How to wash your hiking and backpacking packs!! #outdoorgear #backpacking #camping #hiking, by Operation Adventure (Isabel & Sentry Kelly) on YouTube. 1 min 21 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 21 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour plus drying time
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
What you need
Steps
Open every zipper and pocket and empty the pack completely. Shake out loose dirt, dust, sand and small rocks so nothing stays trapped inside.
Remove any parts that come off, such as the hip belt, shoulder straps, frame or other attachments. Set them aside to clean separately.
Fill a tub or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. For a very dirty pack, submerge it fully and let it soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Scrub the dirty spots gently with a soft-bristle brush or sponge. Focus on the back panel, shoulder straps, hip belt and the bottom of the pack where sweat and grime build up.
Rinse the pack with clean water several times until no soap remains. Squeeze water out gently instead of wringing or twisting the fabric.
Hang the pack upside down with all pockets and zippers open. Let it air dry completely in a shaded spot away from direct sunlight.
Tips and common mistakes
Never put a backpack in a washing machine or dryer, as heat and tumbling can wreck the fabric and coatings.
Skip bleach, fabric softeners and scented detergents, since they can damage water-repellent finishes.
Use only a soft brush or sponge, because harsh scrubbing wears away the protective coating on the fabric.
Check the manufacturer's care instructions before you start, as materials and coatings vary between packs.
Questions
Can I just put my backpack in the washing machine?
No. The video says never to machine wash or tumble dry a pack. Hand washing in a tub protects the fabric and its water-repellent coating.
How long does a backpack take to dry?
It depends on the weather and fabric, so plan for a full day or more. Hang it upside down with pockets open in a shaded, airy spot and check it is completely dry before repacking.
What detergent should I use?
A mild, fragrance-free detergent made for outdoor gear, like Nikwax Tech Wash. Avoid bleach, fabric softener and strong scented soaps.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
