How to Care for Your Outdoor Gear to Make It Last Longer

Outdoor gear comes in all types of materials, each with its own personality. Nylon is tough but needs care around heat. Gore-Tex? Great for breathability, but hates regular detergent. Merino wool is soft and warm, but easily shrinks.

What does that mean for you? Each material deserves its own TLC routine.

You can’t toss your Merino base layer and your waterproof hardshell in the same load. Wool requires gentle detergents, cold water, and no wringing. Technical shells need special cleaners to preserve their water resistance.

Seriously, that tiny tag inside your gear? It’s your best friend. It tells you what to do—and what not to do. Skip it, and you could ruin a $300 jacket in a single wash.

Use mild, non-detergent-specific cleaners like Nikwax or Granger’s. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and standard laundry soap. Why? Regular detergent leaves behind residue that kills waterproofing.

Use front-load washers if possible (no agitator).

Hand wash when in doubt.

Spot clean muddy areas instead of over-washing.

Wash with a technical cleaner and rinse thoroughly. Then reapply a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment — this helps water bead up instead of soaking in.

Spray-on or wash-in DWR products work great.

Use low heat in a dryer (if label allows) to reactivate the coating.

Down is delicate. Wash with down-specific cleaner, rinse twice, and dry with dryer balls on low heat. Never wring it out. You don’t want soggy clumps forever stuck inside.

Turn them inside out, use cool water, and air dry. Over time, synthetic base layers can build up stink — occasional treatment with odor removers can help.

Dryers can ruin waterproof membranes, warp shapes, and damage insulation. When in doubt — air it out.

Use low heat only for gear that specifically says it’s dryer-safe.

Down jackets? Low tumble + tennis balls.

Tents and backpacks? Never tumble — always air dry.

Knock off the mud first. Clean with a soft brush and mild soap. Remove the insoles and laces for a thorough clean.

When your boots stop beading water, it’s time for a waterproofing spray. If they feel flat or smell funky — new insoles and laces do wonders.

Hand wash with a sponge and mild soap. Avoid machine washing — it can ruin frames and straps. Hang to dry, away from sunlight.

Shake off dirt, hand wash the fabric with a sponge. Clean zippers with a brush and lubricate them occasionally. Store loosely in a breathable bag — not compressed.

Wash according to fill type. Down bags? Use down wash. Synthetic? Use mild detergent. Always air dry fully and store uncompressed.

Once your jacket stops repelling water, it’s time to reproof. Clean it first, then apply DWR spray evenly. Let it cure and dry as directed.

A little effort with the right products can bring back life to an old shell or pants. Think of it like skincare — your gear deserves it too!

Never store wet gear.

Keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.

Use breathable storage bags.

This simple mantra can save hundreds of dollars in gear damage. Always store clean, totally dry gear in a cool, dry place.

Use gear tape (like Tenacious Tape), iron-on patches, or mini sewing kits. For zippers, check the pull and sliders — sometimes they just need adjusting.

Don’t toss gear for small tears. These DIY tools are lifesavers, and some repairs only take 10 minutes.

If you’ve got a serious tear or delamination, consider professional repair. Many brands (like Patagonia) offer lifetime repairs or affordable fixes.

If you're out of your depth, don’t risk ruining your gear. It’s okay to ask for help — especially for high-end or technical items.

Jackets: Every 5–10 wears

Boots: After every muddy or wet trip

Tents/Sleeping bags: Once per season or after big trips

At the end of every season, give your gear a full check-up: clean, inspect, reproof, and store.

Brands like Nikwax offer biodegradable, non-toxic solutions. Choose them over harsh chemicals whenever possible.

Caring = longevity = less waste. The planet will thank you, and so will your wallet.

Outdoor adventures are wild, unpredictable, and awesome. But gear failure? That’s a mood killer. With just a little care, your gear can last for years, handle anything nature throws at it, and keep you safe and comfortable every step of the way.

So don’t just use your gear — respect it. Clean it, dry it, repair it, and store it right. It’ll love you back.

Yes, but only using technical cleaner and a gentle cycle. Always check the label!

Use low heat in a dryer with clean tennis balls or dryer balls to fluff it back up.

Clean and fully dry it first, then store loosely in a breathable cotton or mesh bag.

Absolutely! It helps your gear perform like new and extends its lifespan.

Clean them after any muddy use and reproof once water stops beading on the surface.