Outdoor Gear Storage

I would store all down items inside. As long as everything else is dry when packed away, I would think everything else could go in air tight containers (barrels?).

Steve

Thanks for the insight Steve. One idea I had was hanging them in some netting in an upper corner of a closet. I also like the idea of barrels, very vintage and bohemian, not really sure where I could find them though.

Stored where? You want protection from the elements, and thieves, too?
A job(gang, etc) box would be the ultimate non-UL item for that, but they're expensive and heavy.
Maybe look at toolboxes for trucks. If you search for all purpose chests and top mount truck boxes, you should find rectangular ones that are for general use on flatbeds, and trailers, as well as in truck beds. They'll have locks, and can be drilled on bottom and bolted down.
I stole this image from weatherguard.com:

Your MSR Tent most likely uses a PU coating for waterproofing. PU coatings generally don't do well when stored all packed up in high heat locations. Years ago Kelty replaced a rain fly for me that had fused itself together while in storage .As I tried to unfold the fly, the layers were stuck together so badly the fabric gave way before the waterproofing would release it's bond. This problem can be exacerbated if the humidity is high where you live.

If you get a large enough storage box, then your fiance can store her fishing tackle in there as well.

–B.G.–

You may be able to find an old Knaack, or Rigid, gang box on Craigslist for a couple hundred bucks.

Outdoor storage is tough. Is it possible to store other, more durable goods outside, and keep your bag and tent inside? I have ongoing problems with insects making nests in anything stored outside, even if in bins with lids.

I'd also be worried about mice. They seem to have a sense of taste that will zero them in on your most expensive gear.

A lot of stuff can be stored under the bed. But we made our own bed to do that. I wonder if we’re the only one in America like this:
1. We bought plastic shelving similar to this (but not this):
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Sterilite-5-Shelf-36-in-W-x-75-125-in-H-x-18-in-D-Plastic-Shelving-Unit-1-Pack-01558501/202572469?keyword=01558501
2. It took a couple of boxes of shelves and we arranged them like this (legs will be left over):

3. Then we laid some nice flat 2’x4’x3/4” plywood on top (qty 3):

The scaling is way off but it’s 4’ x 6’ floor space; smaller than a double bed.

4. Then we cut a 4’x6’x2” of soft foam to put on the board. Then we laid a 4×6’x2” hard foam on that:

We experimented with several foams and density combinations and this is what worked for us (i.e., no back aches).

5. Our head board is from a double bed from a garage sale. It’s not attached to the bed. It’s actually attached to the wall to make it look like the bed has a headboard.

Other notes: We had to bolt the boards together because they would slowly separate. We used thin metal and small wood screws. Double sheets and blankets might seem a little big but it sure made it easier to straighten in the morning. People think this is small. But my wife and I could get by with just a twin bed (36” wide). But the extra foot width gave us some moving room. My wife put a lacey sheet over the wood before we put the foam on (maybe it’s called a bed skirt). This hid/covered everything underneath the bed. Now we have 4’ long boxes that easily slide underneath the bed. When people lift up the lacey sheets, it’s rather surprising how much room is under there since we actually only have a ‘four-inch‘ mattress and no box springs. In fact, you can have more room by using taller book shelves. We assembled this 8 years ago and the bed is still great. It went through a move and is still behaving.

Another storage place my wife uses– is those tripod lamp tables. She puts a sheet over those and hides several items under there.

Happy Storage,
-Barry
-The mountains were made for Tevas

Outdoor storage can be a real mold pit if you are in the wrong climate. Like others said, under the bed, behind the couch, or any other creative uses of interior space are a better bet.

People are unloading large "entertainment center" cabinets with the advent of flat screen TV's and you can buy them cheap at thrift stores and garage sales. I've been thinking that a carpenter could turn one into an armoire with a little work, but they would make a good gear cabinet too.

When we got married, we had two complete kits plus kayaks and car camping stuff. After raising two kids, I've been empty nesting lately and cleaning out the hoard— good luck!

" Any suggestions would be appreciated."

You KNOW how important this camping stuff is….

… look for a UL fiancée with more room (and a good flashlight).