Mid-year Gear Maintenance - what you should be doing to keep your gear in tip top shape!

Quality gear can be expensive so it is important to make sure it lasts! Here’s a list of must-do tasks.

It is the middle of the year and a great time to do your 6 monthly gear maintenance - check your first aid kit including medications that may be out-of-date, boot laces and soles for grip, trekking pole rubber tips and anything else you use.

Rain jacket (Gore-Tex, HyVent, NGX)

Often, we have had our jackets on for a light sprinkling then pop them in our packs- always remember to take that damp jacket out of your pack asap and hang it out to dry.

If it’s been a wet and wild adventure, check the zippers are clear of sand, dirt, tissues then hang your jacket somewhere to dry- make sure the pockets dry out too.

To wash your jacket.

Empty all pockets. Sponge off any heavy soiled areas. Close all zips, secure any cuffs, flaps and toggles.

Using a gentle liquid detergent, you can easily just wash it in the washing machine on a gentle 30-degree cycle (there are some specific detergents you can buy if you prefer like Techwash). To reduce creasing minimise the spinning.

You then air dry.

DO NOT use anything with bleach or chlorine. DO NOT use fabric softener as they will damage the fabric. DO NOT take to the Dry cleaners.

To reactivate the water repellent coating of the jacket, tumble dry on the lowest setting for 20 minutes.

As an added precaution always check the label as well.

Trekking Poles

To avoid oxidisation and seizing up it is essential to separate the segments, wipe off all the dirt with a damp cloth or soft brush and AIR DRY THOROUGHLY- before storing.

Do not oil the shaft mechanisms- however a very small drop can be applied to the fliplock and push button mechanisms if they become hard to use.

Back Packs

Empty the bag completely- shake any dirt, crumbs, bandaid wrappers, mandarin peels- even vacuum or blow them out. Cut away any loose threads around zippers.

Undo all the zippers and remove metal frame.

Fill a large tub with about 20 cms warm water add a gentle detergent (or Techwash) and immerse the pack. Gentle scrub any stained areas- inside and out.

Refill tub and rinse. Mop up excess water with a towel and allow to air dry outdoor- all zippers still undone. Check all zippers are functional and if needed, lubricate the zipper for an easy slide (paraffin wax works)

Make sure the pack is COMPLETLEY dry before storing.

Hydration Bladders

Rinse out with a mixture of lemon juice, baking soda and hot water mix- swish around bladder and tube then rinse thoroughly.

Undo the mouthpiece mechanism and using a small bottle cleaning brush get into all the nooks and crannies.

Pulling a thin rope through the tube should remove and built-in mould.

Prop the bladder open with a wire clothes hanger and dry thoroughly.

If you’re not using your bladder for an extended period of time- storing it in the freezer will stop any nasties growing in it.

Sleeping bags and Puffer Jackets

Most of the time a good airing will suffice after use- however if you need to wash, follow the instructions below.

Wash by hand or on a gentle cycle (front loader only) in the washing machine using a specific downwash detergent.

Take care when handling when wet as they will be very heavy- press out excess water and air dry in a large open shady spot. Finish the drying in a large tumble dryer on a gentle cycle with a couple of tennis balls to avoid clumping.