When you’re living off-grid or preparing for an emergency, every piece of gear you have needs to last. Replacing gear during a crisis isn’t an option, so making your equipment go the distance is crucial. Over the years, I’ve found some simple but effective hacks to extend the life of my gear and tools. These little tricks can save you time, money, and headaches down the road, keeping you prepared for anything that comes your way.
1. Keep Duct Tape in Your Gear Kit
Duct tape is one of the most versatile tools you can carry. From patching up torn tarps and tents to reinforcing worn-out gear straps, it’s a quick fix for almost anything. Keep a small roll wrapped around a pen or lighter in your gear kit—it takes up no space but will come in handy more times than you think.
2. Use Beeswax to Waterproof Your Boots
Wet feet can make life miserable in a survival situation, but waterproofing your boots can extend their life and keep you dry. Rubbing beeswax on leather boots creates a natural barrier that repels water. Heat it gently with a hairdryer to make sure it absorbs fully into the material.
3. Sharpen Your Knives Regularly
A dull knife is not only useless, it’s dangerous. Keep your knives sharp by using a honing rod or sharpening stone regularly. Even if you’re not using them every day, a quick touch-up every few months will make sure they’re ready when you need them most.
4. Oil Your Tools to Prevent Rust
Rust is the silent killer of tools. Wipe your metal tools down with a light coat of oil after use, especially if they’ve been exposed to moisture. This will create a barrier against rust and extend the lifespan of everything from shovels to hatchets.
5. Use Paracord to Reinforce Gear
Paracord is strong, lightweight, and perfect for reinforcing straps, handles, or even stitching up a broken pack. Keep a few feet of paracord on hand, and you can fix or reinforce just about any piece of gear in a pinch.
6. Store Batteries in the Fridge
Batteries tend to lose their charge over time, especially in warm environments. Storing them in the fridge can extend their life significantly. This is especially useful for rechargeable batteries, which can degrade faster in higher temperatures.
7. Rotate Your Water Filters
Water filters have a shelf life, but rotating them regularly will ensure you always have a fresh one ready to go. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines on how often to replace them and mark the dates on the filter with a Sharpie, so you know when it’s time to swap them out.
8. Use Baking Soda to Deodorize Gear
Gear like backpacks, sleeping bags, and boots can start to smell after long use. Sprinkling some baking soda inside and letting it sit overnight helps absorb odors. A quick shake or brush in the morning, and your gear smells fresh again.
9. Patch Tents and Tarps with Seam Sealer
Small tears in tents or tarps can quickly get worse if not addressed. Using a seam sealer or patch kit to fix holes as soon as you notice them will extend the life of these items significantly. It’s a small investment that can keep your shelter strong for years.
10. Avoid Overloading Zippers
Zippers are often the first thing to break on a pack or jacket. Avoid overstuffing bags and straining zippers beyond their limits. If a zipper starts sticking, rub a bit of soap or wax along the teeth to keep it running smoothly.
11. Line Your Gear with Plastic Bags
Plastic bags might not seem durable, but they’re a great liner for your gear. Using them to line your backpack or storage containers will add a layer of waterproofing, keeping the contents dry. This can extend the life of both the gear and the items inside.
12. Rotate Your Canned Goods
Food storage is crucial, but canned goods do have a shelf life. Rotate your stock regularly, placing newer items at the back and older ones in the front. This ensures nothing goes to waste, and you’ll always have fresh supplies when you need them.
13. Keep a Multitool on Hand
A good multitool can extend the life of your gear by helping you fix it on the go. Whether it’s tightening screws, cutting paracord, or prying open a stuck zipper, a multitool can tackle a wide range of minor repairs, keeping your gear in working order.
14. Dry Your Gear Completely Before Storage
Mildew and mold will destroy gear faster than anything. Always dry out tents, tarps, sleeping bags, and clothing completely before storing them. Even a small amount of moisture can lead to rot, which will weaken your gear and shorten its lifespan.
15. Lubricate Moving Parts
Whether it’s a folding knife, a pair of pliers, or a hand-crank radio, lubricating the moving parts will extend their life. A drop of oil every now and then will keep things running smoothly and prevent parts from wearing down too quickly.
