Washing a backpack ???

[Lawn Sale]

I have washed about 12 packs, mostly because when I get them, they're nasty and have garbage/dirt on them.

I rinse them off with warm water, then scrub them down with mild soap, then rinse them off lightly, then submerse them in the soap solution and agitate by hand (a 5 gallon bucket works great for this), then rinse well followed by a dunking in clean water. Lastly I make sure there is no soap residue in the pads before I hang them up to dry for a few days, turning once or twice to make sure all the water evaporates.

They come out clean, smell well, and some look just like new.

It also allows me to see what needs to be repaired, if anything.

 

[bobandgeri]

hanks everyone for the good information! They no longer smell like we have been on the AT for a month!

 

[forestgnome]

I called LLBean just the other day to see what they recommended. They said to put the pack in the tub with a mild detergent and let it soak. Then rinse and hang upside down to dry.

I have a Kelty daypack, and I wash it after every hike during the summer. I soak it in warm, soapy water, then rinse it well and hang it to dry in the sun. No problems.