Smart Outdoor Gear Storage Solutions:
Tips for the Adventure-Loving Home
Spring is here, and with it comes longer days, warmer hikes, weekend camping trips—and more gear. Whether you’re into paddleboarding, backpacking, trail running, or adventuring with your dog, spring is when it all starts to pile up.
If your garage, entryway, or mudroom is bursting at the seams, this is your sign to pause and reset. Let’s talk about smart, simple outdoor gear storage solutions that’ll keep things organized, accessible, and ready for your next adventure—without taking over your living space.
1. Start With a Gear Audit
Before you invest in more bins or racks, take stock of what you actually have. Pull out all your outdoor gear—dog stuff included—and group it by activity:
- Hiking & trail gear
- Camping equipment
- Water sports gear
- Dog-specific adventure gear (backpacks, boots, leashes, travel bowls, etc.)
This step helps you see duplicates, worn-out items, or things you haven’t used in years (hello, broken hydration pack). Donate or recycle what you don’t need so you can make space for the gear you do use.
**Check with local rescues to see if they have a need for the dog gear you’re looking to donate. Oftentimes they’ll take your leashes, collars, harnesses, and crates! My favorite rescues are Street Dog Hero & Silver Linings Rescue Ranch.**
2. Use Vertical Space (Seriously, All of It)
Walls and ceilings are your best friends in small or crowded spaces. Consider:
- Pegboards or slat walls in the garage or mudroom for hanging packs, leashes, jackets, and helmets.
- Ceiling-mounted racks for kayaks, paddleboards, and seasonal items like rooftop tents.
- Wall hooks or rails for collapsible chairs, walking sticks, and wet dog gear.
Vertical storage clears floors, reduces clutter, and keeps essentials visible and easy to grab when you’re headed out the door.
3. Create a Dog Adventure Station
You already know your dog has their own gear collection—might as well organize it!
Designate a bin, drawer, or cubby with:
- Harnesses & leashes
- Travel bowls
- Doggy backpack
- Wipes & towels
- Treats
- Trail-safe dog boots (if your pup wears them)
This keeps you from scrambling at the last minute when your Samoyed or Goldendoodle is already spinning in circles by the front door.
4. Use Clear, Stackable Bins (and Label Them!)
It’s not glamorous, but it works. Invest in clear, stackable bins for things like:
- Base layers & technical clothing
- Camp kitchen gear
- Extra fuel & repair tools
- Dog food for overnight trips
Label each one with bold, weatherproof tags, especially if they’ll be stored in the garage or shed.
5. Keep “Grab-and-Go” Kits Ready
Speed is everything when you’re trying to hit the road before the weekend crowds. Create pre-packed kits for different kinds of outings:
- Hiking Kit: Daypacks, trail snacks, water bottles, maps, sunscreen, first aid.
- Camping Kit: Headlamps, lighter, utensils, stove, coffee, etc.
- Dog Day-Trip Kit: Bowl, leash, poop bags, cooling vest, treats.
Stash each kit in a tote or bin so you can literally grab and go.
6. Don’t Forget Seasonal Swaps
Set a reminder in your phone to rotate your gear at the start of each season. Tuck away winter gear (like microspikes or your dog’s fleece jacket) and make room for your summer favorites.
7. Make Space for the Gear You Want
Spring gear sales and sunny trail days are coming—if you’re eyeing a rooftop box, new paddleboard, or a fresh tent, plan for it now.
Clear a corner in the garage, install new wall mounts, or sell/donate something else to make space. Future You will thank you.
Final Thought: A Tidy Home = More Time for Fun
When your gear is organized, you waste less time digging through stuff and more time exploring. Whether you’re planning a sunrise hike, a camping weekend, or just a trip to the lake with your dog, a dialed-in storage system keeps the stoke high and the stress low.
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