As a faithful companion on your greatest adventures, your backpack endures the best and worst of your active lifestyle – sweat, dirt, leftover food – nothing can stop it! So after investing the time to select the perfect backpack, it’s normal to want to make sure your pack stays with you for as many adventures as possible. Here is our advice for maintaining and prolonging the life of your backpack.
1. Air out your backpack after each excursion
Regular care will extend the life of your pack and prevent you from having to deal with stubborn, long-lasting stains! After every outing, the best thing to do is to empty it, clean it and air it out. When you let your pack air out, open all the pockets and zips and leave it in a dry, open area that’s not exposed to the harmful UV rays that come from direct sunlight. These UV rays can cause the colors of your pack to fade over time.
2. Handwash your pack with soap and water
When you feel it’s time to clean your pack, whether to remove mud stains or perspiration odors, follow these steps:
- Start by checking the washing instructions on the label of your backpack. (Packs made from leather, or with leather inserts, might have different instructions from those listed below).
- Wash your backpack by hand using warm water and non-detergent soap. It might also help to let it soak for a few minutes before cleaning it.
- Scrub the stains with a soft brush.
- Remember to clean the back of your pack, the shoulder straps, and the waistbelt, all of which come in direct contact with your body and your sweat.
- To protect and revive the fabric’s membrane, you can also use special cleaning and care products like NIKWAX that are specially made for technical fabrics.
- Let your pack dry in the open air, in a dry place that’s sheltered from UV rays.
Machine washing at low temperature is possible for certain types of packs (see care recommendations on the label), however hand washing, which is more gentle, is preferable.
--- Our hiking backpacks for women
--- Our hiking backpacks for men
3. Re-waterproof your backpack if needed
Over time, your hiking or trail running backpack may need to be re-waterproofed. You can revive the membrane with a waterproof or water-repellent treatment that’s sold in the form of a spray or a special soap. Be sure to thoroughly clean your backpack before applying the product.
4. Store your backpack in a dry place
When it’s not being used, store your backpack in a dry, well-ventilated place that’s not exposed to the sun’s UV rays. Try to keep your pack away from heat sources like a radiator or fireplace.
