Good gear lasts a long time when you give it a little care. None of this takes much effort — a few habits after trips and a seasonal once-over keep everything performing and ready to go.
Key takeaways
- Wash fleece cold, skip fabric softener, and dry low.
- Refresh a rain jacket's DWR when water stops beading.
- Dry coolers fully with the lid open to prevent odor.
- Store everything clean and dry, loosely packed.
Apparel and fleece
Wash fleece and most apparel in cold water on a gentle cycle, skip fabric softener (it coats fibers and cuts warmth and wicking), and tumble dry low or hang to dry. Turn pieces inside-out to protect any print or embroidery, and always defer to the product's own care label.
Rainwear
When water stops beading on a rain shell, it's not failing — it just needs its repellency refreshed. Wash it to remove dirt and oils, then apply a wash-in or spray-on DWR treatment and gently heat-set it if the label allows. That restores beading without replacing the jacket.
Coolers
Wash coolers with warm, soapy water, rinse, and let them dry fully with the lid open before storing. For stubborn smells, wipe with baking soda or diluted vinegar. Store dry, out of direct sun, with the lid cracked so air can move.
Hammocks and bags
Shake out debris, spot-clean with mild soap and water, and dry completely before packing away. Avoid harsh detergents and long sun exposure, which weaken fabrics over time. For waxed canvas bags, re-apply wax occasionally to keep them water-repellent.
A seasonal gear-care routine
- 1
Empty and inspect
Empty each item, shake out debris, and check for damage.
- 2
Clean appropriately
Wash apparel cold; wipe down coolers; spot-clean bags and hammocks.
- 3
Refresh function
Re-apply DWR to rainwear and wax to canvas as needed.
- 4
Dry fully
Let everything dry completely to prevent odor and mildew.
- 5
Store loosely
Store clean and dry, loosely packed, out of direct sun.
Frequently asked
How often should I refresh a rain jacket's DWR?
Refresh it whenever water stops beading and starts soaking into the face fabric — for regular use, that's often once or twice a season. Washing first makes the treatment work better.
Can I machine-wash a hammock?
Spot-cleaning is safest. If a hammock is very dirty, a gentle hand wash and full air-dry is better than a hot machine cycle, which can stress the fabric and stitching.
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