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Care instructions for shell garments, down & equipment | Outdoor Buddies
Proper care makes a big difference to both the function and lifespan of your outdoor products. Shell jackets need to be breathable, down garments need to maintain their bounce, and tents need to be protected from moisture, dirt, and UV light.
By washing, drying and impregnating your gear properly, you can restore much of its original function. It's good for both your wallet and the environment – and allows your favorite pieces to last on more trips.
Always follow the washing and care instructions on the product label. The manufacturer's instructions take precedence over the general advice given in this guide.
It's easy to think that technical garments should be washed as infrequently as possible. However, dirt, sweat, skin oil and sunscreen residue can impair both the material's breathability and its water-repellent properties.
A dirty shell garment can therefore feel damp on the inside, even if the waterproof membrane is still working. When the garment's outer fabric no longer repels water, the material becomes wet and heavy, reducing ventilation.
Regular but gentle cleaning helps the garment function properly.
Shell jackets and shell pants are designed to protect against rain, wind and snow while wicking moisture away from the body. For this to work, both the membrane and the outer fabric's water-repellent treatment need to be kept clean.
Avoid regular powder detergent as it can leave residue on the material. Never use fabric softener, bleach or stain remover unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it.
Pour or spray some water on the outer fabric. If the water beads up and runs off, the impregnation is still working. If the fabric quickly darkens and absorbs water, the water-repellent treatment needs to be reactivated or renewed. Generally, we say that you should impregnate the garments after every third wash. But this varies depending on the garment, use, etc.
Always start by washing the garment. In many cases, cleaning and gentle heat treatment are enough to reactivate the existing impregnation.
Many shell garments can be tumble dried on a low heat or gently heated according to the manufacturer's instructions. The heat can help reactivate the garment's water-repellent treatment.
Always check the care label before tumble drying or heat treating the garment. Not all materials can withstand the same temperature.
A waterproofing spray is applied to the outside of the garment and is suitable when you want to treat the outer fabric without affecting the inside. It is often a good choice for shell garments with moisture-wicking linings or details. We usually say that spray waterproofing is a good product for when you need to reinforce or finish a product. For example, shoulders, knees or bottom. But if the entire garment needs to be impregnated, we always use impregnation in the washing machine.
Impregnation added in the washing machine provides an even treatment and is gentle on garments without absorbent linings.
Follow the dosage on the product and check that the impregnation is intended for your particular garment and material.
Down insulates by trapping air between its tiny fibers. When down becomes dirty or compressed, it loses some of its elasticity and insulating ability.
A down jacket that feels flat doesn't necessarily mean it's worn out. Proper washing and careful drying can restore much of the loft.
Do not use fabric softener or regular laundry detergent. These products can leave residues that impair the down's ability to rise and trap air.
Carefully lift the wet garment out of the machine. Wet down is heavy and rough movements can strain the garment's seams and down compartment.
Down must be completely dry after washing. If moisture remains, the down can clump, start to smell or, in the worst case, develop mold.
Tumble dry on a low temperature if the garment's care instructions allow it. Feel free to add clean dryer balls (we recommend tennis balls without gas ) to help separate the down clumps. Remove the garment at regular intervals, shake it gently and distribute the down with your hands.
Drying can take several hours. Do not finish the process until the garment feels completely dry and the down is evenly distributed.
Down should not be stored tightly compressed for long periods. Hang the down jacket on a wide hanger and store the sleeping bag in a large storage bag or lying down in a dry place.
The compression bag should primarily be used during transport.
Air out the sleeping bag after use and let it dry thoroughly before packing it away. It is advisable to use a sleeping bag liner. This protects the inside from sweat and dirt and reduces the need to wash the entire sleeping bag.
Wash your sleeping bag only when it is really necessary. Large sleeping bags require plenty of space in the washing machine. A regular household machine may be too small, especially for thick down sleeping bags. Do you need help washing your sleeping bag? Contact us and we will help you. More information can be found HERE .
Use a detergent adapted to the sleeping bag filling:
Down detergent for down-filled sleeping bags.
Detergent for functional materials in synthetic sleeping bags.
After washing, the sleeping bag must be dried completely. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for temperature and drying method.
A tent does not normally need to be washed in a washing machine. Heavy machine washing and common cleaning agents can damage coatings, taped seams and water-repellent treatments.
Shake out gravel, pine needles and dirt.
Wipe off stains with a soft sponge and lukewarm water.
Let the tent dry completely before packing it away.
Clean tent pegs and poles from sand and soil.
Check cords, seams, zippers and attachment points.
Never pack away a damp tent for an extended period of time. Moisture can cause bad odors, mold, and permanent damage to the fabric.
Set up the tent and clean it by hand. Use lukewarm water and, if necessary, a mild detergent intended for tents and technical materials.
Avoid strong cleaning agents, detergents, fabric softeners and high-pressure cleaners.
Allow the tent to air dry completely in a shady and well-ventilated area. Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can degrade the tent fabric and its coatings.
If water no longer beads on the tent fabric, the outer fabric may need to be cleaned and impregnated. Use a product that is suitable for the tent material and coating.
If water seeps through a seam, the seam may need to be sealed. Different tent materials require different types of seam sealing, so always check the manufacturer's recommendations before treating.
Backpacks and running vests are often exposed to sweat, salt, energy gel, mud and dust. Regular cleaning prevents odors and reduces wear on fabric, buckles and zippers.
Empty all pockets.
Shake or vacuum out loose dirt.
Remove removable parts.
Clean with a soft brush or sponge.
Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air dry with open pockets and zippers.
Do not machine wash your backpack unless the manufacturer specifically allows it. Do not tumble dry backpacks, running vests or waist packs.
Hydration bladders, bottles and hoses should be rinsed immediately after use, especially if they have contained sports drink. Allow all parts to dry completely disassembled.
Gloves and other equipment with leather details need to be treated with products that are intended for the right type of leather.
First, clean off any dirt with a slightly damp cloth. Then apply a thin layer of leather conditioner or leather wax according to the product's instructions. Work the treatment in extra carefully around seams and areas that are exposed to a lot of wear.
Do not dry leather directly on a radiator or near a strong heat source. Rapid drying can make the material dry and stiff.
The equipment should be clean and completely dry before being put away.
Store in a dry, cool and ventilated place, protected from direct sunlight. Avoid tight plastic bags as this will prevent any remaining moisture from being vented.
Tents, sleeping bags and down products do best when stored loosely and airily. Loosen straps and compression bands so that the materials are not unnecessarily stressed.
It's a good idea to check your equipment well in advance of your next trip. This will give you time to repair minor damage, supplement the impregnation, and replace worn parts before they become a problem out in the mountains.
A small hole or broken detail rarely means the product is worn out. Many damages can be repaired with self-adhesive patches, seam sealant, spare buckles or help from a professional repairman.
Repair damage as early as possible. A small hole in a down jacket or tent fabric is much easier to repair before it has grown.
Proper care and minor repairs extend the life of the product and reduce the need to buy new ones.
This is not normally recommended. Regular detergent may contain additives that leave residue and impair the function of the material. Use a detergent intended for functional garments and always follow the garment's care label.
No. Start by checking if water is still beading on the outer fabric. If the garment is absorbing water, the impregnation may first need to be reactivated with heat. Reapply the impregnation when cleaning and heat treatment no longer have sufficient effect.
Many down jackets can be tumble dried on a low heat, but always check the care label. Tumble drying helps the down regain its elasticity and reduces the risk of remaining lumps.
The down has probably clumped together and is still damp. Continue drying on a low temperature and gently distribute the down with your hands until it is completely dry and fluffy.
Tents should normally be cleaned by hand. Machine washing can damage the tent fabric's coating, taped seams and other delicate details.
Wash when the garment is visibly dirty, smells or has lost breathability. Garments that are used intensively need to be cleaned more often than garments used for more leisurely activities.
Choose a product that is tailored to the material you are treating, such as shell garments, down, tents, leather or synthetic functional materials. Read both the equipment's care instructions and the instructions on the cleaning product before use.
Do you feel insecure, lack the opportunity or do you simply want to avoid doing the work yourself?
Then we offer professional washing and impregnation services for clothes and sleeping bags in our store in Åre. You can drop off the products directly to us – or send them by post.
More information can be found HERE .
