Mud, sweat and the odd squashed snack are part of a pack’s working life. You don’t need to keep it looking new, but cleaning it and putting it away dry can help prolong its life.
Cleaning your tramping pack is straightforward: empty it, wash gently with a suitable cleaner, rinse well and let it dry fully. Check its care instructions before you start. A hand wash suits most packs, while some designs need spot cleaning.
What you’ll need
- A bath or large sink
- Lukewarm water
- Nikwax Tech Wash or a mild detergent suitable for your pack
- A sponge or soft brush
- A shaded, well-ventilated place to dry it
We recommend Nikwax Tech Wash as a first choice. It’s designed for technical outdoor gear, including packs, and cleans while helping maintain existing water repellency. A mild detergent is also an option if your pack’s care instructions allow it. Follow the cleaner’s hand-washing directions for the amount to use.
1. Empty every pocket
Take everything out, including your pack liner, loose gear and any forgotten food wrappers. Check the lid, hipbelt pockets and the bottom of the main compartment. Shake out dirt and crumbs before adding water.
This is also a useful time to look over the pack. Check the fabric, stitching, straps and buckles for wear so you can deal with any problems before your next trip.
2. Wash gently by hand
Use lukewarm water and your chosen cleaner, following the pack’s care instructions. Work over dirty areas with a sponge or soft brush rather than scrubbing hard.
Give the shoulder straps, hipbelt and backpanel some attention. These sit against your body and collect sweat and oils, even when the rest of the pack looks fairly clean.
For stubborn marks, you can apply undiluted Tech Wash with a sponge or soft nylon brush before washing. Follow the product directions and treat the fabric gently.
Avoid harsh chemicals and keep the pack out of the washing machine, which can damage its fabric and structure. If your pack needs spot cleaning, work on the affected areas without soaking the whole pack.
3. Rinse the cleaner out
Rinse the inside and outside thoroughly with clean water. Work around pockets, straps and padding as well as the main fabric, continuing until the cleaner is gone.
4. Give it time to air dry
Hang the pack somewhere shaded with good airflow, leaving all zips and compartments open. Keep it out of direct sunlight while it dries.
Check inside the pockets and around the padding before putting it away. The outside may feel dry while less exposed areas are still damp, so allow enough time for the whole pack to dry.
Make care part of unpacking
Before storing your pack, make sure it’s empty, clean and completely dry. Put checking it alongside sorting your sleeping gear and cleaning your cooking kit, rather than leaving it until you’re packing again.
Keep the routine straightforward: empty it after a trip, clean it when needed and let it dry fully. The goal is a pack that’s ready to use, not one that looks as though it’s never left the shop.
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