, sleeping mats, water bottles, first aid kits, torches and other smaller camping essentials inside the backpack and then simply hang it on the wall. Not only does it save storage space but it also means that your backpack is loaded up and ready to go, saving you packing time before your trip.

Never Forget To Label

We have mentioned this before but we will mention it again: always label your storage containers when packing away your camping equipment. There is nothing worse than not knowing where you stored something, and then having to rummage through opening up random containers until you find the thing you were looking for. To skip all of this, clearly label the storage box, such as 'camp lighting' or 'winter clothing' so you know exactly what will be inside when searching for a particular item.

Find The Best Camping Gear At Anaconda Today

And there you have it, our top tips and ideas when it comes to how to store camping gear, whether you have a small apartment or just a garage for storage. Make sure you also check out our Adventure Centre for more helpful tips and exciting destinations that you can visit with your friends, loved ones and family. If you liked our How To Store Camping Gear At Home article, then you might also like some of our other articles for awesome destinations and tips such as:

• Great Camp Lighting Solutions For Your Next Adventure
• Tips For Camping In The Rain
• How To Wash A Backpack Or Hiking Pack
• 10 Free Camping Spots In Australia For The Savvy Camper

Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive camping and hiking range for your next outdoor adventure