January 18, 2001


Will washing my pack ruin it?

Is it true that washing my Arc'teryx backpack will damage the padding? How should it be cleaned?

— Alex Columbus, Indiana

Nah, not at all. In fact, the opposite is true —- NOT washing a pack may lead to damage because the salt and acid in your sweat can eat away at the fabric and padding, while the grit you're apt to pick up will grind away at the threads.

In any event, washing a pack is extremely easy. You can do it in bath tub, though it's probably best done outside on a driveway or patio. Just fill a bucket with warm water and some detergent (I'd recommend Dawn dishwashing detergent, which is a good emulsifier and fairly gentle). Hose the pack off to remove as much dirt and grit as possible. Then take a soft brush and give it a good scrubbing with the soapy water. Rinse thoroughly, then repeat. Shake the back out to remove the excess water, then hang it someplace where it can dry -— an afternoon in the sun should do it, or in a warm, dry spot such as a utility room. Make sure it's completely dry before stowing it, to prevent mildew. And that will do it.

How often to perform this procedure? Not that often. I should think that once each fall, after a year's use, would be fine. Give it a rinse with water if it gets muddy or dirty in between thorough washings.