Spring Gear Check: Is It Time to Toss, Keep, or Replace?

It’s that time of year again!!! Adventure planning is already in the works, but is your gear really up to snuff? We all have aging gear we’re hoping to squeeze another season out of. Do you really think it’s wise to chance it on the trail, lake or field? A quick spring gear check today can save you a massive headache tomorrow!

Use this spring gear checklist to figure out what stays, what goes, and what you actually need this season.

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Spring Gear Check – What to Toss?
The Stuff That’s Done For!

Spring gear check: a green canoe with a hole in it — Time to toss the holey canoe 🙁

Some of your gear can still be salvageable, providing the material is in good condition. Many manufacturers have replacement parts for your beloved gear or provide a replacement warranty. Unfortunately, it’s time to let go of gear past its use or lifespan! For example, here are some outdoor gear inspection tips:

Worn-out boots with cracked soles or blown seams

Tents with busted zippers or holes that can’t be patched

Frayed ropes, leaky hydration packs, rusty tools

Mouldy sleeping bags or gear with funky smells that won’t go away

Broken buckles or gear with significant UV damage

Gear with irreparable tears or missing pieces

Expired first aid items, MRE and water filters

Leaking chest waders

PFDs that no longer float or are expired

Inflatables that have more patches/stickers than a traveller’s suitcase

Tents with broken poles that can’t be replaced

Throw out damp or soggy matches or Band-Aids that are old and do not stick

Holey canoes and cracked canoe paddles for which you have no time to perform a repair or restore

Broken or cracked hunting decoys that can injure you or the animal

Mouldy, dried out or cracked mouth calls

Broken fishing rods or reels that can’t be fixed or replaced

PRO TIP

The item is not worth holding onto if it’s a safety risk!

Spring Gear Check: What to Upgrade?
Smart Swaps for Better Adventures

Spring gear check: canoeing with a lightweight personal cooler and new waterproof fishing backpack — Upgraded to a lightweight, floating cooler from Rugged Road and a new waterproof fishing backpack

Technology moves so quickly these days, which allows for better-performing gear that is rugged, lightweight and, in most cases, durable. If your cooler feels like you’re lugging a fridge, it may be a good time to upgrade to something more lightweight like the Rugged Road.

The same goes for tech – there are smaller, faster and better equipment that will keep you safer or more connected in the woods.

Base layers made with new tech like breathability and sweat-wicking

Lightweight cook systems or better stoves as a camping gear upgrade

Backpacks with better support, more pockets or modular systems

Better optics or more niche-specific multi-tools

Power banks/solar gear that actually work

Camo or outerwear with updated patterns or quieter fabric

Snowmobile suits with floatation capabilities

Lightweight hunting blinds with quieter material and better visibility

Tents with breathability and waterproofness

Better coolers that are lightweight

Waterproof duffles that don’t leak

Recommended Upgrades for 2025

Looking to freshen up your gear this season? These are some of our top picks from the best new outdoor gear 2025 category, that are lightweight, durable, and worth the investment.

Rugged Road 65 Cooler

At just 13 lbs, this ultra-light cooler is built to float, even when full! It keeps ice for days and is a godsend in the backcountry for paddling trips, camping or overlanding. Priced mid-range for coolers, but saves your back.

Shop Rugged Road

Jetboil Stash Cooking System

For backpackers or hikers looking to lighten their load, this compact, lightning-fast stove is only 7.1 oz. Perfect for minimalist campers or thru-hikers who still want a coffee or warm meal in the morning. At around $195, it’s a lightweight luxury that pays off.

Shop JetBoil

Sitka Ambient Jacket

For the hunter who is tired of being heard! This jacket uses ultra-quiet material and regulates body heat. It’s a premium layer (around $300), but it replaces multiple mid-layers in one.

Shop Sitka

Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank

Waterproof, drop-proof, and powerful enough to charge multiple devices on multi-day trips. Priced under $130, it’s a wise safety backup for remote adventures.

Shop Goal Zero

YETI Ranchero Backpack

Hit the trail or hunt with the multi-pocketed, stylish backpack that is extremely comfortable. Not cheap (around $350), but it’s built for the long haul.

Shop YETI

Spring Gear Check: What to Keep?
The Tried-and-True Staples

For gear that may no longer be stylish, but still works like that blue Coleman plugin cooler, it’s time to show these pieces some TLC. Before heading out, do a spring gear check, clean it, waterproof it, and/or sharpen it to keep it going for years to come.

That vintage tent you’ve had for years still going strong? Keep it!

Well-maintained boots, quality knives, solid backpacks

Any piece of gear that’s still reliable, even if not flashy or new

Spring Gear Check Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know when a sleeping bag is too far gone?

A sleeping bag is too far gone when it no longer keeps you warm, needs frequent repairs, or no longer holds its shape. Check to see if your sleeping bag feels thin or lumpy, or if there are visible tears and holes. If the lining or outer fabric is torn, rain or moisture can reach the insulation, reducing warmth and causing mould. Crumbling insulation also indicates damage.

2. How do I check if a PFD still floats?

A PFD (Personal Flotation Device) can degrade over time from exposure to the sun, chemicals, or wear. When placed in the water the life jacket should float. If it doesn’t, it’s time to replace it as it no longer holds buoyancy. Don’t forget to check for signs of damage, cracking, or torn fabric. If the material feels brittle or misshapen, it’s unsafe.

3. How can you tell if a hunting mouth call is still good to use?

Check the mouthpiece for cracks, chips, damage, or debris. If it shows any signs of wear, mould or the silicone feels sticky – replace it. The mouth call is no longer safe to use if it doesn’t feel secure in your mouth or has visible signs of damage. Cleaning mouth calls is extremely important! Not doing so will cause mould growth.

A little prep now means easier and smoother adventures later!!!

What’s staying in your pack this spring gear check season? Drop your must-keep gear in the comments or tag us @BushLifeCanada and use #MySpringGearCheck to show off your gear wins or fails!

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