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Pack, fit, and care for outdoor gear, understand maps, and prepare for more comfortable trips.
Search this topicLEKI says not to use lubricants, oils or grease on these pole sections. Wipe them with a dry cloth, inspect wear parts and let separated telescoping segments dry after a wet trip as directed. Lubrication is not a remedy for a lock that slips or a damaged tube. Check the correct service procedure for your pole model.
Extend them after use, wipe them with a dry cloth and allow moisture to dry before folding and storing them in a dry place. LEKI specifies maximum length for its Vario folding models during drying. Keep dirt out of the section joints. Do not pull a folding pole apart using instructions intended for a different telescoping design.
MSR does not publish one universal wind threshold for its tents. Performance depends on the model, ground, exposure and how well the tent is staked and guyed. Use the prescribed guy points and suitable anchors to support the pole shape. Check the forecast and choose a sheltered site; extra guy lines do not make an unsuitable tent safe in severe weather.
Loose sand provides less holding resistance than compact soil, so a narrow stake may not provide enough anchoring area. Choose stakes intended for sand or snow and use the maker’s placement method. MSR’s broad Blizzard stakes can also be used as buried sideways anchors. Match the anchor to the ground and retest tension rather than assuming a deeper narrow peg will hold.
ENO specifies no higher than 18 inches when in use. Check the space underneath for rocks, sharp objects and other fall hazards, then test the setup carefully before adding your full weight. Stay within the product and suspension limits. Do not jump, swing aggressively or stack hammocks, and supervise children rather than treating the hammock as playground equipment.
Choose healthy, stable trees or approved anchor points capable of supporting the hammock and its occupants. Inspect the area above and below, then inspect the hammock, straps and connectors for fraying, damage or unusual wear. Follow the setup and load limits for every component. If you cannot judge an anchor as sound, use a suitable rated stand or another location.
For the hammocks covered by ENO’s care guidance, remove the carabiners and hand-wash or use a front-loading washer with mild detergent, then hang dry. Check the particular product’s label before washing because spreader bars, nets and other components can change the procedure. Let it dry completely and inspect the fabric and suspension before using it again.
ENO recommends bringing it indoors when it is not in use, even between weekend trips. Continued sun and weather exposure can weaken the fabric and suspension; fading and brittleness are warning signs. Store clean, dry gear in a cool, dark place and inspect it before each use. Do not keep using visibly deteriorated fabric because it still looks mostly intact.
Follow the filter’s backwashing procedure using the specified clean water and cleaning equipment. Sawyer recommends backwashing when flow drops, before extended storage and when bringing a stored filter back into use. Dirtier source water can require more frequent cleaning. Keep clean-side equipment separate from untreated water and follow the exact filter model’s instructions instead of applying improvised high pressure.
Sawyer recommends replacing it if you suspect it froze after being wetted. Ice expansion can damage the filtering fibers, and ordinary appearance or normal flow does not show that filtration remains effective. Used filters retain moisture even when they seem dry. Protect the filter from freezing and use another verified treatment method until a potentially damaged filter is replaced.
In Grand Teton’s backcountry guidance, toiletries and other scented items belong in the approved canister along with food and trash. Sunscreen, toothpaste-like personal-care items, lip balm and packaged food can all attract wildlife. Check the specific park’s current storage requirements and test-pack everything before leaving. A canister that fits dinner but leaves scented supplies outside is insufficient.
Follow the rules for the area you are visiting. Grand Teton specifies a closed, locked canister on the ground at least 100 yards downwind from the tent, away from cliffs and water where it could be rolled away. Do not attach a carrying rope. Other parks have different distances and approved-storage rules, so check the local instructions rather than using one universal spacing.
For a suitable field repair, align the damaged sections, center the correctly sized sleeve over the break and tape both sleeve ends securely to the pole. Avoid exposed sharp edges and check that the supported pole will not damage the tent fabric. Treat the sleeve as a temporary repair and arrange proper replacement or service after the trip.
Lay the complete pole out and label its sections, their orientation and any hub connections before removing the old cord. Keep the end tips safely aside. Poles can contain different lengths or curved sections that are easy to mix up. Use the correct replacement cord and tension for that pole, then verify every joint seats fully before folding it.
Source checks for these answers: September 22, 2026. Product instructions and local requirements can vary.