HikersCorner.com

Your major brands of backpacks should hold up to the rigors of activity for quite some time. There are a few things you can do to maintain your pack to help ensure it lasts.

 It's important to clean your backpack on occasion by brushing off loose dirt first.

• Most manufacturers recommend washing the pack with cool water and very mild soap.
• Some manufacturers suggest machine washing, but this must be done in a front loading washer, not one with an agitator.
• Rinse the backpack thoroughly to remove all soap residue, and allow to air dry. Drying in a machine could damage any portion of the pack containing foam.

 The zippers of the pack are another important factor you'd like to keep in good working order.

• Keep fraid fibers and strings trimmed off to prevent jamming the track.
• You can also lubricate the zippers from time to time with silicone.

 There are also a few things you can do during everyday use of the pack that will help it remain in good shape.

• Always lift the pack either by the loop on top or both straps together. The points that can receive the most stress are where the shoulder and compression straps are sewn into the pack itself.

A little time spent on your backpack at the conclusion of your trip can help it last for many adventures to come, and save you money in the long run. Just remember to store it in a closet where it is not exposed to sunlight.

This article was written by Mark Allen of Hiker's Corner.