Beach Camping Essentials: How To Protect Your Gear From Sand & Salt

December 19th, 2024

Beach camping is the ultimate way to relax and soak up the natural beauty of the coast. But if you’re planning a trip to the seaside, you’ll want to make sure you protect your gear from the beach’s less friendly elements—namely sand and salt. Both can be surprisingly tough on equipment, so it’s worth taking a few extra steps to ensure everything stays in top condition. Here’s how to make sure your beach camping gear is sand-proof, salt-proof and ready for a great adventure.

Choose The Right Gear For Beach Conditions

When it comes to beach camping, not all gear is created equal. Look for camping equipment made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials, especially when it comes to items like tent poles, cooking equipment and storage containers. Stainless steel, plastic and aluminium are all good choices because they are less prone to rust and corrosion. Also, consider beach-specific items like sand/beach pegs for your tent to provide extra anchoring power in high winds, or sand-proof mats, which are woven to let sand fall through but prevent it from coming back up, keeping your campsite cleaner.

Explore our recommended camping gadgets for the latest tools to improve your camping experience.

Underline Your Gear With Tarp Or Mat Protection

Setting up a tarp under your tent or sitting area provides a barrier between your gear and the sand. This simple setup trick reduces the amount of sand that will end up inside your tent and makes cleanup much easier. A large, waterproof mat can also act as a designated “gear zone” where you place items like bags, shoes and other essentials. Consider bringing a secondary tarp to lay over your gear to stop sand from blowing through in moderate winds, and to provide extra protection in the case of sudden showers.

Protect Electronics With Waterproof Cases

If you’re bringing electronics like cameras, phones or even portable chargers, salt and sand are their worst enemies. Invest in waterproof and dustproof cases to keep them safe. Many companies make beach-specific pouches and hard cases that shield electronics from water, sand and dust, giving you peace of mind. Even if you don’t expect to go near the water, wind can easily blow sand into open zippers or vents, so these cases are essential for sensitive devices.

Rinse Salt Off Daily

One can’t overstate how much salt is in sea air – and it sticks to everything. Salt can cause metal components to corrode surprisingly fast, especially on items like tent poles, camp chairs and cooking equipment. Each day, give your gear a quick rinse with fresh water to wash off any salt that may have built up. Even if you’re just there for a short time, rinsing off salt can prolong the life of your camping gear. Many beach camping spots have fresh water showers or hoses nearby; otherwise, you might want to pack a few jugs of water for rinsing purposes.

Keep Food & Cooking Equipment Sealed

Sand has a way of getting into everything – especially food! To avoid a gritty meal, pack food in airtight containers and keep cooking gear in sealed bags when not in use. If you’re planning to cook on the beach, consider using a camp kitchen that can be sealed off properly, or at the very least, using a lid or cover over a large plastic tub for pots, pans and general kitchen gear when you’re not cooking food. Taking the time to pack food and kitchen items securely will save you from discovering that unwanted “crunch” in your meals.

Wipe Down Gear Before Packing Up

When it’s time to head home, take a few moments to clean off any remaining sand and salt from your gear. A soft-bristled brush can work wonders on stubborn sand and a microfiber towel can help with final wipe-downs. Taking a few minutes to clean your gear at the campsite prevents you from bringing sand back home and keeps equipment in good condition for your next adventure.

Get Sweeping!

As good as all the above hacks are, the reality is arguably the two most important tools you need for beach camping are a broom, and a dustpan and brush. Sand WILL find its way into places where it’s not wanted, so it’s imperative that once you’ve taken care of your gear, you give your tent a sweep out and brush off any tarps.

Use Anti-Corrosive Spray

For gear with metal parts, like tent stakes or zippers, consider using anti-corrosive spray before your trip. LANOX MX4 is an excellent choice, as it’s specifically designed for use in environments exposed to moisture and salt. This lanolin-based spray provides a durable protective barrier that shields metal surfaces from corrosion caused by saltwater and sand. A quick application of LANOX MX4 before and after your beach camping trip can go a long way in preventing rust and extending the lifespan of your equipment. You can also LANOX MX4 to protect your vehicle’s underbody from saltwater damage!

Shake Out & Rinse Gear Post-Trip

Once you’re back home, make sure to thoroughly clean all your camping equipment. Empty out tents, backpacks and bags, and give them a good shake to dislodge any sand hiding in seams or corners. Rinse everything with fresh water to remove any lingering salt. Let everything dry completely before packing it away to prevent mould or rust from developing over time.

Final Thoughts

Beach camping offers an unbeatable experience, but it does require a little extra care to keep your gear protected. By choosing durable, beach-friendly materials and taking a few precautionary steps, you can enjoy the sun, sand and surf without sacrificing your equipment. Check out our camping hacks to start your adventure fully prepared. For optimal protection from rust, pick up a can of INOX at your nearest retailer!