Deal of the Week: 75% off 2 terms for 5 x 15 Units
maple leaf Proudly Canadian
902-370-2727
Sign Out

Wrap Up Summer: How to Store Your Summer Gear

September 15, 2026

Wrap Up Summer: How to Store Your Summer Gear

When autumn sweeps across Prince Edward Island, trading paddleboards and trail bikes for snow boots is an annual ritual. Simply stashing summer equipment into an unheated garden shed or a damp basement leads to rust, dry rot, and mould before spring. A quick afternoon spent prepping your gear protects your investment and ensures a seamless start when warm weather returns.

1. Water Sports: Wash Away Salt and Sand

Whether you’ve been paddling the Northumberland Strait, exploring Malpeque Bay, or surfing the North Shore, salt and fine sand will degrade seals and fabrics if left sitting for months.
  • Wash and dry: Rinse kayaks, paddleboards, and life jackets thoroughly with fresh water, letting them dry completely before storage.
  • Air out neoprene: Dry wetsuits and booties thoroughly in a shaded, well-ventilated spot to prevent trapped moisture from ruining material flexibility.
  • Hull care: Rest plastic kayaks on their sides or on padded cradles rather than suspending them by grab loops, which can warp the shell under sustained tension.

2. Bikes: Clear Island Red Dirt and Lube

Fine Island dirt and salty sea breezes are notoriously tough on exposed drivetrains after a season on the Confederation Trail.
  • Drivetrain service: Wash away grime, degrease, and re-lube the chain and derailleurs to build a solid barrier against airborne moisture.
  • Tyre preservation: Inflate tyres to full pressure so sidewalls don’t crack under resting weight, or hang the frame from coated wall hooks.
  • E-bike batteries: Freezing maritime temperatures rapidly degrade lithium-ion cells. Store batteries indoors at a 50% to 70% charge rather than leaving them in an unheated space.

3. Camping Gear: Loosen and Dry

Technical outdoor fabrics need breathing room to retain their insulation and waterproof coatings.
  • Air the tent: Pitch your tent one final time to dry every seam completely. Pack it loosely into a breathable tote rather than compressing it into a tight stuff sack.
  • Protect the loft: Hang sleeping bags or store them loosely in large mesh sacks so down and synthetic fills retain their loft.

Beat the Maritime Damp

Island winters bring biting coastal winds, high humidity, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles that unheated sheds can’t keep out. A climate-controlled locker keeps metal rust-free and fabrics fresh, leaving your gear trail-ready for the very first warm weekend of spring.
Reclaim Your Space with Storage Inn PEI
Keep your boards, bikes, and camping kits safe, warm, and dry through the Island winter. Storage Inn PEI in Summerside offers secure, climate-controlled units and easy drive-up access to make seasonal packing completely hassle-free. Reserve your seasonal locker online today.