Everyone usually takes good care of something they've spent hundreds or even thousands of yuan on, right? You tend to be extra cautious when it comes to using, washing, and storing it. Check out the following methods for using, maintaining, cleaning, and storing your backpack to ensure it doesn’t reduce its lifespan... Using your backpack correctly not only extends its life but also greatly benefits your safety and health on the trail!! Proper cleaning and maintenance are key steps in prolonging the life of your backpack!!
Backpack Usage and Maintenance
◎ There's a technique to putting on a heavy backpack. Place the backpack at a certain height, then put both shoulders through the shoulder straps. Lean your body forward and stand up using your legs — this is a relatively convenient method.
◎ If there’s no high place to set the backpack, lift it with both hands and place it on one knee (facing the straps). Then, hold the bag with one hand while quickly turning your body with the other hand grabbing the shoulder strap, allowing one arm to go through the strap. This makes it much easier to get the other arm in.
◎ When walking, tighten the waist belt so that the hips bear most of the weight, and relax the shoulder straps so that the top of the straps forms a 45-60 degree angle. This way, it feels almost like you’re not carrying anything at all — very comfortable.
◎ If you're carrying a lot of weight or all heavy items, distribute them evenly. Fasten and tighten the chest strap so the wearer doesn’t feel any backward pull. While moving, use the adjustment straps between the shoulder straps and the backpack.
◎ Lean your body slightly forward so that the actual weight during walking is on your waist and hips, avoiding pressure on your back. In case of emergencies, your upper body can react more flexibly.
◎ Follow the correct procedures for putting on and taking off the backpack. Not doing so may result in uneven stress on the backpack’s structure. In mild cases, it reduces the backpack’s weight distribution efficiency; in severe cases, it can damage the structure. Try not to lend your backpack to others: the backpack frame adapts to your back curve over time, and lending it out may require readjustment and getting used to it again when it’s returned.
◎ When proceeding without protection, loosen the shoulder straps and open the waist and chest belts so that in case of danger, you can quickly separate yourself from the backpack.
◎ A well-packed, non-dropped backpack already has tightly tensioned stitching. If you roughly take it off or it accidentally falls, the seams may easily break or buckles may be damaged. Avoid placing hard metal items directly against the backpack fabric: utensils, cookware, and other hard items, if pressed against the backpack material, can easily tear the fabric when the backpack rubs against rough rocks or railings.
◎ Be careful with buckles, straps, and accessories during handling: often when loading or unloading the backpack in vehicles, there’s some pulling. So make sure the waist buckle is fastened when getting in the vehicle. Some backpack waist buckles are soft and can be buckled backward around the lower half of the backpack, but some waist belts have hard plastic supports and cannot be buckled backward as they may crack. It’s best to cover the backpack with a backpack sleeve to prevent straps from tangling with others and getting damaged during pulling.
◎ During camping, keep the backpack closed to prevent small animals like mice from stealing food and to keep insects or ants out. At night, cover the backpack with a backpack sleeve. Even on clear days, dew can still wet the backpack.
◎ In snowy conditions, you can use the backpack as a door for a snow cave. If crawling or moving through woods or shrubs, packing the backpack to lower its center of gravity is more suitable. For camping, place empty backpacks under your feet and outside your sleeping gear to insulate from the cold ground and improve sleeping temperature.
Backpack Cleaning
Backpacks always get dirty with mud, dust, and sweat after use. It’s recommended to use a dry, soft brush to remove dust from the outer layer of the backpack. Wiping directly with a wet cloth can actually smudge dirt onto the fabric surface. Rinse with clean water afterward. If there’s grease, it’s best to use a neutral detergent. If you’re unsure about the solution’s nature, you can substitute with bath gel or shampoo (these are generally neutral to slightly acidic). Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry in the shade. Don’t expose it to direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause the fibers to harden and become brittle. After stream trekking or long trips, soak the backpack for about 30 minutes or rinse it thoroughly with plenty of water to prevent organic matter, small organisms, or decaying leaves in the stream water from getting stuck in the backpack’s suspension system, which could lead to mold or bacterial growth. When the backpack is not completely dry, if the surface waterproof coating is damaged, it’s the best time to apply a professional water-repellent spray for maintenance. After spraying with a professional outdoor waterproof agent, your backpack’s water resistance will be as good as new again!
Backpack Storage
If your backpack is torn, mend it promptly. Use thicker needles and thread — preferably those designed for sewing cushions — and sew it securely. Seal the nylon thread ends by burning them with fire.
Regularly check main support points such as the waist belt, shoulder straps, and the stability of the suspension system. Prevent padding from deteriorating or hardening without your knowledge. Replace zippers when needed — don’t wait until things start falling out of your backpack before fixing them.
Make sure the backpack is completely dry and empty it of all contents. On one hand, this avoids losing things, and on the other, stacking with items inside can deform the backpack. Finally, tighten and secure all straps and buckles, then store it in a storage box in a dry place. You can also spray some professional anti-bacterial and anti-mold spray to prevent mold caused by long-term storage.