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There’s something about the shift into winter that makes me look around our house and garage and think: Wow… we’ve really used our gear this year.
Between camping weekends, trail days, spontaneous river hangs, and all the muddy end-of-summer adventures kids always find a way to create, our gear takes a beating. By the time the weather starts turning cold in the Treasure Valley, our boots are crusted with dry dirt, packs smell like sunscreen and snacks, and our jackets have definitely seen better days.
And yet—this is the season when our gear matters most. Winter is when waterproofing really gets put to the test. When boots either make or break an outing. When down jackets are the difference between a great day outside and a freezing-grouchy meltdown.
But here’s what I want every mom—every outdoor-loving family planner and logistics queen—to know:
Taking care of your outdoor gear doesn’t have to be expensive.
And it doesn’t require some massive cleaning weekend or fancy tools.
Winter is actually the perfect time to reset, refresh, and protect the gear you already own. You’re already rotating pieces in and out. You’re already switching from summer packs to winter layers. And it just makes sense to clean what you’re putting away and maintain what you’re pulling out.
Plus, as a mom, nothing beats the satisfaction of knowing your gear is ready for anything this season throws at you.
If you missed it, I shared how I keep our year-round camping gear fresh and organized here:
👉 How to Keep Your Camping Gear Fresh, Clean, and Ready All Year
https://momsgoadenture.com/2025/10/30/how-to-keep-your-camping-gear-fresh-clean-and-ready-all-year/
And if your garage feels like a multi-layered avalanche waiting to happen, you might appreciate how I finally—and officially—took mine back:
👉 The Day I Finally Took Back My Garage
https://momsgoadventure.com/2025/10/26/the-day-i-finally-took-back-my-garage-one-moms-gear-storage-makeover-that-saved-my-sanity-and-my-gear/
Today, instead of doing a huge overhaul, we’re talking about 10 simple, realistic, budget-friendly things you can buy to take care of your outdoor gear during the winter months. These are the things that will extend the life of your favorite jackets, boots, packs, and tents—and make every winter adventure smoother.
Let’s dive in.
1. Waterproofing Spray
Snow, slush, puddles, and winter drizzle do not care how much you paid for your jacket. After one or two seasons, waterproof layers lose their effectiveness—something you often don’t notice until you’re already wet and cold.
A good waterproofing spray:
- Helps revive protection
- Works on jackets, gloves, backpacks, and boots
- Costs under $20
- Lasts for multiple seasons
One of the easiest “wins” for winter.
2. Boot Dryers
If you’ve ever opened the mudroom door to find soggy boots still wet from the day before, you know why these matter.
Boot dryers:
- Extend the life of footwear
- Prevent odor and bacteria
- Make sure tomorrow’s outing starts dry
- Save your sanity on repeat
These are inexpensive and one of the best “why didn’t we get these sooner?” purchases we’ve made.
3. Down Wash
Down jackets and sleeping bags need special care. Regular detergent strips oils, ruins loft, and can permanently damage insulation.
A bottle of down wash gently cleans while preserving warmth and fluff. Winter is the perfect time to refresh last year’s layers before the coldest days settle in.
4. Hydration Pack Cleaning Kit
Summer’s electrolyte mixes and sticky snacks leave hydration packs… questionable. You don’t want to store them that way over winter.
A cleaning kit:
- Reaches tubes
- Scrubs corners
- Prevents mold
- Keeps everything tasting fresh
It’s a little thing that makes a big difference.
5. Gear Storage Bins
Nothing fancy needed. In fact, simple, stackable bins are my secret to sanity.
Benefits:
- Protect from dust and moisture
- Keep summer gear clean until needed
- Make winter pieces easier to find
- Help kids know where everything belongs
This is the system I now swear by in my garage makeover post.
6. Gel-Packet Moisture Absorbers
These are quiet heroes.
Toss them into:
- Bins
- Boot boxes
- Backpacks
- Shelving
…and they prevent mildew, rust, mold, and the funky smell gear gets when stored after a damp day.
7. Activated Charcoal Odor Absorbers
Great for:
- Winter boots
- Ski gloves
- Gym bags
- Car gear bins
The best part? They neutralize odor instead of masking it.
8. Microfiber Towel Set for Cleaning
Having a dedicated set of cleaning towels in the garage saves so much time.
Use them for:
- Muddy boots
- Dusty trekking poles
- Wiping backpacks
- Cleaning tent floors
- Wiping down helmets
They’re washable and reusable—another win for your wallet.
9. Tent Glue Sealant
Winter is the perfect time to check tents and patch issues. The cooler temps make damage easier to spot, and you’ll be so glad you did this before camping season returns.
A quick line of sealant:
- Fixes small tears
- Strengthens seams
- Keeps your tent waterproof
- Prolongs the tent’s lifespan
10. A Simple Winter Gear Refresh Routine
This doesn’t require a full gear-cleaning day. Just a few habits:
- Hang jackets and mittens to dry
- Run boot dryers
- Clean boots with microfiber towels
- Add odor absorbers to gloves and shoes
- Keep bins organized using simple labels
- Rotate seasonal gear in or out
This is what keeps everything functional, fresh, and ready without a ton of effort.
Troubleshooting: Common Winter Gear Problems (And How These Products Fix Them)
Here are the issues most families run into this time of year—and how to solve them fast.
Problem: Wet boots that never fully dry
Fix: Boot dryers + moisture absorber packets
They prevent odor, bacteria, and cracked boot linings.
Problem: Jackets that “feel colder” than last year
Fix: Down wash + waterproofing spray
Restores loft AND restores waterproofing = warmer jackets.
Problem: Musty gear bins
Fix: Activated charcoal + gel moisture packets
Keeps everything dry and fresh all winter long.
Problem: Hydration packs taste… weird
Fix: A proper cleaning kit
Goodbye leftover sports drink, hello fresh water.
Problem: Tents leaking at seams
Fix: Tent glue sealant
A quick winter repair prevents summer frustrations.
Problem: Random gear clutter everywhere
Fix: Storage bins + a simple rotation system
Winter bins, summer bins, and “use now” bins make life easier.
Your Winter Gear Rotation Checklist
Copy, screenshot, or save this for your next garage tidy-up.
✔ Clean everything you’re packing away
- Summer hiking shoes
- Warm-weather packs
- Camp cookware
- Tents and tarps
✔ Refresh everything you’re using THIS season
- Waterproof coats
- Snow boots
- Gloves
- Down layers
✔ Store gear intentionally
- Use labeled bins
- Add one moisture absorber per bin
- Add one charcoal pack if odor-prone
✔ Check for damage
- Tent seams
- Boot soles
- Zippers
- Pack straps
✔ Prep hydration systems
- Clean tubes
- Dry completely
- Store open-air
Involve the Kids (Yes, Really)
One of the best things I’ve done for both my sanity and my kids’ sense of responsibility is involving them in cleaning and caring for our gear.
Not as a chore.
As a natural part of being fortunate enough to use this gear.
Kids help with:
- Wiping down muddy boots
- Putting charcoal bags in gloves
- Sorting gear into bins
- Hanging coats to dry
- Checking tent bags for trash
- Cleaning hydration pack bite valves (supervised)
This small habit teaches them:
- Gratitude
- Ownership
- Respect for shared equipment
- Pride in being part of outdoor adventures
Plus, kids LOVE spraying waterproofing spray. It’s a whole moment.
Winter is the best time to protect, refresh, and reorganize the outdoor gear you rely on all year long. And none of this has to be expensive or overwhelming—just simple tools, simple routines, and small habits that stretch the life of everything you own.
Moms Go Adventure | Camping Essentials, Hiking Gear in Boise ID 