Care for Your Hiking Gear

If you've had a great summer of hiking and backpacking, your gear might need a little love before you pack it away for winter. Here's what I do at the end of each season to keep my gear in good condition year after year.

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Did you rip a hole in your rain jacket, tent, sleeping pad, or anything else? A little bit of GearAid Tenacious Tape can work wonders.

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Nothing worse than a funky water bottle, moldy hydration hose, or clogged water filter. Take the time to flush these with clean water and a few drops of bleach and they'll stay fresh for your next trip.

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The DWR coating on waterproof breathable rain gear, like jackets and pants, fades over time. You can refresh it by washing with Nikwax TechWash and TX.Direct. I do this once each year to extend the life of my rain gear.

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After many miles up close and personal with your body, your backpack is bound to get a little grungy. Empty out all the pockets (ALL of them) and give it a good soapy soak in the sink or tub. Some models can even be washed in a washing machine.

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Learn more about cleaning, repairing, and organizing your hiking gear. Swipe up to read the full post at Exploring Wild.

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LOVE BACKPACKING?

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The Backpacking Trip Planner Workbook

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Care for Your Hiking Gear

5 Ways to

After Each Season

If you've had a great summer of hiking and backpacking, your gear might need a little love before you pack it away for winter. Here's what I do at the end of each season to keep my gear in good condition year after year.

Did you rip a hole in your rain jacket, tent, sleeping pad, or anything else? A little bit of GearAid Tenacious Tape can work wonders.

Patch Tears

Swipe up to learn more about caring for your hiking gear...

Nothing worse than a funky water bottle, moldy hydration hose, or clogged water filter. Take the time to flush these with clean water and a few drops of bleach and they'll stay fresh for your next trip.

Clean Water Systems

Swipe up to learn more about caring for your backpacking gear...

The DWR coating on waterproof breathable rain gear, like jackets and pants, fades over time. You can refresh it by washing with Nikwax TechWash and TX.Direct. I do this once each year to extend the life of my rain gear.

Refresh Waterproof Coatings

Swipe up to learn more about caring for hiking gear...

After many miles up close and personal with your body, your backpack is bound to get a little grungy. Empty out all the pockets (ALL of them) and give it a good soapy soak in the sink or tub. Some models can even be washed in a washing machine.

Clean Your Backpack

Swipe up to learn more about caring for hiking gear...

Learn more about cleaning, repairing, and organizing your hiking gear. Swipe up to read the full post at Exploring Wild.

LOVE BACKPACKING?

The Backpacking Trip Planner Workbook