Heeeyho Readers! Dealing with stored gear is a pain in the behind!
The other day I decided to check my bikepacking gear. All my equipment (bikepacking, camping and fishing) sit in plastic boxes for better home organization. That's also the best way to prevent rust, mold, dust, etc.
I prefer that some equipment wear out on multi-month adventures, once most materials deteriorate over time anyway — exactly what I found out {sigh} —, but constant traveling is not always possible. So, how to solve this dilemma of unused gear?
Bikepacking in the UK
I got this pair of Vaude waterproof panniers during a bicycle trip across Europe in 2019. They haven't seen much action since then, other than a trip in the UK and Wales (above photo) and a week-long trip in Brazil.
The quality is impressive. The rubber-like fabric is thick and have survived two or three crashes without a scratch. Not to mention the zero-leaks roll-top. However, for a four year old piece of gear I'd expect signs of ageing: cracked plastics, dry fabric, etc. Not the case here. The fabric is still soft and the plastic bits look brand new.
Damaged Vaude panniers
Mold is always an issue, though easily treated with detergent and brushing. There's also tiny patches of rubber coating missing that I can solve with waterproof tape — looks like my cat scratched them.
On the other hand, the biggest damage is the complete failure at the seams. It looks like the glue holding the front fabric to the sides gave up over time. I'm glad they came apart while stored and not on the road.
Failed seam
Intact plastic back
Would that happen if in use? Maybe. With the daily routine of rolling the top the seams would give up at some time — accepted. The whole dilemma and frustration comes from finding out damaged gear that was not in use, from which the question arises:
How to deal with stored gear?
Camping gear — especially waterproof ones (tent, jackets, bags, etc) — suffer from ageing. Considering the price paid for quality stuff, warranty, and infrequent use, I'd like to analyze the options to oppose long-term storage.
Failed seams
Buy cheap stuff that'll last enough for the trip. This one is risky, because cheap gear might fail during use.
Sell after use. Seems like the best way to avoid storing gear, but we'd lose money twice: while selling used gear and when buying them back to use again in the future.
Storing and dealing with ageing. It hurts to see something expensive getting damaged without using.
Cry in the shower. What else can we do?
Are there any other options? I'd like to hear from others an opinion about this dilemma.
- What do you consider when getting new equipment and what do you do to better preserve your wealth (money or equipment).
Back to the panniers...
Lastly on this post, I'd like to ask the readers if you have a glue clue {pa-dum-tss} to help solve my problem with the seams. Some suggested stitching, but that would affect waterproffness. Dad said super glue would definitely solve the problem, though that kind of glue tends to dry up and break. A friend offered some sort of contact glue (aren't all glues contact?)
Buying new panniers is out of question since these bags are quite expensive.
Any other ideas?
Have you ever dealt with this issue? Or have worked with this type of material? Let me know in the comments.
Peace.
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Disclaimer: The author of this post is a convict broke backpacker, who has travelled more than 10.000 km hitchhiking and more than 5.000 km cycling. Following him may cause severe problems of wanderlust and inquietud. You've been warned.