Tactical Backpack Care 101: Insights From an Expert

Angelica has recently fallen in love with the outdoors and can not go anywhere without her tactical backpack. As she uses it more and more, she realizes the tactical backpack care is also very important. After all, a quality backpack can last for many years.

 

To take better care of her backpack, Angelica turned to Camil, an experienced outdoor enthusiast who not only has a lot of experience with backpacks, but also knows a lot of maintenance techniques.

 

 

 

Tactical backpack Care 101

 

 

Angelica: Hi,Camil, as a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, you must have some great tips on how to take care of your tactical pack? Especially after long use, many people may not know how to prolong the life of their backpack. Can you give me some tips on how to take care of your tactical backpack on a daily basis?

 

Camil: Sure! I love to share some tips on tactical backpack care with you. It is important to keep your pack in good condition, especially if you use it a lot.

 

 

 

Angelica:My first question is how to clean my pack?

 

Camil: You should clean your pack regularly. Cleaning your pack will not only keep it clean, but it will also help prolong its life. Cleaning surface dirt with a soft brush and mild detergent can effectively remove dust and mud.

 

 If the pack has closed-cell foam parts, such as the back panel, shoulder straps, and hip belt sections, soak them in water and gently rub them to remove odors. Open-cell foam is not suitable for soaking because it absorbs water and deforms.

 

If you are not sure what type of foam your pack is made of, we recommend contacting the manufacturer for advice.

 

 

 

Angelica: Sounds handy! Backpacks are usually heavy when full, so are there any special tips to protect them when lifting them?

 

Camil: Yes! Make sure you lift your backpack the right way. When your backpack is full and heavy, the best way to lift it is to use the carrying strap at the top of the backpack or to grab both straps at the same time so that the weight is evenly distributed.

 

And you do not put too much pressure on one part of the backpack. Never grab a shoulder strap and lift it, as this can distort the strap or fabric, or even damage the stitching.

 

 

 

Angelica: So if some people want to wash their backpacks in the washing machine, is that okay?

 

Camil: You can wash them in a washing machine, but be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some backpacks are machine washable, but be sure to use a gentle cycle and cold water to avoid damaging the fabric and seams.

 

Most tactical backpacks are not recommended for machine washing, so It is still a case-by-case process. Some Youtubers show how to wash a backpack by hand as below:

 

YouTube video

 

 

Angelica: Any advice on storage? Like how to avoid warping when not in use for a long time?

 

Camil: That's a great question! Stuffing your pack to keep it in shape is a very useful storage tip. You can fill your pack with soft material or paper to keep it in shape and prevent the fabric from creasing.

 

If your backpack is stored in an uneven place for a long time, it can lose its shape, and this will help prevent that problem.

 

 

 

Angelica: And is there any way to prevent the backpack from being crushed when used outdoors?

 

Camil: Yes, it is important to avoid overloading. Backpacks have their designed load capacity and overloading will not only increase the load on the shoulder straps and zippers, but will also affect the stitching, resulting in a shorter life of the backpack. Try to control the load of your pack and avoid exceeding the designed load.

 

 

 

Angelica: How do you distribute the weight when packing? Does it affect the backpack?

 

Camil: Yes, the balance of the load is also important. Packing heavier items closer to the back can help keep it balanced and avoid putting too much pressure on one side, which can lead to uneven wear and tear. Not only is this good for the pack, but it also reduces the physical strain of walking. You can refer to the picture below:

 

Backpack-Care-Tips-How-to-Pack-a-Backpack

 

 

 

Angelica: So, like the compression straps we usually use, any tips on how to use them?

 

Camil: Avoid overtightening the compression straps. Compression straps can help stabilize items, but pulling them too tight can put too much pressure on the seams, which can easily lead to fabric tears.

 

My advice is to gently tighten them just enough to secure the items inside.overdoing it can actually damage the structure of the pack.

 

 

 

Angelica: Any advice on zipper care? Zippers are one of the most used components.

 

Camil: Zippers are an easy to overlook but important part of your pack. It is very important to keep them smooth and clean. You can use silicone spray or a small amount of wax on the zipper to prevent snagging and abrasions.

 

Also, do not pull too hard on the zipper, especially if you are experiencing fabric snagging, just handle it gently to avoid damaging the zipper.

 

 

 

Angelica: How do you keep your backpack from getting wet when you are outdoors for long periods of time? Especially on rainy days.

 

Camil: Using a rain cover is the best way, especially when it is wet or rainy, the rain cover can help to waterproof the backpack and prevent mold and fabric damage caused by prolonged moisture. It protects the backpack from getting soaked with water and prolongs its life.

 

 

 

Angelica: The buckles on the backpack are under constant stress, how do I make sure they are not accidentally damaged?

 

Camil: Keep the buckles tight, especially when storing. Tightening all the buckles will prevent them from being accidentally squeezed or damaged.

 

Also, check your pack's closures and seams regularly, and if you find small cracks or weak spots, you can reinforce them with special patches or repair kits.

 

 

 

Angelica: And how can I prevent my backpack from fading or getting damaged if I encounter weather with strong UV rays?

 

Camil: Try to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Prevent UV damage to your pack by storing it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not in use.

 

UV rays can weaken the durability of the fabric and make the backpack more susceptible to wear and tear, so proper shade is still necessary.

 

 

 

Angelica: Any other storage tips?

 

Camil: Try to avoid putting food directly in the backpack to prevent rodents from chewing on it. Some animals are attracted to the smell of food and can damage the pack.

 

You can put the food in a waterproof bag or a hanging bag and place it on the outside of the pack or hang it from a tree branch.

 

Angelica: Thank you, Camil! These tactical backpack care tips are really comprehensive and help me better understand how to take care of my backpack. I'm sure these tips will help me extend the life of my pack.

 

 

 

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