After a season of dusty trails, sweaty shoulder straps and trail crumbs, a little care now can help keep your gear in good shape for the adventures ahead.

As you hike, salt from sweat builds up on your pack and, over time, can start to degrade the fabric. A good rule of thumb is to clean your pack every few hundred miles, or whenever it starts to look a bit grimy… 
don’t worry, we’ve seen it all.

________________________________________________________________________________________

#1

Empty your backpack

Take everything out. Yes, everything.

Socks, crumbs, mysterious rocks, pine needles and that trail mix packet you forgot about. You’ll also want to remove the frame and foam, which makes it easier to turn the pack inside out and give everything a proper clean.

#2

Give it a gentle wash

Fill a bath, sink or bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap.
Avoid hot water, harsh detergents and anything else abrasive, as these can damage the fabric or its coatings.

Gently agitate the pack in the water to loosen the dirt and grime. A soft sponge can help with any stubborn areas, particularly around the shoulder straps and back panel.

Turn the pack inside out to reach the inner lining too.

.    .   

#3

Rinse well

Rinse your pack thoroughly with clean water until all the soap is gone, making sure to rinse both the inside and outside.

#4

Let it dry properly

Hang your pack somewhere well ventilated and let it air dry completely before putting it away. 
Avoid radiators, tumble dryers or other direct heat - they’re not worth the risk of damaging the fabric.

#5

Give it a once-over

Now your pack is clean, have a quick check that everything is still working as it should.

Check zips, buckles and make sure there’s no dirt or debris built up around things like your sternum strap whistle.

It’s also worth checking the webbing and stitching for any fraying or loose threads, particularly if you’ve had any close encounters with branches or rocks on the trail.

Small snags can sometimes be tidied up with a touch of a lighter or a reinforcement patch. If you’re not sure, get in touch and we can take a look or advise a repair through our repair service.

Don't forget the rest of your kit

Your pack isn’t the only thing that deserves some attention. Take the opportunity to check over the rest of your gear while you’re at it.

#5

Store it somewhere dry

Once everything is clean and completely dry, store your gear somewhere cool, dry and away from direct sunlight.

For your pack, avoid leaving it compressed under a pile of other kit. You don’t want to accidentally damage the frame or squash the structure of the shoulder straps. 

Instead use the haul loop on the back of your pack to hang it up, giving it a little room to breathe until it’s needed again. 

Then, when adventure calls, your kit is ready to go.