The love of outdoor activities also harbors the challenge with the elements. Even if we do not like to be aware of it, but secretly it would be unattractive to do every tour in bright sunshine and calm, right? It’s like mountain biking on the bike path. The fun of being outdoors involved confronting the moods of Mother Nature.

And equipment gets wet if the mountain lover doesn’t consistently take a warm shower and only tours in summer. However, there are some equipments that should be dried carefully to maintain their functionality. One should not underestimate the proper drying; it is as much a part of care as proper washing.

If a synthetic running shirt or fleece trousers hang on the drying rack, some aspects should be taken into account, especially for textile items made from natural materials such as wool, down and leather, and equipment such as tents, backpacks, and shoes.

Let’s call the deliberate drying of the equipment “active drying.” The articles are not necessarily blow-dried until every drop is out. Still, it is not just a simple, passive hanging on the drying rack, but drying methods with a powerful influence on the drying conditions, which lead to the product being faster and safer dries without leaving any damage.

THE BASICS OF DRYING SHOES

The process for drying shoes naturally depends very much on the type of shoe. Fundamentally, however, the golden rule for all shoe types: Only in extreme emergencies (if you need dry shoes quickly on tour) are shoes placed directly on the heating, at high temperature, or in the sun to dry. Also, there are some boot dryers that you can try to dry all kinds of shoes. 

Read More: What are the Benefits of Minimalist Running Shoes?

DRYING IN THE SUN

Shoes can heat up very quickly through direct sunlight and storage in the trunk (when there is sun). Leather and other natural materials become porous more rapidly, and even unsightly deformations can occur. EVA or rubber elements are just as vulnerable. They, too, can become porous, which causes cracks and drastically reduces durability. It is better to find a place where the shoes are as shady as possible, where they can dry slowly in the fresh air.

DRYING WITH HOT AIR: OVEN AND HAIR DRYER

The air is usually dry and allows the leather to dry out more than necessary. Due to the rapid heating, the materials on the shoe can deform, become brittle and porous. Exceptions are shoes with a shaft made of fabric or mesh. Here you can try a hairdryer – but please be careful.