I neglected to wash my backpack the last couple seasons and my 2p tent could use a wash. Zippers are feeling a little gritty.
I’ve seen some suggestions like baby shampoo, but the only stuff at the store was scented. Anyone use unscented castile soap?
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Y’all wash your packs and tents?
I don’t have to because that would involve taking them out and using them (taboo)
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Yeah, basic upkeep extends the life of gear. Or so I’ve heard.
I have salt deposits in my straps alone that probably add an additional quarter pound to my pack. It’s kind of looking gross at this point tbf.
i have castile soap, though the current bottle is peppermint scented. it helps in the sense that if i can still smell it i haven’t rinsed quite enough, though unscented would probably be better. for zippers wash, dry, then lubricate; i’ve seen everything recommended from high end stuff to candle wax and lip balm.
tbh outside of my clothes and groundsheet my gear hasn’t gotten that dirty, though i just washed my quilt after thousands of miles. i was nervous i would screw it up lol.
Yeah, washing the quilt is something I’m nervous about. A big reason why I’m adamant about sleep layers.
I noticed how rough the tent zippers felt last trip and decided it was time for a bath. Lubing was definitely in the plan. I might spring for the zipper lube with the brush. Seems like it’ll go a lot quicker that way.
I’ve never found the need for dedicated sleep layers, if it’s cold i’ll layer on my windpants and fleece.
sounds reasonable re: zipper care, zippers are always the first thing to go; i’ve tried to minimize them in my kit but haven’t eliminated them yet, still have 2 left.
The sleep layers are just my base layers, but they help keep the funk (oil, sweat, sunscreen, etc) out of the quilt. I’m just adamant about wearing them. If I get too warm, I open the quilt up.
Ah gotcha. You’ll have to wash the quilt eventually though 😉 What kind of quilt do you have and how do you like it?
I’ve got the hammock gear 20* econ. It’s the one with snaps instead of the zipper, so I’ve had it for a while. It gets me into shoulder season here in CO before I think about bringing a sleeping bag out. I think it was a hell of a deal, especially for what I paid at the time.
It’s probably due for a wash soon. Did you use the nikwax down wash when you did yours?
yup got the nikwax for down, hand washed in the bathtub and dried on no heat with tennis balls just like the instructions describe. it took a whole afternoon but it worked
👍
I also wash in castile soap. And I put them in my food dehydator set way low to dry
