What you do before and after your trip makes all the difference. How many hours do you spend deciding where to go, what gear to take, and – if you’re like me – what food to bring? But all the maps and checklists in the world can’t guarantee a good trip if you neglect these basic pre- and post-trip equipment tasks.

Of course you know to check that your tent bag still has the poles and enough stakes in it, right? And you’ve weighed your fuel canister. And you’ve checked your batteries or charged your electronics. Of course you have. But here are a few more tips for your gear.

Treat your clothes and gear with permethrin, which is recognized as the standard for tick prevention. Home-treatments from Sawyer are effective for 6 weeks or 6 washings. Many Appalachian Trail hikers can share success stories about permethrin, and my experience was that I only saw one tick on myself over 2000 miles, and it was dead on my permethrin-treated sock. In addition to my clothes, I always treat my backpack, paying special attention to the straps, and I treat my Nemo Switchback pad, because I carry it outside of my pack. I also treat my tent sometimes.

Test those inflatable sleeping pads and pillows before you go. At Good Wolf Gear, we tested all of the consigned inflatable pads overnight to help our customers get a good night’s sleep. I so the same at home, too, because that inflatable pad offers neither comfort nor insulation if it’s gone flat. I once slept on a leaky self-inflating pad, which was bad enough, but an inflatable pad would be worthless. I also test my inflatable pillow at the same time with some light weights.

When you get home, make sure your gear is clean and completely dry before you put it away. It was heartbreaking at Good Wolf Gear to inspect a tent being offered for consignment only to find it mildewed and ruined from being put away wet. Don’t take a chance! Always lay your tent out to dry on a dry sunny day when you get home. Even if it seems dry, there may be some condensation inside or the floor may be damp. If necessary, dry it inside – if the rest of the household is agreeable – but I wouldn’t trust my gear around a curious or playful pet.

For my sleeping bag, I take the extra step of tumbling it for a few minutes on very low heat, and of course I hang my bags for storage to preserve the loft.

I hope these tips will help you enjoy your trip and get the most from your gear.