Y'all wash your packs and tents?
this post was submitted on 31 Jul 2023
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ultralight
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Overnight backcountry backpacking/hiking in the spirit of taking less and doing more. Ask yourself: do I really need that?
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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.
I don’t have to because that would involve taking them out and using them (taboo)
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 couldn't hurt. for zippers wash them and 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.
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.
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.
The sleep layers are just my base layers, but the 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.
I also wash in castile soap. And I put them in my food dehydator set way low to dry