Figuring out how to store hunting gear isn’t rocket science, but it sure makes a difference. You want your hunting clothes and boots to stay dry, scent-free, and ready to go when the hunting season rolls around again.
The key? Clean it, dry it, and place it in the right spot.
Stone Creek gear is built tough, but a little care goes a long way. In this blog, we’ll show you some no-nonsense tips to keep your gear in top shape.
Ready to make your gear last longer? Keep reading.
Key Takeaways
Store your hunting clothes in plastic totes or vacuum-sealed bags to keep them dry and scent-free.
Always clean and air dry your gear before storing it to avoid odors and damage.
Properly organized gear saves time and ensures it's ready to go for your next hunting trip.
Why Storing Your Hunting Gear Right Matters
Storing your hunting gear the right way keeps it in good shape and ready for the next hunt. It prevents moisture, pests, and dirt from ruining your hunting clothes, so they last longer.
Proper storage also keeps your gear scent-free, so deer and other game won't detect you. Plus, when everything is neat and organized, you won't waste time searching for your stuff when hunting season starts.
7 Ways to Store Your Hunting Gear
Keeping your hunting gear in top shape doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little planning, you can store clothes, boots, and other hunting stuff so they stay clean, scent-free, and ready for the next season. Here are some simple tips to help you store everything right.
1. Store clothes in plastic totes
Plastic totes are perfect for storing hunting clothes. They keep out moisture, dirt, and pests.
Toss in some earth-scent wafers or a bit of baking soda to keep things smelling natural. Make sure to label each tote so you can find what you need fast. No more digging through piles of gear inside some dark closet.
2. Vacuum-sealed bags for tight spaces
Got a small storage area? Use vacuum-sealed bags.
These compress your hunting clothing to save space and keep everything dry and scent-free. Make sure to wash and air dry your clothes before sealing them up.
These bags block out unwanted scents during the off-season, so your gear won’t smell like the inside of a storage bin when you pull it out.
3. Choose the right storage spot
Where you store your gear matters. Skip the garage or shed—they're too damp and can make your clothes smell like mildew. Go for a climate-controlled spot like a basement or a closet in the house.
Got a cedar chest? Even better. It adds a natural scent to your gear while keeping it safe.
4. Keep your rubber boots fresh
Rubber boots can develop odors quickly if you don't store them right. Wash them off, air dry them completely, then store them standing up in a plastic container. Toss in some baking soda to keep them dry and odor-free.
Do the same for your gloves, heavy-duty socks, and other small items—put them in plastic containers so you know where everything is.
5. Add natural scents
To keep your gear smelling like the woods, throw in some pine needles or use scent wafers in your storage containers. Avoid strong scents that might turn off deer. A little natural scent control goes a long way when you're out in the woods.
6. Air out clothes before a hunt
A few days before before you head out, hang your hunting clothes outside. This gets rid of any indoor smells and helps them pick up natural outdoor scents.
Hang them on a tree stand or a clothesline to let the fresh air do its thing. It's a simple trick that makes a big difference.
7. Quick access during hunting season
During the season, keep your gear in a spot where you can grab it fast. Use scent-control bags for stuff you use all the time, like jackets and pants. Keep them packed and ready to go so you can throw them in the truck and get moving.
How to Clean Hunting Gear Before Storing It
Cleaning your hunting clothes and gear before storing them is a must if you want them to last. No one wants to dig out dirty, stinky gear next season. Here’s how to wash your hunting gear the right way.
Rinse off dirt: If your hunting clothes are covered in mud, give them a quick rinse with a hose. This keeps heavy dirt out of the washing machine.
Use scent-free detergent: Toss your clothes in the washer with a scent-free detergent. Avoid regular laundry soaps—they leave strong scents behind.
Wash on cold or warm: Use cold or warm water to wash your hunting clothes. Hot water can shrink or damage some fabrics.
Skip the dryer: Air dry everything. Stone Creek gear isn’t dryer-safe, so hang your clothes up until they're completely dry. This helps keep their shape and prevents damage.
Wipe down boots: Use a damp cloth and a bit of scent-free soap to clean your rubber boots. Let them air dry, too, inside and out.
Extra Tips for Organizing Your Hunting Gear
You don’t want to be rummaging through a pile of gear right before heading out to the woods. Here’s how to keep everything neat and easy to find:
Sort and categorize
By season: Separate your hunting clothing into different groups like "Early Season" and "Winter Gear." Store your base layers and lighter clothes for warm-weather hunts in one section, and pack your heavier gear for those colder trips in another.
By use: Sort your clothes by their purpose. Keep items like tree stands, rubber boots, and bags in one spot, while keeping your everyday hunting clothes like jackets and gloves in another. This way, you can quickly grab what you need for specific situations.
Use plastic containers and totes
Plastic containers: Use plastic containers or Rubbermaid containers to store your gear. They help keep your clothes dry and free from unwanted smells. Make sure to put similar items together so that you don't have to search through multiple containers.
Label totes: Use labels to mark each tote. Write things like "Cold Weather Gear" or "Base Layers" so you know exactly what’s inside each bin. This makes packing for your hunting trip quick and easy.
Additional tips for easy access
Pack in order: Place the gear you use most often on top of each storage container or tote. For example, if you use your rubber boots and base layers on most hunts, put them on top for quick access.
Keep a checklist: Keep a checklist of what's inside each storage bin or tote. This helps you remember where you stored your hunting stuff, so you don't waste time digging around when it's time to head out.
Leave room to breathe: Don't over-pack your storage containers. Let your hunting clothes breathe to keep them fresh during the off-season.
Stone Creek: Quality Hunting Gear You Can Count On
Even the toughest hunting gear needs proper storage to stay in top shape.
Stone Creek’s hunting clothes are built to handle rough conditions, but storing them right helps them last even longer. From briar-proof jackets to heavy-duty chaps, our gear is made to take on the hunt and hold up during the off-season, even when stored in the garage, shed, or closet.
We're a family-owned business with over 20 years in the hunting game, making all our products right here in the USA. Each jacket, chap, and vest is crafted with care, ready to take on every season.
With Stone Creek, you get gear that's built to last and store easily. Want hunting gear you can trust? Call us today.
Summary
Storing your hunting clothes and gear the right way keeps them in great shape for every season.
Wash and dry your gear, pack it in totes or storage containers, and keep it away from damp places. A little effort now means your gear will be fresh and ready, with no bad smells or surprises next time you’re heading out.
The better you store your gear, the more you can focus on the hunt. Stone Creek gear is tough and built to last, but proper storage makes sure it’s always ready for action. Take care of your gear today so it’s always ready when you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wash my hunting gear?
Yes, you should wash your hunting gear, but be careful about how you do it. Use a scent-free detergent to avoid adding any smells that could alert game animals. Avoid fabric softeners, and always air dry your clothes to keep them in good shape and free from unwanted odors.
How to organize a hunting bag?
Organize your hunting bag by placing the essentials like your hunting license, calls, and scent control items in easy-to-reach pockets. Pack heavier items like extra clothing or food at the bottom and lighter gear on top.
Keep frequently used items in outer pockets so you can grab them quickly without rummaging around.
How do you store rubber hunting boots?
Clean your rubber hunting boots with a damp cloth and let them air dry completely. Once dry, store them standing upright in a cool, dry space like a closet or shed. Add a bit of baking soda to the bottom to absorb any lingering odors and keep them fresh for your next hunt.
Comments