A good rule of thumb is to clean your pack every few hundred miles of hiking, or whenever it starts to look a bit grimy. This will keep your pack looking (and smelling!) fresh, and prolong the life of the fabric. As you hike, salt from your sweat builds up on the pack, and over time this can start to degrade the material. I don't want to call anyone out, but some people are salty sweaters! If you know you're a heavy or salty sweater then you should wash your pack more regularly.
Step 1- Empty your backpack
Take out everything. Seriously, everything. We’re talking socks, crumbs, mysterious rocks, pine needles, and that trail mix packet you forgot about. Also remove the frame and foam as this will mean you can turn the pack inside out.
Step 2- Run a bath
Fill a bucket or bathtub with warm water (not hot, as it can cause damage) and add a mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can break down the coating of the fabric.
Step 3- Submerge and soak
Fully submerge your backpack in the soapy water. You can turn it inside out to reach the inner lining. Gently agitate the pack to loosen any debris or dirt. You can always leave it to soak for a while before coming back to scrub it. This is the point when you realise the water has gone browner than you expected...
Step 4- Scrub stubborn areas
For particularly rough spots (like shoulder straps and the back panel) use a sponge. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads that could damage the fabric.
Step 5- Rinse thoroughly
Once the dirt and soap have been loosened, rinse the backpack with clean water until no soap remains. Be sure to rinse both the interior and exterior thoroughly to remove any soap. You don't want your backpack to get foamy the next time it rains!
Step 6- Air dry
Hang your backpack to drip dry in a well-ventilated area. Give yourself a pat on the back– your next day of hiking will be much nicer for it.
