How to Wash and Care for Your Hiking Rucksack?

Impact on Backpack Longevity: A well-maintained backpack will serve you for many years. Modern hiking rucksack materials are designed to withstand tough conditions, but without proper care, even the best fabrics will eventually deteriorate. Dirt embedded in the fibres can weaken them, while prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to mould. By regularly cleaning your backpack and storing it correctly, you prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your gear.

Comfort and Hygiene: A dirty hiking backpack quickly becomes uncomfortable to wear—shoulder straps stiffened by sweat, a back panel that develops unpleasant odours, or dried mud that causes skin irritation. Keeping your backpack clean ensures greater comfort and prevents the buildup of bacteria and bad smells, especially on multi-day hikes.

Preserving Technical Properties: Modern backpacks often incorporate technical treatments and materials. For instance, the outer fabric is usually coated with a water-repellent finish that allows rainwater to bead off rather than soak in. Similarly, zippers are designed to resist mud and dust to a certain extent. Poor maintenance can reduce these features—dirt can compromise water resistance, making the fabric more absorbent, while sand trapped in zippers can cause them to jam or break. By taking the time to clean and dry your backpack properly, you preserve the technical qualities that make a good hiking backpack reliable.

Good care starts with simple habits that should be done regularly, even without a deep clean. Here are some essential steps to keep your backpack in top condition:

• Dusting after each hike: After a hike, make it a habit to completely empty your backpack and shake it upside down. This helps remove crumbs, sand, dirt, or small stones that may have gathered at the bottom. Using a soft brush or handheld vacuum inside can also help remove fine dust. For the exterior, use a brush to remove dried mud and twigs stuck to the fabric.
• Checking backpack components: While dusting, take the time to inspect different parts of your backpack. Check the stitching, especially around the shoulder straps and hip belt, which bear most of the load. Ensure straps and buckles are in good condition, and test the zippers to make sure they function properly. Spotting a loose seam or fraying strap early allows you to fix it before it becomes a bigger problem on the trail. If you notice a small hole or tear, repair it promptly.
• Air drying: After hiking in the rain or a strenuous walk in hot weather, your rucksack may be damp (from rain, splashes, or sweat absorbed into the padded back panel). When you return home, open all pockets and remove the foam back panel if it’s detachable. Let everything air out and dry in a well-ventilated, dry space to prevent mould or unpleasant odours from forming inside.
• Proper storage: Store your backpack in a dry, ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid damp places like basements or non-insulated garages, as they promote mould growth and attract rodents. Do not squash it under heavy objects to prevent deforming the padding or frame.
• Using a rain cover to reduce wear: A rain cover isn’t just for bad weather! In addition to keeping your backpack’s contents dry, it also protects the outer fabric from scratches (caused by dense vegetation or rocks) and dirt. If you frequently hike in brushy areas or put your backpack on the ground often, using a rain cover helps prevent surface damage and makes cleaning easier. If your backpack didn’t come with a rain cover, check out our selection of rain covers suited for different backpack sizes.

Many hikers wonder the same thing when they see the state of their backpack after a particularly muddy adventure: Can I put my backpack in the washing machine? The general advice is to proceed with caution—machine washing is usually discouraged.

Check the care label: First and foremost, look at the care instructions inside your backpack. If the manufacturer explicitly prohibits machine washing, follow this guidance strictly. High-end backpacks with frames, water-repellent coatings, and technical padding are often unsuitable for machine washing. Some simpler or smaller backpacks may tolerate a cold, delicate cycle, but it’s best not to take the risk unless you're sure.

Precautions to take: If you decide to machine wash your backpack, follow these essential precautions. First, completely empty the bag and remove any metal frames or rigid reinforcements to prevent damage to both the washing machine and the backpack. Place the backpack inside a wash bag or an old pillowcase to protect the straps and buckles from getting caught in the drum. Choose a gentle or ‘hand wash’ cycle with cold or lukewarm water (maximum 30°C). Use a minimal amount of mild liquid detergent (less than usual) and avoid fabric softener, as it can clog the fibres and reduce the breathability of the fabric. Set the spin cycle to very low or turn it off entirely—wet backpacks are heavy and could strain the washing machine’s drum.

Drying: Can you put a backpack in the dryer? It's best to avoid this completely. Tumble dryers expose backpacks to high mechanical and thermal stress—between the rapid spinning and hot air, your backpack may come out warped, with shrunken straps or weakened plastic components. Heat can also melt internal coatings or cause reflective strips to peel off. Always opt for air drying as previously described, even if you washed your backpack in a machine.

In summary, hand washing remains the safest option to clean a hiking backpack without risk. Machine washing should only be used as a last resort and with extreme caution. If you must use a machine, stick to a small, frameless backpack and closely monitor the washing cycle.

Despite all precautions, wear and tear can eventually take its toll, and your hiking backpack may start showing signs of fatigue. Instead of replacing it at the first sign of damage, you can often repair it or at least extend its lifespan by addressing minor issues.

Identifying Signs of Wear: After each hike or before setting off again, inspect your backpack for any damage. Look for holes or fabric tears (especially at the bottom or corners, which endure the most stress), frayed or loose straps, cracked buckles, or a zipper that no longer runs smoothly. Catching a tear early allows you to fix it before it worsens.

How to Repair a Hiking Backpack? The solution depends on the type of damage:

• Small fabric tear: Apply a self-adhesive repair patch or sew a fabric patch over the hole. For added strength, stitch the tear using durable thread if necessary.
• Broken plastic buckle: Replace it with a new one of the same width, which can be found as a spare part. Most backpacks allow buckle replacements without sewing.
• Damaged zipper: If the zip no longer closes properly, replace the slider or have the entire zipper replaced by a specialist.
• Frayed strap or loose elastic: Trim the damaged section and lightly burn the end to prevent further fraying. If the strap or elastic is too worn, replace it with a new one.
• Damaged internal padding: Some padding (on the back or shoulder straps) can be replaced (check with the manufacturer) or reinforced by adding extra cushioning. However, it’s best to prevent wear by avoiding excessive compression when storing the backpack.

Many manufacturers offer repair services. Don’t hesitate to check with them for more details on available options and the repair process.