DONT ruin your CAMPING GEAR

[@soggz4246]

Blimey! Looks like the returns room at Go Outdoors! Nice vid. You got enough stuff? 🤣😉 Stay well.👍🏾

[@stupatrick]

Am I alone in finding this somewhat theraputic to watch?! Joking aside, glad to see someone else has the same fastidious attitude to post-adventure kit sorting as me (albeit with more space and certainly more kit than me). Good video :)

[@ianknight70]

I'd kill for a room dedicated to camping kit ! Takes us ages to find all our kit spread around the house before we go ha

[@deano386]

Tbh sounds like a wasted room, for what he has and it sounds empty, all you really need is racking, if you use racking in your shed or garage use plastic tubs with lids job done.

[@lrdisco2005]

I have a nice stove missing in the house for years. Gave up and bought another one.

[@jamessmith1652]

@@deano386 I'm guessing he also works from there. Not a bad idea separating work and home instead of trying to research and edit videos on the dinner table.

[@PaulMessner]

@James Smith @Deano386 exactly this. The space is used for storage, producing merch for the online shop, video editing etc. KZbin stuff was taking over at home. It's good to have that separation of work and home life.

[@astondriver]

I have a 75sqm shed specifically for my vehicles and my gear

[@Dreyno]

There’s a couple of things you could do to speed up drying time. First is a desk fan. Air moving over the gear will dry it far faster than still air. The other thing is a dehumidifier. By drying out the air in the room, the moisture in the gear will evaporate quicker. The quicker the drying time, the less chance of it starting to smell.

[@nickroyal8619]

If the next sunny day is a while away - bung it all in one room and use a condensing dehumidifier with the door closed (The smaller the room the better as it will dry the ambient air and then draw water from the material). Should be packable in 2-3 hours which minimises earache at home. I use this approach to dry sodden wetsuits which are needed the next morning. Keep up the good work Paul!

[@VelcorHF]

Love this dude. Not many people cover this and you killed it.

[@TheAshantidutch]

Hi Paul, nice work, planning to do the Coast to Coast next year, had knee op today As you say looking after yr walking gear is Very important, thank you for sharing

[@twinphill900]

Instead of using bleach in your drinking bottles. Try white vinegar, kills any nasties and cleans the bottles tip top. White vinegar is a friendlier option than bleach.

[@Kenbur]

great video on gear care - I've been teased in the past that my gear always looks brand new so I must not use it much. I always retort back if you keep it maintained and clean you don't have to replace it continually. - my grandpa was huge on maintaining and repairing stuff properly on the farm instead of replacing it and it rubbed off on me when I was little - thanks Paul for a look at caring for equipment, it is always time well spent

[@rickarmstrong9793]

Great video. Good to show people that the camping trip isn't over when you get home, until you tend to your gear. Very cool that you have a place now that you can store and take care of your stuff.

[@PaulMessner]

It doesn’t take long for kit to get ruined if left wet and dirty.

[@maurice5992]

I've watched countless wild-camping/walking vids, this is the first I've seen to cover caring for your equipment. Great video from a total pro. ATB Paul.

[@momentofsilas]

Well done, this is what I do. Nice too see someone who takes pride in taking care of their things.

[@Bokooda]

Get a large electric floor fan on a timer in your 'new office' to circulate the air around for times you can't leave a window open for ventilation, at least it will move the air around, otherwise the dampness will build up in the carpet and walls, making the whole space and your gear will smell like teenaged boys bedroom. Thanks again for posting. You do the most comprehensive beginning to end videos on outdoors stuff. 👍

[@jonathanarklay2529]

Hi Paul & Jo, it is so lovely to see a couple commit to taking the plunge and living their dream. Opportunity comes knocking for many people at some point, but making the most of it often appears to be reserved for the brave, hard-working and courageous few. You are an inspiration not just for getting outdoors, but more so for getting on with doing. You really do deserve to prosper from your efforts and, so long as you enjoy the journey, a long and successful career.

[@PaulMessner]

We’ve certainly jumped in with both feet. It would be nice never to have to worry about the bills etc but the most important thing for us is to be happy in what we do.

[@drsquirrel00]

A dehumidifier would help a bit, better than the electric heater if that's meant to help drying.

[@theeaselrider4032]

Now that you have a dedicated space for all your stuff, how about adding a dehumidifier? It was a necessity for us whenever the kids came back from a camp, but it was too wet to set anything outside. The dehumidifier in the basement did wonders for making sure everything was totally dry before it was packed up. But a warm sunny, breezy day in the back yard is still the best.

[@Markk4kk]

Thanks for your videos! I have been learning a lot. Really great content. Planning to do some wild camping in the national parks where I live (Australia).

[@billjames3148]

Great video,gear room/ready room, But here we go, what are you going to do about all your used fuel cans? How do you find one that's full enough for your next trip ? Like your video's and gear reviews. Hello from Wyoming.

[@rogermeyer860]

Paul, you're the man...Thanks for sharing your gear and storage tips with us. I've used your channel and recommendations to refine my motorcycle camping gear. I've still got your UGQ quilt on my wish list.

[@jasonwolf7767]

I don't always do this. I will start now, I promise. I enjoy your videos! Thanks!

[@ApexCypher_]

Paul, based on how that racking is filling up it looks like you’re opening your own gear shop 😀

[@Samina-t4n]

Really liked your videos. I’m just starting out. Camping with car not far away, not the lighter backpacking versions. I hope I don’t need to buy too much more lighter gear. Thanks for the videos

[@jasonphan90]

Gear maintenance isn't covered enough, thank yoy for going over this

[@dwaynestewart411]

Very good advise. I can imagine that some folks don't think about that stuff. Dwayne

[@SheriffCartman]

I’m currently reading the exact same Collins SAS survival guide that was on your shelf in the video. Great concise little guide that I’ve had for years and fits nicely on any more off grid trek for reference.

[@iamnobody9542]

??? Back packer or pack mule??!! Surely, you must have a hitch there someplace for the kitchen sink??! But at least you are ORGANIZED! Years ago I used the garage, but then that got full of yard stuff... Then the picnic table got piled on (stored that in the garage, too...) But I can still hang the canoe from the rafters! Good show!! Blessings, Jerry

[@dougbeale4847]

Good advice, camping gear isn't cheap that's for sure! Make it last as long as possible.

[@sarahgavito774]

I was introduced to camping by my Brother a couple of years ago and have loved it ever since! However I live in Gibraltar and can't camp as much as I would like to. My Brother keeps all of my gear in his flat. My next trip is end of April when I will be going on my 1st wildcamping trip on Dartmoor with my Brother. Love watching your videos and find them really interesting and inspiring.

[@tamadrummer001]

We have a screened in back porch that I have been able to put a ridgeline on. When we get home, I hang my tarps and tent gear, run a fan and dry it all out. Even if it doesn’t rain, florida dew is bad and the gear is soaked by morning. Great video man! This is super important to do.

[@alasdairclosier8548]

You are so right about looking after your gear. I'm a firm believer in buying good quality gear if you can and looking after it. My Terra Nova Quasar is over 25 years old and still looks like new, just requires drying, reproofing and when necessary sending away fir repair. I dry my tent hanging on rafters in the garage and just leave it for a few days. Recently washed my down sleeping ba and couldn't believe how much it brought it back to life. If your looking to clean water bottles I use puriclean. Really good stuff and can break up biofilm which bleach can not.

[@PaulMessner]

It's made to last if taken care of properly.

[@k.whiking4372]

A dedicated room for hiking gear, I am impressed.

[@seamusmcbride2832]

You, Patrick Dickenson, and Luke at the Outdoor Gear Review are all very conscientious about your gear, and it shows. Some of Patrick's gear is 3, 4, and 5 decades old and still fully serviceable. Good stuff.

[@modestadventurers]

I’ve started refilling gas canisters Paul. Couldn’t be bothered in the past but the small canisters seem to be getting harder to get. I’ve had a Trangia for years and I know I’ve sworn no more cooksets but the Trangia HA 72 is beginning to look extremely sexy and I’m only flesh and blood after all 😋

[@jamesrobinson2244]

I've just boarded the loft so I can have a lot more room for all the camping stuff. Always nicer to have an area to work and sort things out prior and post camping trip! Great video!

[@jsomby]

Ideas? Well, one thing could be really nice "back to basics" where you go camping with closed foam pad and cheap dome tent and regular gear! And then compare it to current gear in comfort/price in mind. Well, when it's safe due to weather.

[@markperry222]

A really useful video thanks. It looks like I can see out of your small window. If I am right it means toe-rags can look in. If you don't already have one, you need a curtain or blind on that one.

[@JackKlumpass]

Nice to have a spare room or workshop/office space - I hang my sleep system stuff over various doors and hang my inner in the hall - one corner on one door hook the others on other various points lol - looks like some mad art installation - my fly gets pitched in the front room - nobody to moan as the other half lives in her own gaff. I’m totally with you on properly looking after our stuff, we pay enough for it. Look after it and it’ll last. I’d much rather shelves but I’m still crating it all. Quilts and bags never left compressed.👍🏻

[@neovo903]

Re pillows, when I went on my DofE I used my drybag full of my spare clothes as a pillow under the hood of my sleeping bag, it was pretty good although I was the only one in my tent and it was a pretty cold night

[@BulldogBadger]

Just wondered if Jo has noticed how empty it looks now you moved your gear, needs a few new racks and a load more tents, quilts and cooksets 🤣👏

[@oshiforb7445]

That's a great set-up I bought a 12ft x 8ft shed for my gear and put shelving in however its nothing like you're set-up but we have to make do with what we've got, I have to admit that I've fitted solar panels on the shed and connected batteries so I can run an oil heater the pipe one to heat it up during the cold nights just to keep the damp out and it seems to work fine like you said it's expensive to keep replacing gear. Thanks for the video.

[@PaulMessner]

Exactly. I used to have gear in my wardrobe at home 😂. I value it more than shirts and ties 😂

[@daveh5154]

When you say you have "a few bits and bobs" you mean you have a small warehouse of camping kit..!! Nice space to store the kit Paul. 👍👍

[@pops6638]

Rotary clothes driers are great for drying off tents and large items etc. Obviously only on a decent drying day!

[@KeithPierce1000]

Just when I thought I had a decent handle on my camping. Now I've got to build a bloody extension! Who knew! Cheers mate. LOL

[@tendonator]

so much gear so little time! Awesome channel sir, thank you!

[@jens-kristiantofthansen9376]

Very nice setup, Paul! I don't have a space like that but I made life a lot easier for myself when I dedicated one of my wardrobe cupboards to my hiking gear a few months ago. It's not perfect, but it fits two large storage tubs and my backpack on top of those, as well as a smaller tub for minor bits and bobs. After drying my gear I actually store the stuff I always take along anyway and that works okay with the limited space I have available. I do have a tub in the shed as well, but that is for spares and older stuff that I'm unlikely to use. This makes me sound a whole lot more organised than I really am.

[@marcdevanny6423]

Love the video mate, it's the part most people forget, looking after your kit As for video suggestions, how about a video where no single piece of gear is allowed to cost more than say £100 quid or £150 quid I'm thinking more for us with a tighter budget who have to save up for each item and that £150 tent is our new baby. You could even limit it further to just having 2-3 items at that value. And then could show how to 'make do' or actually perfectly good alternatives (such as using an alcohol stove) to save money to be able to afford a better sleeping bag. Or using two sleeping mats, the foam underneath a cheaper air mat to up rate it's thermal properties etc. I'm sure you get the general gist of my idea. If you fancy the challenge 👍

[@wulliescottishoutdoors]

I’m the same mate after a camp I take my bag into the loft and do the same put everything back on shelf’s etc so I know where it is, great video mate. Atb Wullie ✊🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@treubuchet]

I have a considerable amount of gear and too have issues with my partners dislike for it airing. For this, I use my garage, which is far from ideal, especially as I can only use an airer for my tents. This presented a problem as in October I'd taken my bell-tent (and wood burning stove) with me. It had rained considerably. Back home, I thought I'd given this huge beast plenty of room for airing, turning if every day or so but it seems I had not. It became covered in black mould which grew and grew. I had to bin it which saddened me because it was a great tent, albeit huge and heavy. I've now replaced this with a Chinese clone of the Pomoly hot tent, which so far, having tested it three times, is fantastic and far lighter and more compact.

[@patchy1995]

Really interesting video, my gear is stored in similar shelves in my garage. Lack the floor space to put the Soulo up and be able to move around so I simply put a guy line from one end of the garage to the other, and the tent hangs off that to dry

[@billyandrew]

A very good vid, bringing up some very important points. Do you never add moisture absorbers, particularly to electricals, as you're packing to go on a trip? Also, have you ever thought about bunging a hook from the ceiling to suspend the tent, ensuring, at least in the bad weather, that air circulates all around the tent, to remove any moisture underneath? Thanks for uploading!

[@Gfloresadam]

Enjoyed this behind the scenes insight! Glad you're able to make the most of the studio style space for organisation 👍

[@supernoodles908]

One of the most important one's, in my opinion, is storing your sleeping bag OUTSIDE the compression sack. Preferably loosely rolled up or gently folded over. This makes sure the bag material isn't compressed and will loft properly when you next come to use it

[@philyerboots6640]

Ive finally spotted a piece of kit that we both have. Your buttery pack to charger your phone. If your looking for an extra one BandM have a 10000amh pack on sale for 6 pounds. I find it even better than the one we both use, lighter and slimmer too.

[@Harry-Giles]

Great video for the stuff no one tends to explain.

[@Andie-C]

Great to see the after care info and tips. Thanks for another great informative video. Love to see more budget based videos for us mortals lol. Have you considered doing an Alpkit based camp, from clothing, sleep system and even tent? It would be cool to see a brand in Yorkshire that’s accessible to many in the area and different from the usual stuff floating around.

[@mikewaller4141]

Thanks for sharing, very helpful and interesting. Mike

[@craigpalmer347]

Class that i could do with a camp gear room..Have to make do with my shed n garage for now 🤣🤣 nice 1 Buddy 👍👍👍

[@stuartharrison3822]

Nice videos Paul. You could do a video using your least used gear you own!! Or chose your least favourite items for a camp, would make for an amusing video. Have you ever thought about doing a one off posh camp video to show how a family could camp on a site using a big tent in comfort?

[@MOMOMOMOMOMOMOMOM]

Great gear room tour

[@jonathan461965]

Try doing that lot in two up two down house. Drying out is definitely they key.

[@warwickbourke]

I think I’m in love with your camping kit room 😂 An in-depth video showing all your different kit would be awesome. The big items are great but you already show most of them. We definitely need a video all about your UGQ gear too. It’s more the little bits and pieces filling those shelves that I find interesting.

[@lordofgraphite]

Fantastic video. All that gear gave me an idea, how streamlined could you go? Would be fun to see you do an ultralight challenge :D

[@Harrycowlton]

Again, simply awesome and so interesting!

[@johnlewis8049]

Great video Paul very lucky to have such a space, I can only dream of, I’m still in the stacked bit very orderly boxes. I’m a bit OCD with my kit and doing my Personal Admin after each trip comes before even a shower

[@lisamonalisahikes]

I love your gear room. I plan on doing this to our guest room... some girl want a big closet of shoes... I’d much rather have a gear room. This is awesome! You could probably run some line across the room

[@simpleoutdoors1]

thats a great load of gear, its 3 times as much as i have but i dont go as much as many other folks. great video!

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

I can recommend two things for cleaning your water bottles. The first of course is cleaning tabs, like those from Camelbak. They work great. The other is, put about 3 or 4 oz of water in it, dribble in a bit of dish soap, and about a tablespoon of rice. Close bottle and shake like crazy.

[@johnisherwood4030]

Hi Paul, enjoy your videos and really like your straightforward, candid approach. I have a LOT of camping gear as I was doing quite a lot of longer trips to the Scottish borders - and we needed a tent for (literally) all weathers, and we ended up with two large tipi's (one normal tent material, one in canvas with am ex gas bottle wood burner) as on week long trips in winter you need to be able to get dry. On top of this I have family tents, 2 mans and solo tents. (I love camping!) its all in the loft and i have to be very diligent on drying stuff. I am lucky our loft is quite big and boarded so its actually quite easy to dry a single or 2 man tent by suspending from the rafters. I would love though to have a room like yours, properly shelved. My tip I would share is kit list. I have a kit list I have been developing and refining for 30 years which covers all my outdoor trips. All I have to do is cross out what I don't need for a particular trip and I have a checklist so I can avoid (mostly) heading out and realising I have lest an important bit of kit in the loft.

[@BinManSays87]

I always just dry/clean my gear up then repack it so I can pretty much grab and go for the most part but I might switch a few things out before I head out mainly cooking gear and tools, but recently I've been rocking a bedroll and messenger bag sort of setup where all my tent/sleeping gears in the bedroll and everything else is in the bag so that bedroll is just going to be a winter set-up now I think. Then I've got a hammock sleeping gear and tarp bag all set to go and my lighter tent tends to get switched with my hammocking gear

[@carlsadventures2361]

I basically do what you used to do I currently have two big storage boxes with my camping gear in but when I've been camping i let my sleeping bag etc air outside on the washing line.

[@hedgerowsandzeros]

Nice routine Paul. Similar to mine. I usually run a single room dehumidifier while I'm airing gear. I like the shelving. I have my stuff in cupboards and it can be a pain to find at times. May go the shelving route....or stick with cupboards and put the money towards a new tent! 👍😎😁

[@jamesdecross1035]

Nice to have a whole room dedicated to this storage. It looks like an insurance office. ;-))

[@eddieallen6401]

Haha the lesser-covered part of any camping trip. The aftermath! Oddly enough I rather enjoy this process and it looks like you do too!

[@RupertReynolds1962]

That's good advice! Re: vans I watched your conversion videos, and wondered if you've ever thought about the issues with converting a bus? Good point is a large, flat floor. I paced out a medium-length single decker at 22' by very nearly 8 wide on one level with over 7' height, then 2 small steps up for the last 8' in length at the back. I'm either going to do that (I have bus and HGV licences) or maybe something much smaller, a long wheelbase Berlingo/Kangoo, which has over 6 feet loading length in the back.

[@dantkr]

I run a dehumidifier after I’ve unpacked and leave it all for a couple of days.

[@blackmountainadventures]

You should get some Velcro patches for the floor buddy, I find they work a treat 👍

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

I’ve not got room envy at all 😂🤣😂. Some great advice there Paul👍

[@Pargie81]

Hi Paul, great videos. Could you do a video explaining about your quilts? I use a mummy bag and I just can't get on with it as I prefer to stretch out and move. Many thanks

[@Pargie81]

Ahhhhh i found your video about quilts that was a couple of years ago, nice one

[@apollo12329]

Great info Paul.

[@stevehubbard8459]

Great vid, Paul. I've got one of those Petzl Noctilight cases (and a Tikka headlamp) and I really like it. I can get a spare set of batteries and the charging cable in there as well, and it gives a great light hung in the tent.

[@arthurdanielles4784]

Good to see you still breathing 😶👍 As we progress towards March and the inevitable leap into Spring/Summer? Looking forward to having your invaluable insights into the camping scenarios et with tips for newbies on YOUR advice to have them spend their money et wisely. I want to see you spread your wings further afield Paul ! NOT just the Lake District et but ie Cornwall, Devon, Somerset?

[@woodyscst]

I don't even have any camping gear but still watched the vid 😂 I do have similar amount of sailing gear though and highly recommended a room dehumidifier. Mines only 60 Watts and will dry soaking wet gear over night.

[@ianrobinson6402]

Hi Paul been watching your videos for about 6 months your a top man I enjoy the way you explain everything your right down to earth nice one well am gust on my journey of camping at 52 but it won’t be in the conditions you do but we’ll done to you for that 👍 Always looking forwards to learning something new for my new adventure in a months or so continue the great work and thank you🍺

[@PaulMessner]

Thanks for tuning in. Glad you like the videos.

[@davidcann6021]

Buying a dehumidifier would help dry things out quicker, I'm guessing that's a rented space so hopefully the electric is in with it too :) For cleaning bottles have a look at baby bottle steralising tablets. I'd love a dedicated gear room, as with most gear goes everywhere and takes ages to pack and unpack for the next time.

[@jamescross4396]

Hi Paul. I’d like to see your opinion on the Sierra designs bag you have. I’m looking at purchasing one and always appreciate your great reviews. So I’d like to see you use that more!

[@SheenMr]

Great video, wish i had a room dedicated to camping gear!

[@simonward4520]

I have a short piece of tube, the type used for fishing rods in my pack to put my poles in, I am just paranoid about damaging them, lightweight so no real issue. My back up head light bought for £4 from tesco goes in my petzl lantern, you can switch on and off as it's the same size as the petzl head torches.

[@AllMy78s]

What a great space for your gear... Lucky you...

[@hikingscotland6478]

Amazing video as always

[@DadsAdventureTime]

to stop rust in the jetboal u can pot ur gas can in a plastic bag then pot it in the jetboal

[@irishmanlost]

You should do a 'let us pick your next outing camp gear' where we pick from your shelves to what you do a camp with.

[@lavanyalea]

Great video and I’m jealous of this room 😮❤ question: my beloved rucksack is now a bit smelly from all the sweat etc… 2 months hiking/camping in Europe! I think mostly from the straps… what’s the best way to clean it? I have seen various tips n videos online but I wonder what your preferred method is? Thank you 🙏🏻

[@Steve72Outdoors]

Hi Paul interesting video with lots of tips. I store my Exped Synmat mats loosely folded in a cotton sleeping bag liner. I don't think it's good to store the mats compressed as it continually compresses the insulation and isn't good for them long term . It effects the insulation memory of the foam ie it's ability to expand to provide insulation .Especially in the old style Thermarests . In down filled mats never good to store compressed , just like in sleeping bags Always best to store uncompressed. At least that's what I've been lead to believe when I worked in the Outdoors industry many moons ago. 😊👍

[@jbrooks12]

Nice and very well organized. What is that lighter you have with the extendable arm? Thanks

[@PaulMessner]

It’s made by soto. Can’t remember the name but search Soto torch and it’ll show up.

[@jbrooks12]

@@PaulMessner thanks

[@BrendanExplores]

Another great video Paul 👍 any advice on how to maintain a ridgemonkey? Just brought one for my car camps and it's already got a few outer scrapes 😂

[@grahamscothern4319]

Hi Paul Some good tips thank you Atb Graham

[@mickfitzvalleyandhill]

That's some kit room Paul!

[@101straker]

Nice one Paul. Always good to see how others prep and prepare there gear. Perhaps next vid could be another bivvy video before the weekend of the 26th would help alot of people out who are attempting the world record bivvy camp out. Just a thought mate. Take care.

[@espenkandersen8046]

Great video Paul

[@desmondbroad1305]

Think another table might come in handy 😂😂😁😎