For me, the absolute worst part of camping, is cleaning and putting away gear after a trip. Usually takes me longer than the combined preparation and execution phases. I get put-it-off-itus, compounded by delay and postponement.
Last trip, my mukluks and a couple of dry bags were getting pretty skunky inside. Warm, soapy water, and a clear water rinse cures that, of course. Now, how do I cure the water inside? Here's a technique I found useful.
I take the plastic tubes used on vacuum cleaner hoses to extend them out long. Insert a tube into a boot or bag, lay a bag in front of a floor register where air will blow in as well as you can arrange it, and set the projecting mouth of the tube where the register air doesn't blow into it. Air goes into the mouth of the boot or bag, and exhausts out the tube. Since the other end of my tube is way, down inside, air pretty much circulates throughout the entire length of the boot or bag.
Sometimes, a soft bag or boot will collapse and block incoming air. Prop it open with little stick (toothpicks, etc.) to allow circulation. Remember to remove them all before slipping a tender tootsie down into a boot. In the case of mukluks, sprinkling say, about a tablespoon full baking soda in, will help keep odor down too.
Last trip, my mukluks and a couple of dry bags were getting pretty skunky inside. Warm, soapy water, and a clear water rinse cures that, of course. Now, how do I cure the water inside? Here's a technique I found useful.
I take the plastic tubes used on vacuum cleaner hoses to extend them out long. Insert a tube into a boot or bag, lay a bag in front of a floor register where air will blow in as well as you can arrange it, and set the projecting mouth of the tube where the register air doesn't blow into it. Air goes into the mouth of the boot or bag, and exhausts out the tube. Since the other end of my tube is way, down inside, air pretty much circulates throughout the entire length of the boot or bag.
Sometimes, a soft bag or boot will collapse and block incoming air. Prop it open with little stick (toothpicks, etc.) to allow circulation. Remember to remove them all before slipping a tender tootsie down into a boot. In the case of mukluks, sprinkling say, about a tablespoon full baking soda in, will help keep odor down too.