Spring break is just around the corner — are you ready for an adventure? 

Whether you're planning a laid-back staycation in and around Portland, or gearing up for an epic Oregon road trip, it's the perfect time to explore the stunning wilderness our state has to offer! To help you make the most of your outdoor escape, we've put together a handy list of camping essentials to get you started—plus how to store them. Let's hit the trail!

Oregon Focused 

Before heading into the woods, you should look at the logistics, including the number of days, driving time, weather, and park location. Which park do you want to go to? Do they have day-use parking? Have you bought your permit yet? Make sure to take care of this stuff before you leave home! Parks can become very crowded this time of year—especially at spring break—and having it all together will relieve a lot of stress, not to mention driving around if you can't find a spot!

We have a couple of helpful links to save time: 

Check Day-Use Parking 

Get Your Permit

For a complete list of campable Oregon state parks, check out the Oregon State Parks Site. 

Now that you've reserved your spot and started gathering your camping gear, we've got some helpful tips and tricks to make the process easier—especially if you're new to camping.

Tents 

No matter what your tent is, for most, it's an essential part of the camping experience. There are a vast number of tents that are tailored to your desired experience.
Backpackers will have to worry about weight: the general rule is 2.5 lbs per person. 

If you're packing a larger tent for a group and have a bit of a hike-in, you can divide the weight by splitting the tent, rain fly, and poles to be carried by different people. 

For campsites close-in and a less hardcore approach, weight is not such a big deal.

As a side note for new campers, we are pretty lucky in Oregon not to have too many poisonous creatures that may find your tent a sanctuary for shade or warmth, but there are a few creatures that you need to be aware of, Oregon Hikers has a list, depending on where and when you camp. Always check the ground. Nobody wants their trip ruined by a nasty sting or insect bite. 

Either way, set up on flat ground and move rocks, sticks, and other objects. Put down a ground cloth or tent footprint to keep things dry. Check out REI's excellent article regarding size, materials, and more for your tent footprint.

And, speaking of Oregon in the spring, you'll be darn lucky not to get a downpour or two during spring break. We always opt to use the rain fly. Better to have it and not need it than to be soaked.

Tent Storage: Before and After Use

Here are some general rules for storing a tent that will be widely applicable across the board. Double-check the item before storage. While it's unlikely to get worse during storage, there's nothing worse than pulling a tent or sleeping bag out of storage and realizing you have two days to get it fixed or buy a new one. Better to handle repairs before storage so that everything is ready to go when you need it. 

As part of this check, brush off and thoroughly dry your tent, especially your ground cloth. Giving a damp or otherwise dirty ground cloth weeks or even months to sit and stew is a great way to ruin it with a new microbiome. 

Sleeping Bag and Pad 

Double-check the temperature rating of your sleeping bag before you head out. Cold nights can ruin your trip or even be genuinely hazardous. Sleeping bags are typically rated with two parameters: comfort and limit. Comfort is the coldest a cold sleeper will be comfortable in the bag, and the limit is the coldest a warm sleeper will be relaxed. You may know if you're a warm sleeper by how often your AC is used at night in the summer. 

For safety reasons, if you're going in winter or heading to an altitude where there might be snow in the spring, camping, get a bag rated for winter camping.

Generally, there are two types of sleeping bags: synthetic and down. Synthetic bags generally are lighter, easier to dry, durable, and pack well. Down sleeping bags are warmer, heavier, and still function when wet. 

The pad functions in tandem with the bag as a "sleep system," each working to keep you warm and dry. 

Unstuff your sleeping bags and pads for storage. The additional tension can be detrimental, and you can get some extra years of use out of your sleep system by un-stuffing it for storage. As with tents, moisture is the enemy, especially with down. Make sure your sleeping bag and bag are clean and bone dry before storage. We recommend storing these in a plastic tub, and if you're really serious about the longevity of your gear, throw a couple of desiccant silica packets in the container as well. 

Check in with the folks at your outdoor store or outdoor experts-advice is invaluable!

Stove

Camping stoves generally come in two types: liquid fuel and propane, each with its own maintenance needs. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper care. A quick cleaning after each trip can help keep your stove in top shape. Since stoves are combustible, it's best to avoid storing them in a storage unit for safety reasons.

Coolers and Containers 

For non-backpackers, storing a cooler is an important consideration. We recommend cleaning the cooler along with the stove, using warm water, vinegar or lemon juice, and nontoxic dish soap after each trip. Then let it completely dry upside down. 

Cleaning and drying are also critical for water bottles, CamelBaks, and other water storage methods. A few rinses with clean water afterward will ensure there's no residual soapiness. Cleaning after every trip is great. And check those lids! Give water bottle lids a long soak in soapy water and a once-over with an old toothbrush. Mold loves moisture and crevices, both of which are common in water bottle lids. 

Headlamps

Headlamps and flashlights are critical. Extra batteries must be stored out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. Plastic bins and desiccant packets are also recommended for electronics: moisture is the enemy! Bring a handful of extra batteries and even an extra headlamp. Just in case!

Adventure Awaits!

Whether you're gearing up for a camping trip or chasing sunny beach vibes, check out these Downtown Self Storage blogs for awesome Oregon vacation ideas and expert packing tips to make your getaway unforgettable! 🚗🧳

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Gear Up and Store with Confidence! 

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Portland, OR 97209

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