A good backpack is an investment. Whether you're portaging through Algonquin, commuting downtown, or trekking across the Rockies, your pack takes a beating. Trail dust, pine needles, spilled snacks, body salts—over time, all that grime acts like sandpaper on technical fibers and gums up zippers.

We've pulled together what our staff has learned over the years, plus maintenance tips from brands like Osprey, Arc'teryx, and Gregory. Here's how to keep your pack in shape for the long haul.

Phase 1: Know Your Gear

Before you do anything, check the care label inside the main compartment. If it's gone, here's what you need to know based on material:

• Nylon & Polyester: Tough stuff, but heat-sensitive. Stick to lukewarm water.
• Canvas: Common in lifestyle packs. Cold water only or it'll shrink.
• Waterproof Coatings: If your pack has a shiny coating inside (TPU or PU), go easy. Scrubbing too hard can make it peel.
• The Golden Rule: Skip regular laundry detergent. It's designed to strip oils, which means it'll wreck the water repellent coating on your bag. Use a technical wash like Nikwax Tech Wash or pure Castile soap instead.

Phase 2: The Deep Clean (Hand Wash Method)

For technical hiking packs with frames, mesh suspension, or foam padding, hand washing is the way to go. A washing machine can damage the frame and break down the foam.

1. The deep empty & "crumb shake"

Open every pocket and turn the bag upside down. Use a vacuum with a crevice tool to get into the corners. Dirt trapped in seams is the main cause of structural wear.

2. Take off the hardware

Remove hip belts, sternum straps, or metal frame stays if they come off. They're easier to spot-clean separately, and you'll be able to submerge the fabric more easily.

3. Treat the "stink zones" first

The shoulder straps and back panel get the most body contact. Apply a bit of gear wash and scrub gently with a soft toothbrush to break up salt buildup.

4. Soak it

Fill a tub or large sink with about 6 inches of lukewarm water and add your soap. Submerge the pack and swish it around. Let it soak for 15–30 minutes to lift the deep dirt.

5. Rinse twice

Rinse with cold water until it runs clear. Leftover soap attracts dirt once you're back outside.

Phase 3: The Quick Clean (Machine Method)

If you've got a simple daypack or school bag with no frame and no specialized foam, you can use a washing machine.

• Protect the hardware: Put the pack in a mesh laundry bag or old pillowcase. This keeps buckles from banging around and straps from tangling.
• Go gentle: Use cold water and the most delicate cycle you've got.
• Keep it simple: No bleach, no fabric softener.

Phase 4: Drying & Finishing Touches

How you dry your pack matters just as much as how you wash it.

• Dry in the shade: UV light breaks down nylon and polyester. Don't dry your pack in direct sun or near a heater. Hang it somewhere with good airflow.
• Hang it upside down: This stops water from pooling in the pockets.
• Wild Rock tip: Stuff dry towels into the deep pockets for 20 minutes to pull out most of the water, then take them out and let air do the rest.
• Clean the zippers: While it's drying, wipe the zipper tracks with a damp cloth to get rid of grit. Once dry, use zipper lube or a bit of paraffin wax to keep things moving smoothly.

Phase 5: Bring Back the Water Repellency

If water's soaking into the fabric instead of beading up, your DWR coating needs a refresh. While the pack is still damp from washing, spray the outside with something like Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof. It restores the waterproof finish and adds UV protection.

Need a gear refresh? If your zippers are toast or the foam's gone flat, maybe it's time for something new. Come by Wild Rock to check out our packs or grab the cleaning supplies we mentioned here.

Wild Rock Outfitters: Gear for the long haul.