Good equipment keeps you warm, dry, and safe. That's why it's so important to take proper care of it.
Especially in winter, clothing and equipment are exposed to heavy stress: snow, moisture, salt and dirt take a heavy toll on the materials.
With a few simple habits, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your equipment.
1. Incorrect washing destroys the function.
Many people believe that outdoor clothing should be washed as infrequently as possible. However, the opposite is true.
Sweat, grease and dirt clog the membranes – making jackets and trousers impermeable.
Here's how to do it right:
- Wash only with special functional detergents (no fabric softener, no regular detergent!)
- Gentle wash cycle at 30°C
- Close zippers, Velcro fasteners and hoods beforehand.
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Then dry gently and, if necessary, activate in the dryer on a low setting to reactivate the waterproofing.
2. Simply let wet shoes dry.
A common mistake: Winter or hiking boots are simply put in the boiler room after the tour.
High heat damages leather and loosens the adhesive, making the material brittle and fragile.
Here's how to do it right:
- Remove the insoles , loosely stuff the shoes (e.g. with newspaper).
- Leave to dry in a warm, airy place.
- Then treat with care wax or waterproofing spray .
- Synthetic shoes can be cleaned with lukewarm water.
3. Simply throw gloves, hats & buffs in the washing machine.
Small textiles made of fleece or softshell quickly lose their shape or function if they are washed incorrectly.
Here's how to do it right:
- Wash in a laundry bag to avoid friction.
- No fabric softener – it makes the fibers stick together.
- Air drying instead of a dryer
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Wipe heated gloves with a damp cloth only; always remove batteries beforehand.
4. Impregnation is renewed too infrequently.
Even water-repellent materials need care. After a few uses in the snow, the beading effect often diminishes and moisture penetrates more quickly.
Here's how to do it right:
- Use waterproofing spray or wash-in waterproofing regularly after washing.
- Spray evenly, especially on shoulders, sleeves and knees.
- Then gently heat (hairdryer or dryer) to activate the protective layer.
5. Storing equipment incorrectly
Just throwing everything into the basement after winter? Bad idea.
Moisture, mold, or excessive pressure can ruin high-quality materials.
Here's how to do it right:
- Store in a dry, airy and dark place
- Sleeping bags and down jackets should not be compressed, but rather hung loosely or stored in large bags.
- Stabilize shoes with newspaper or shoe trees
- Store electronic devices (e.g., headlamps, power banks) with a fully charged battery to preserve their lifespan.
