How to Care for your Gear

Washing your Waterproof Jacket.

A common mistake alot of people make is assume because their rain jacket gets wet, and looks clean they do not need to wash it. Unfortunately sweat often causes the build up of bacteria in the inner lining of the jacket, this can cause the jacket to smell and can cause delamination.It is recommended to wash your jacket on a regular basis. The best way to do this is to warm machine or hand wash using a no detergent based soap Sportwash is highly recommended). Take care when pulling your jacket from the machine as water collects in the hood and pockets often soaking you and the floor when you pull your jacket from the machine. Then tumble dry on a warm setting to help maintain water repellence. Most jackets have a DWR (durable water repellent)coating on the outer of the jacket and the heat from the dryer helps rejuvenate this. If you do not have a tumble dryer or access to one, a warm iron helps do the same job. Remember Warm NOT Hot.

Obviously please read the manufacturers instructions on your garment if avaliable, and follow if they suggest a different method for their particular product.

Caring for Leather Boots

Some manufacturers these days coat their boots with a hydrophobic substance which is an effective repellent for water but which will eventually wear off. The boot should be periodically cleaned in warm, clean water and allowed to dry naturally (as opposed to dry by placing next to a heat source). Leather boots should NEVER be force-dried as it will encourage the leather to crack) before applying one of a number of different waterproofing/conditioning substances all of which have their merits and demerits; Natural Wax (SnoSeal)is readily absorbed but may cause the leather to become overly pliable with prolonged use. Synthetic Wax (eg. Nikwax) is best applied with the fingers as the warmth makes it easier to apply. Liquid Repellents (eg. Liquid Nikwax ) are applied with a brush and do not have to be forced into the stitching of the boot. Prolonged application of liquid repellent may also cause the leather to become overly pliable. If your boots get really wet then you should stuff them with newspaper to draw any water out of the liner while the leather is drying. The newspaper should be replaced periodically.

Caring for Nubuck Leather Boots

Dried in a similar fashion to ordinary leather boots but to clean, wash in warm, soapy ( non-detergent ) water with a soft brush. While still damp ( as opposed to wet or dry ) apply a liquid repellent.

One of the biggest mistakes people often make is to leave their damp Leather Boots in the back of a hot car. This can cause the boots to overheat and the leather to distort changing the fit and comfort of the boots.

Washing your Down Sleeping Bag.

This helps rid your bag of the dirt and oils that build up during use, helping keep its loft and warmth.

Hand washing is safest of all. Use a down cleaning product or a mild shampoo Sportwash is recommended. Use a bathtub, or sometimes you can get away with washing your bag in the laundry sink. It can be hard to soak your bag, especially if you have a DWR finish on the fabric. I recommend filling the sink and putting the bag into the soapy water in its stuff sack. Slowly work the water and soap into the bag as you pull it out of the stuff sack. Leaving it to soak for up to an hour helps to remove more long term grime. Rinse the bag several times until no more soap comes out. Be very gentle when you lift out the bag. Do not wring it out! Your bag will be really heavy, and it can tear the delicate baffles under its own weight. carefully arrange the bag in an upright washer for a spin cycle. If you skip this step it will take forever to dry out your bag.

For Drying - use a medium heat. Be skeptical of public Laundromats. I nearly cooked a bag because the dryer was stuck on High no matter what the knob said. Some tennis balls thrown in with the bag will help to break up the down clumps. Take the bag out every dry cycle to feel the bag over. Gently breaking up the clumps a little helps to speed up the drying process. Dry it over and over again until it is bone dry. Now revel in the sweet smell and high loft of your clean sleeping bag!