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?
12 Comments
someguy3@lemmy.ca · 13 pts · 3y
Y'all wash your packs and tents?
Repossess6855@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 7 pts · 3y
I don’t have to because that would involve taking them out and using them (taboo)
badbrainstorm@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 3y
hombre_fundido@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 3y
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.
miles@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 3y
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.
hombre_fundido@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3y
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.
miles@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3y
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.
hombre_fundido@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3y
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.
miles@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3y
Ah gotcha. You’ll have to wash the quilt eventually though 😉 What kind of quilt do you have and how do you like it?
hombre_fundido@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3y
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?
miles@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3y
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
hombre_fundido@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 3y
👍
badbrainstorm@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 3y
I also wash in castile soap. And I put them in my food dehydator set way low to dry