Pack Care
Fabrics, webbing and zips tend to be made either from canvas, nylon, polyester or polypropylene yarns. Most synthetic fabrics and some zipper tapes have a PU (polyurethane) waterproofing coating on one face, usually the back. Buckles are typically moulded from nylon resins, though metal components are sometimes employed.
These yarns, coatings, plastics and metals respond in different ways to various solvents and chemicals, UV light, heat, dampness, salt contamination, abrasion, wet-flexing and to puncturing and tearing. Fabric coatings are particularly susceptible to damage if not properly cared for.
During use and storage avoid unnecessary impacts, abrasion, exposure to ultraviolet light, heat, cinders and chemicals like battery acid and fuels. Take care to pad hard items inside your pack that may come into contact with the bag fabric. Avoid dragging your pack across rough surfaces.
After each use and before storing, clean then thoroughly air dry your gear. Fabric products must never be left damp for extended periods and it is advisable not to store them compressed, rolled or enclosed. Ensure adequate fresh air circulation in storage.
When cleaning canvas, use warm water but avoid using soap as far as possible. For oil stains, instead dab white spirit or dry-cleaning fluid through the affected canvas spot, soaking it up with a towel on the other side. Some of the fabric dye colour will be lost. After rinsing and thoroughly drying your pack you can and should restore the canvas fabric proofing. For synthetic fabrics, first follow the instructions for cleaning canvas. Use of small quantities of detergent or white spirits will not damage the coating, but may over time reduce it's ability to repel water. Never use strong solvents such as acetone, and do not use bleach (except in the extreme event of killing mildew). Any of these are likely to damage coatings and lamination adhesives. Do not expose any fabrics to temperatures higher than 60°C.
Zips come in two varieties: continuous-spiral coil zips are strong, impact resistant, lightweight and flexible, and not subject to the irrepairable damage teeth zips can suffer. However, only die-cast epoxy-coated alloy sliders have the strength for coil zips, and they quickly corrode in marine environments if not rinsed clean and cared for regularly. Make sure you regularly rinse salt from zips and sliders using fresh water, dry, then lubricate with silicone spray. This will reduce wear, make using the zip easier, and significantly increase the life of the zip.
