Tents
Never store a tent if it is wet. This will cause the fabric to delaminate and coatings to peal. Damp tents also mildew, which destroys the nylon and smells bad. If possible, let your tent dry in the morning before packing it up. Always allow your tent to dry before your pack it up for storage. When you return home, unroll your tent, or set it up to make sure that it is completely dry. Sweep out all the loose dirt and leaves, then sponge off dirt with a damp cloth before you hang it up to dry.
The sun too will eventually cause a tent to deteriorate. If possible, camp in the shade to avoid harmful UV rays. You might consider simply leaving your rain fly on during the day. They are easier to replace after a few seasons of abuse than the entire tent.
Tent floors can wear out, so use a ground tarp when possible. Thin polyethylene sheeting from a hardware store is a lightweight, inexpensive option to go under your tent floor.
Sleeping Bags
When going camping, stuff your sleeping bag into a stuff- sack rather than rolling it. A good compression stuff-sack will reduce the size by half. Place a lawn bag inside the stuff-sack before you add the sleeping bag, to waterproof it.
Down-filled bags are lighter and pack smaller, but they will not provide any insulation when wet.
The human body gives off a lot of perspiration each night, so air the bag thoroughly after use.
Store your sleeping bag loose or in a large cotton sack, in a cool, dry place. Do not keep it in its stuff sack, as this will lead to long-term damage.
Backpacking Stoves
Carry a maintenance kit and know how to use it. It helps to tote along the instruction manual, preferably in a zipper-lock plastic bag. Some brands (like MSR) are easier to fix in the field than others.
If the fuel line can be disassembled, periodically clean it with a rag dipped in white gas. Use the rag and gas to wipe carbon residue off the burner; otherwise it may get into the jet.
White gas breaks down gradually while in storage, causing poor stove performance. Replace months-old gas. Also, if you've stored old white gas or a dirtier fuel like kerosene in a fuel tank or bottle, rinse it with fresh white gas.
Liquid-fuel stoves also have a tendency to clog or otherwise go on the fritz. But with a repair kit and good knowledge of the stove you can fix the stoves in the field. Here's how to troubleshoot the most common problems:
 | Weak or non-existent flame: Usually this is due to a clogged jet. Some newer stoves have a built-in wire for cleaning the jet. Otherwise, poke carbon residue out of the jet with a wire. If that doesn't work, unscrew and remove the jet, soak it in white gas, and wipe it clean. |
| Leaky pump: Try to lube the rubber O-ring with maintenance-kit oil or saliva. If that fails, replace the O-ring. |
| Fuel bottle won't pressurize: Same remedy as for a leaky pump. |
| Eyebrow-singeing flare-ups: Probably the result of over-priming. Prime just enough to squirt fuel from the jet for about three seconds. Turn the stove off and light that fuel, then wait until the fuel nearly burns away and the yellow flame is barely lapping the burner before slowly turning up the gas. You can also let the flame burn out completely, then open the fuel valve slightly and hold a match to the burner. |
Lanterns
If lantern dims or gives unsteady light, it may need to be pumped, it may be low on fuel.
If lantern flames or catches on fire when starting, extinguish lamp and try again. If fire is Minimal and not out of control, let it burn. It will finish preheating lamp so it can be turned on.
| The mantle is fragile and will break. Don't touch, bump the lamp or pump it violently. |
| Replace broken mantle when a slit or hole develops. (A broken mantle can cause glass to crack or break.) |
| If fuel is dirty, filter it through a chamois or fine clothe. Check for air or fuel leaks by pumping up lamp without lighting it. |
| Work petroleum jelly into leather pump cup to soften it up so pump works well. |
| Top of lantern gets extremely hot - don't touch glass or splash water on glass. |
| When hanging lantern, don't place it too close to the ceiling. Remove nearby flammable items. |
| Don't leave lantern unattended. Take it with you or turn it off. |
| NEVER use a gas lantern in a tent, under any circumstance. |
