Brown and winter don’t mix. It’s supposed to be a time for white, but around this city so far, it’s looking like a dull and dreary late October, early November.

Instead of waxing the cross country skis or tromping around the woods on snowshoes, we’ve had to contend with a few patches of snow here and there, some frigid then some warm temperatures, and an itch to do something, anything, outside.

Well, I’ve abandoned hope. Instead I’m going to start spring preparations a few months early. When I get around to it, I’m going to start taking inventory of paddling and camping gear. I’ll make a couple of piles – one for items passing muster, another for those needing a little work. Maybe it’s as simple as a little cleaning and adjustment, maybe it’s a bit more complex, like parts replacement or waterproofing.

Every so often it’s good to go though your gear bins and take inventory (it also serves as a reminder of just what you have).

I know that when I begin the process there will a slew of items (mostly flashlights and headlamps) in need of new batteries. Strobe lights in the kayak pile will be definite candidates for new power. In an emergency when you need a strobe, it’s not the time for a dead battery. I know there are at least a couple (if not three) Mini Mag Lights with dead or dying batteries. I’ll check to be sure there are spare bulbs in the bases as well. And I’ll check the VHF radio out and the GPS as well.

Stoves and lanterns need to be pulled from their dusty recesses and fired up. If I’ve left fuel sitting in them for a while, it’s time to clean them out and be sure they’re ready for that first outing when a warm cup of soup or beverage will be welcome.

I’m sure there are a few items in the camp kitchen I’ll need to replace. That old cooking oil that’s been in the little plastic container is surely rancid.

First aid kits need to be inventoried and restocked. Some of them have a checklist to help in this necessary task.

Water bottles can hold surprise colonies of who-knows-what. They deserve a good sudsy bath in the kitchen sink. I’ll be sure to throw in the cook kits, cups, and utensils. And I won’t forget to give my water filter a good cleaning and a new filter element if necessary. Mine has a ceramic element that usually needs a good scrubbing to bring it back to life.

While I’m rummaging around in the deep recesses of my gear closet, I’ll drag out the packs and dry bags and give them the once-over. I’ll bet I’ll find at least one crumbled up granola bar and some flattened out candy bar, to say nothing of a pound of crumbs. Time to clean out the bags and ditch the old food. (Note to self: Buy some new snacks and hard candy.)

Trekking poles? If I’d put a set of larger baskets on them in anticipation of using them this winter, it would be time to change back to the smaller ones (only I never got around to it, so I guess I’m ahead of the curve). It’s a good time to pull the poles apart and do a good cleaning to remove grit and accumulated crud.

And I won’t forget to dust off the hiking boots, give them a good cleaning and conditioning, and replace worn laces while I’m at it.

It may be a little cold to do some spring maintenance on my kayak and canoe, but one of these warmer days might be suitable for an initial inspection to see what I might be up against – refinishing the wood gunwales, comes to mind. Or how about those old cane seats that might need replacement? A good cleaning inside and out will be in order. I know I didn’t do that last fall (but then again, I don’t think I used the canoe last year). And I need to write myself another note to pick up some UV inhibitor to wipe on the hull when I’m done with the cleaning. My owner’s manual recommends 303 Protectant.

My sea kayak doesn’t have a rudder, but it has a skeg, so I’ll be checking the lines and connections. If your boat has a rudder, check all the cables and lines for wear and replace questionable parts. Deck lines and bungees should be checked and replaced if frayed. Carry toggle lines should be replaced if there is any sign of wear. Hatch covers need to be checked, and retainer lines or bungees replaced if frayed or broken. It’s good to pull out the foot pegs and clean the tracks. And while I’m at it I’ll check bulkheads for leaks and seal if necessary.

Wooden paddles and oars likely will need sanding and a coat of varnish. Here’s an evening project I could do anytime. (Another note to self: don’t forget to varnish the compass mount.)

Should your vessel need some major work, it’s a great time to start collecting the necessary materials for the repair. Unless you have a warm shop or garage where you can do the work, you’ll have to wait for a warm day. Having materials on hand when that time comes will make your task less of a hassle.

It’s a good time to go over the PFD with a fine-tooth comb. This is one item not to neglect. I’ll make sure there are no holes, that the straps and buckles are all perfect and that there are no rips, tears or wear spots. Then go through all the pockets where I keep safety equipment such as my reflector mirror, whistle, knife, flares, compass, mini first aid kit and the like. It’s time to take these items out and make sure they’re in working order and, in the case of the flares, not outdated. Flares usually have a three-year working life.

All the paddling clothing will get the sniff test. The pieces that make my eyes water will get a bath per hang-tag instructions, the rest may have to wait for a warm day when I can give them a rinse-off with the hose. I’m sure most of that gear is relatively clean because I’m in the habit of rinsing it after each outing – saltwater raises havoc with gear.

It’s also a good time to get my bicycle into the shop for a tuneup. I know one of the shifters has died, so it needs replacement. If I wait much longer it could be tied up in the busy spring rush and I’ll be frustrated come that nice warm day that begs for a ride. It’s also a good time to round up the rest of my biking togs and gear (where is that helmet?). It’s time to see what’s working and what’s not and make myself a list. Then head out to the nearest bike shop and go wild.

In the same vein, the time is ripe to update or add to my inventory of on-water gear (you can never have too much gear, right?). Catalogs have been planting seeds on my wish list. I’m almost ready to head out to check out these must-have items in person. Let’s see… there’s a dry suit, some of that new hydrowear … I guess I’ll have to save some more money. My eyes are a lot bigger than my wallet.

I guess it’s not too early to get going on this spring cleaning list. If I start now, maybe by April I’ll have it done!

Jeff Strout can be reached at 990-8202 or by e-mail at jstrout@bangordailynews.net.