Here is a comprehensive care guide for your customers to maintain and extend the lifespan of their adventure gear from JAG.
1. Trekking Pants
Washing: Machine wash
on a gentle cycle using cold water with mild liquid detergent. Avoid fabric
softeners, as they clog the breathable and moisture-wicking pores of technical
fabrics.
Drying: Air dry by
hanging them in the shade. Avoid tumble drying or direct harsh sunlight, which
can degrade synthetic stretch fibers and elastic waistbands.
Water-Repellency
(DWR): If water stops beading on the surface of water-resistant pants,
reactivate or restore the coating using a specialized wash-in or spray-on DWR
treatment after every few washes.
Storage: Store
completely dry in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew growth.
2. Rucksacks (Backpacks)
Cleaning: Never
machine wash a rucksack. Hand wash using lukewarm water, a soft-bristled brush,
and mild soap (or specialized outdoor gear cleaner). Scrub gently around the
hip belt and shoulder straps where sweat accumulates.
Rinsing & Drying:
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Hang it upside down in a shaded,
well-ventilated area with all pockets and zippers open until completely dry.
Zippers &
Buckles: Periodically clear dirt or grit from zipper teeth using an old
toothbrush. Lubricate sticky zippers with a specialized zipper
cleaner/lubricant. Check buckles regularly for cracks.
Storage: Store empty,
clean, and upright in a dry space. Do not compress under heavy boxes, and avoid
storing in damp areas like basements or car boots.
3. Polyfill Winter Jackets
Washing: Machine wash
on a delicate cycle using cold water and a mild detergent (down-specific or
tech-wash detergents work best for synthetic fills too). Fasten all zippers and
hook-and-loop closures before washing.
Drying: Tumble dry on
a low heat setting. Throwing a couple of clean tennis balls into the dryer
helps fluff up the polyfill clusters and prevents clumping. Ensure it is 100%
dry before storing.
Ironing & Heat:
Never iron a synthetic insulated jacket, as high heat will melt the outer shell
and inner fill fibers.
Storage: Hang the jacket in your closet rather than
compressing it tightly into a stuff sack for extended periods. This preserves
the loft and insulation efficiency.
4. Camping Tents
Post-Trip Cleanup:
Never pack a tent away wet or dirty. Shake out dirt, leaves, and debris. If
muddy, wipe down with a sponge, cold water, and mild soap. Never use a washing
machine or dishwasher.
Drying: Pitch the
tent in a shaded outdoor area or a well-ventilated indoor space until the
fabric and footprint are completely bone dry to prevent mold and mildew.
Pole & Stake
Care: Wipe down aluminum or fiberglass poles with a dry cloth after every trip,
especially after coastal or rainy camping. Check shock cords inside poles for
slack.
Storage: Store
loosely packed in a breathable cotton storage sack or leave it uncompressed in
a cool, dry closet. Avoid storing tents inside their tight compression bags
long-term.
5. Hiking Boots & Shoes
Cleaning: Knock off dried mud after every trek. Wash mud
away using a soft brush and lukewarm water. For leather boots, use a
specialized leather cleaner; for synthetic/mesh boots, mild soap suffices.
Drying: Remove the insoles and loosen the laces to air dry
at room temperature. Never place boots near a campfire, direct heater, or in
direct sunlight, as extreme heat cracks leather and melts the adhesives holding
the soles together.
Conditioning (Leather): Apply a leather conditioner or
waterproofing wax periodically to keep the material supple and maintain
waterproof membranes (like Gore-Tex).
Storage: Stuff newspaper inside to help retain shape and
absorb residual moisture, then store in a cool, dry area.
