Complete Guide For How To Wash A Hiking Backpack
So, you have your backpack and you have been hiking and now you are wondering how to wash a hiking backpack? Good news, I once had the same question!
Washing a hiking backpack is as important as any other step in the preparation for a hike. Not only does it prevent odors and stains from occurring on materials, it also extends the life of your gear. Whether you’re using an ultralight pack or a multi-day expedition model, keeping it clean is key to getting the most out of your investment. For specific care instructions of your pack you can always check the care label inside the bag. I will go over the basics of hot to wash a hiking backpack with you.
To start, you’ll want to make sure that you understand the material that your pack is made of. Different materials require different cleaning methods. So having an understanding of what type of pack fabric you have will help ensure that you don’t damage it with aggressive scrubbing or harsh detergents.
My tried and true way to wash a hiking backpack involves using lukewarm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge with gentle scrubbing motions over stubborn spots. I like to hang my pack up outside on a clothesline and let it air dry before putting it away for storage after cleaning. This allows time for the material to be dried completely without leaving behind any dampness or mildew.
Why You Should Wash Your Hiking Backpack
Regularly washing your hiking backpack is an important. But often overlooked part of maintenance that will help keep it in good condition for the long term. Hikers should put aside time each season to unpack and wash their backpacks with warm, soapy water using a gentle laundry detergent. This helps remove dirt, mud, sweat and oils that accumulate over time, which can damage fabric, straps and buckles. Washing also kills bacteria which can be harmful to your health.
Cleaning off any debris or dirt from the outside of the pack is important too. A clean pack will look better for longer as well as helping protect it from wear and tear. Regular cleaning will help protect your investment and ensure you get many years of use out of your backpack!
Deep Clean A Hiking Backpack: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Empty Your Backpack And Open Everything Up
It’s important to empty your backpack and open it up before you wash it for a few reasons. First, this allows dirt, mud, and other debris that’s stuck in the crevices and pockets of your gear to be dislodged and fully cleaned. Second, by opening your pack up you’re able to access all areas of it more easily. That means that no part of your pack is left out during the washing process when it’s time to scrub away all those nasty stains! Third, it allows you to visually check the entire hiking backpack over for any rips or tears. Finally, if any straps or buckles are discolored they can also be properly cleaned when they are exposed. So don’t forget to empty out and open up your backpack before you start the washing process. It will make a huge difference!
If your pack is full of small debris you can use a vacuum cleaner to try to get it out. The more you can get out before hand the better.
Step 2: How To Prepare The Bath To Wash A Hiking Backpack
Washing it with a gentle detergent is the best way to prevent dirt and grime from building up deep in its fabric. This helps prevent bacteria, mold, and other contaminants from growing on the pack. Which may cause irritation or even illness if the pack is not properly cared for. Additionally, laundry detergents are designed to help break down oils that can accumulate on backpacks. But be sure to use a mild soap as harsh chemicals such as stain remover may damage the fabric. My personal choice of regular detergent soap is Woolite Delicates.
I wash our backpacks in the bathtub. We have four that we use regularly plus our duffle bags we use for travel, so I like to wash them all at once. I will put a cap full of Woolite in the bathtub that I half fill with lukewarm water. Once full I start the washing process, I start with whatever the dirtiest bag is that way it is in the water the longest. I submerge the bag in the soapy water and starting with the outside use a soft sponge or soft brush, you could even use an old toothbrush if you clean it real well first, to gently scrub the entire outside of the bag.
Once I’m done with the outside I start with the pockets and interior of the backpack, following the same process. I then let the hiking backpack soak while I clean the next bag. By the time I scrub all our bags it has been about two hours.
Step 3: Rinse And Repeat
The next step is to drain the water and start rinsing the bags one at a time cold water. If you only have one or two backpacks you don’t have to do this again. Because I am usually washing so many and I like to do a thorough wash I like to fill the bathtub back up with clean lukewarm water and a cap of Woolite and let the bags soak for another hour. This hour usually gives me enough time to put everything away that was in the backpacks when I started the process of cleaning then. It also give me time to go through the emergency kits and replace expired or used items.
Once done I start the process of draining the bath and rinsing the bags really well, taking care to get all the soap off. It is a good idea to use your handheld shower head if you have one for rinsing. It will help in preventing any detergent residue from building up. I do not ring out the bags. I just take the outside and hang the backpack upside down on my clothesline out of direct sunlight to dry. Before you put them away make sure all the corners are dry!
One last thing I highly recommend is once the backpack is dry you use a zipper lubricant. This will help to keep your zippers operating smoothly. I personally use Gear Aid and have had great luck with it. Once you have taken care of your zippers you can put your pack away!
Pick Up Your Gear Aid Zipper Lubricant Here
How To Spot Wash A Hiking Backpack
A good rule of thumb is to do a spot cleaning of your hiking backpack after every use. I do this first thing once I return home. Be sure to empty your pack before you start. I first use a soft brush to remove any visible dirt on my backpack. Then I use cool water to wet a cloth. Add a small amount of gentle detergent then make sure to ring out the excess water so I have a damp cloth to use. I then use my damp cloth to spot clean and dirty areas I can see. It is always a good idea to spot clean your shoulder straps even if they look clean. Your shoulder straps are one of the most touched places on your backpack! So, it just makes sense to clean them regularly.
Once you have finished spot cleaning your hiking backpack it will be slightly damp. I generally just hang my back upside down on the clothes line to dry. You can also lay the backpack flat on a clean towel to dry.
How Often To Wash A Hiking Backpack
Cleaning your hiking backpack is essential for keeping it in optimal condition and helps prolong the life of your backpack. You should be cleaning your pack at least once a season.
That being said, the frequency of deep cleaning depends on various factors. Such as how often you use your backpack. Where you hike and store it when not in use, and whether or not you take extra precautions against wear and tear. For instance, if you are an avid hiker who hikes in wet environments like rainforests or snowy mountains, then deep cleaning your backpack more often can help prolong its life. Additionally, if you store your gear in a garage or shed when not in use, then dust and dirt will collect faster than if it were stored inside your home. Taking extra steps to keep the inside of your pack clean will prevent buildup that can ultimately lead to rips and tears over time.
In conclusion, the ideal frequency with which to deep clean a hiking backpack depends on how much it is used and where it is stored. However, as a general rule of thumb most hikers recommend deep cleaning their backpacks once per season to ensure they last long-term. I personally deep clean mine at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the late fall.
Can I Clean My Hiking Pack In The Washing Machine?
When it comes to washing your hiking backpack, many outdoor enthusiasts suggest avoiding the use of a washing machine. For starters, most backpacks are not designed to withstand the mechanical agitation of a washing machine. This could result in damage to the straps and other components.
Furthermore, the washing machine can’t guarantee that your backpack will be entirely clean. Dirt and debris can lodge themselves in the backpack’s seams, and it may not reach the interior. A gentle, targeted cleaning approach will ensure that the backpack is washed to the highest standards.
Additionally, putting your backpack in a washer can cause the colors to fade. It could even shrink or deform its shape even if you wash it in cold water on the gentle cycle. Imagine putting your favorite hiking backpack in the washer on cool water only to have it come out misshapen, and the color faded. It would no longer be ideal for your next adventure.
Hand washing your backpack will allow you to take control of the cleaning process. It is the easiest way at preventing any undue wear and ensuring that it retains its distinctive hue and shape, ready for your next outdoor adventure. Further, hand-washing allows you to treat any particularly stubborn patches of dirt or mud without subjecting your entire pack to more rigorous cleaning methods.
Final Thoughts: How To Wash A Hiking Backpack
As you hand wash your outdoor equipment, don’t forget to take care of yourself! Taking the proper precautions while hiking will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Make sure to read our next post, “Beginner Hiking: How To Prepare Yourself”, for more tips and tricks on how to get the best possible experience out of your time in the outdoors.
Washing your outdoor gear can be tedious, but it is an important part of keeping your equipment functioning properly. With these simple steps, you can keep your backpack clean and well maintained. Hopefully this post has helped you get started with cleaning your own hiking backpack and now you can go out and enjoy the great outdoors!
