Get Your Winter Gear Ready for the Season: A Step-by-Step Guide

As the temperatures start to drop and winter adventures call, it’s time to get your gear out of storage and ready for action! Properly prepping your gear ensures you’ll stay warm, dry, and comfortable, whether you’re hitting the slopes, trails, or just braving the cold. Here’s a quick guide to make sure your winter gear is in top shape for the season.

1. Dig Out Your Winter Gear

Start by pulling all your winter gear out of storage—jackets, boots, gloves, skis, snowboards, and any other cold-weather essentials. If you stored them properly at the end of last season, you’re already ahead of the game! Now’s the time to give everything a good once-over.

2. Inspect Your Gear Thoroughly

Go through each piece of equipment and clothing carefully. Here’s what to check:

• Clothing: Look for any rips, tears, or loose seams. Pay special attention to zippers, Velcro, and snaps to ensure they’re still functional. For down jackets, fluff them up to restore insulation.
• Footwear: Check for wear and tear on the soles of your winter boots and inspect the waterproofing. If the boots seem a bit stiff, give them a good conditioning to keep the material pliable.
• Skis & Snowboards: Inspect your bindings and edges for rust or damage. If you notice any issues, it’s a good idea to get them tuned before the season starts.
• Accessories: Gloves, hats, and scarves tend to take a beating. Look for any thinning fabric or worn-out linings. It’s worth investing in a new pair of gloves if they’ve seen better days.

3. Clean & Freshen Up Your Gear

It’s been sitting for months, so let’s freshen it up!

• Outerwear: Wash or spot-clean your jackets and pants using the appropriate detergent. If they’re waterproof, consider reapplying a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment to keep them water-resistant.
• Boots: Wipe off any dust or dirt and reapply waterproofing sprays or creams if needed. Don’t forget to air them out if they’ve been packed away in a tight space.
• Skis/Snowboards: Wipe off any dust and apply a fresh coat of wax to get your gear gliding smoothly when the snow falls.

4. Don’t Forget the Small Gear

Your base layers, socks, and thermals are just as important as your outerwear. Make sure everything is clean, intact, and ready to keep you warm. If you spot any holes or worn fabric, it’s time to upgrade (or get it repaired....).

5. Test Your Gear Before You Need It

Before you find yourself on a freezing mountain or halfway through a snowshoeing adventure, test your gear. Try on your boots, zip up your jacket, and make sure everything still fits well and feels comfortable.

6. Gear Not Working For You? Consign It at Janky!

If your gear didn’t pass the vibe check, don’t toss it—consign it! Starting in October, we’re accepting winter gear, so your old jackets, boots, and snowboards can find a new home. Bring your gently used items to Janky Gear, and we’ll get them into the hands of fellow outdoor adventurers. Plus, you get to make some extra cash or store credit for new gear. Win-win!

7. Got Gear That Needs Repairs? Stay Tuned!

If your gear’s just a little janky (in the best way) and needs a fix, we’ve got exciting news! We’re launching repair services soon to help you patch up your favorite outdoor pieces. Zippers, rips, tears—whatever it is, we’ll help you keep your gear going strong. Stay tuned for more info!

8. Upgrade Time? We’ve Got You Covered

If something’s truly past its prime, don’t worry. We’ve got high-quality consignment gear and new winter goodies in store, ready to help you stay warm and cozy without breaking the bank. Stop by and grab what you need before the snow hits!

9. Stash That Summer Gear Right

As you’re prepping for winter, make sure your summer gear gets some love too. Clean it, inspect it for damage, and pack it away properly so it’s fresh for next year’s adventures.

Get your gear in shape now, and you’ll be ready to embrace all that winter has to offer without any last-minute gear drama. If you’re looking to consign or replace your gear—or just need to talk about how cold it’s getting—come see us at Janky Gear. And keep an eye out for our new repair services coming soon!