UKH

Anyone tried using the pop up dryers that Lakeland sell to dry outdoor gear (shoes, waterproofs, etc) that can't be tumble dried, like mini dry rooms.

Yes they are very good for clothes particularly when using the cover over the top of the dryer. Don't tend to use it for shoes, worth looking at ski boot dryers/warmers. 

Gave up on tumble driers years ago, a dehumidifier is less space, more versatile, and doesn't trash your clothes. Also useful for household stuff (like drying floor after a pipe leak). 

The thing that concerns me about these dryers is where the dampness from the clothes goes, I assume it condenses on the walls of the room, which can't be good.

The only walking gear I have that can't be tumble dried are boots(which I dry out with newspaper, which I admit does take a while) and a Merino blend baselayer(but if that get wet I am in trouble).

Dave

For boots I have a MaxxDry Heavy Duty dryer that does 2 pairs at a time. Quite expensive, but effective. It has a timer with a maximum of 3 hours, so you can't leave it on all night, but two 3-hours sessions of an evening is usually plenty. 

Yeah, I'd assume that you either want to stand it next to a dehumidifier or run it somewhere that's very well ventilated and set up to deal with a bit of moisture like a kitchen or a utility room. We've got a dehumidifier and the one downside is that you do need to get the room where it and the clothes are to a decent temperature before anything gets any drier, so I guess that something like this might be more efficient than heating the house if you're normally a "put on an extra jumper" type.

To be honest, though, when I saw the thread title I thought that someone had had the idea of sticking a heater and a dehumidifier in the back of a van and setting it up as a portable drying room at campsites in the Lake District. Now there's a free business plan if anyone wants one...

I did worry about this, but felt I could do it in my warm upstairs hallway with some airflow to reduce humidity. I was thinking of waterproofs, soft shells, and paddling kit that won't tumble dry - neoprene for example.

If you mean the heated clothes airers they're pretty fabulous for drying clothes, especially with a bed sheet chucked over them to keep the heat in (ruddy flats - no tumble dryer, radiators or washing line...). I'm not sure I'd put my waterproofs directly on them though; maybe with a teatowel underneath - I have a funny feeling that's how I've ruined every pair of Sealskin socks I've ever owned.

The Lakeland ones come with a specific cover to do that job now. Does work well.

When I saw the thread title I thought of something completely different. Which, if I may say so, I think is a brilliant idea of mine and someone should do it.

By a pop up dryer I thought you meant something to go alongside a pop up cafe. To be provided at various temporary and changeable locations around the Lake District for backpackers and bivviers to dry out stuff while they sit and have a brew.I

Should I write to Dragons Den or should I just get my coat?

Rambling Dave got there first. Read his message:-

oops

Great minds

You're missing a trick with your campsite pop-up drying room though - people are mostly going to want to dry their kit overnight, so you could set it up as a 'wild sauna' during the daytime.

We've just invested in a dehumidifier for our house as we had some slight damp issues last winter, and are about to have two kids and a lot of washing needing drying all the time.

For £150 quid it's quite impressive - hadn't appreciated that as part of the process it blows warm air out.  Stick it in a room with some drying washing and you're laughing.  Warm, dry toasty room and laundry in no time.  Should have got one years ago!

Got one of theses from charity shop for £20 ,it has been brilliant in the spare bedroom never any problems with damp or water ,can just put up 1 side if necessary. Think about 150 quid but dunelm mill for about £100

with or without the crusty abandoned boxer shorts in it from the previous night?

We have a garden and washing line but you get periods where nothing dries as it's too wet or cold - I live up north and my other half's jeans were frozen to the line for week this winter.  

We've used a dehumidifier for years. It's great. Dry clothes, no mould or condensation. They can also be used when you need to dry paint or plaster 😀

Fair. I did try to replace my old one the other day and they seem to have at least doubled in price, sadly.