Equipment Care

Proper care of your equipment extends its lifespan and helps maintain the functional properties of the materials. In this section, you'll find practical answers to the most common questions about cleaning, maintenance, and storage of outdoor and tactical gear, ensuring it serves you reliably for as long as possible.

More detailed care information for specific products – such as backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, or hydration packs – can be found below these questions.

Backpack Care Instructions

• After using the backpack, especially outdoors, it is necessary to check that it is not damp. If it is damp or wet, it should be allowed to dry thoroughly. Do not dry in direct and harsh sunlight, this could cause discoloration or cause other damage to the material.
• Storing a wet (not dried) backpack can lead to the formation of mold on the surface and inside the backpack.
• Most backpacks are not designed to be machine washed and tumble dried. However, follow the symbols on the labels/tags for proper care.
• If the surface of the backpack becomes dirty, use mild soap, a soft cloth and warm water.
• Check the zippers from time to time; if they are clogged, e.g. with dust, clean them appropriately.

Instructions for handling tents

• Every tent deserves your attention after you return from your trip. It is necessary to check the interior of the tent and get rid of debris such as leaves, sand and dust.
• Also check the tent frame, guy ropes and pegs. If anything is damaged or lost, spare parts must be purchased.
• Clean the outer part (surface) with mild soap, a soft cloth and warm water.
• It is important to let the tent dry properly before storing it. Storing a damp and wet tent can result in mold forming on the outside and inside.
• It is recommended to dry in the shade, not in direct and harsh sunlight. Drying in direct sunlight may cause discoloration or other damage to the material.
• It is not recommended to wash the tents in the washing machine.
• Fold and unfold the tent in accordance with the instructions. Mechanical damage (e.g. breakage of the frame) is not a ground for a claim.
• Occasionally spray the surface of the tent with an impregnating spray to enhance the water repellency and to revitalize the material.

Storage of sleeping bags

The compression sleeve is for transport only, it is not suitable for long-term storage. Do not store the sleeping bag in it at home, it needs to breathe and therefore needs to be unfolded.

Store the sleeping bag unfolded (e.g. in the storage compartment of the bed, in a non-compression storage container - some bags are sold with such a container, which also serves as a dust cover). Some sleeping bags also have loops that you can hang it by, e.g. on a hanger. 

Store the sleeping bag in a dry, well-ventilated place, out of sunlight. Watch out for attics and cellars where the temperature or humidity may be higher.

If you have a sleeping bag filled with feathers or down, keep it dry and ventilate it frequently.

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Cleaning of hydration bags

It is recommended to use clean water or mineral water in the hydration bags. You can also use flavored and sweetened drinks. In any case, we recommend that you clean the hydration bag regularly and thoroughly after each use. This will prevent the formation of bacteria, mold and unpleasant, hard-to-remove odors.

You can use cleaning kits designed for this purpose to clean the hydration bag. Such a kit contains special brushes (with a long handle) with which you can thoroughly clean the bag, the tube and the mouthpiece. Some kits also contain cleaning tablets. You can also clean the hydration bag without using a special kit.

You will need:

- a bottle brush,
- a dish sponge,
- a string with knots,
- a cleaning agent,
- warm water.

Alternatively, you can use baking soda or cleaning tablets designed for cleaning hydration bags.

Cleaning procedure:

1. fill the hydration bag with warm water and detergent and let it sit for at least 15 minutes,

2. then wash the hydration bag with a sponge and brushes,

3. disconnect the tube and mouthpiece for better and easier cleaning,

4. use a string or knotted string longer than the tube to clean the tube,

5. finally rinse everything thoroughly with clean water.

After cleaning, let the hydration bag dry thoroughly. You can either hang it upside down or stuff it with kitchen towels, which will soak up moisture, or put an object in the bag that will keep it open but not damage it (e.g. a hand beater). Indeed, thorough drying is essential, as storing a hydration bag with a small drop of water can cause mold and bacteria to breed, and this must be avoided in order to keep the hydration bag safe for future use be it for hiking, other outdoor activities, or airsoft play.

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