01 / Field standardOuterwear: protect loft and surface performance
Routine cleaning removes skin oils, smoke, dust, and trail contamination that can affect comfort and performance. Address visible mud only after it has dried enough to brush away without driving grit deeper into the fabric. Use a mild cleaning approach appropriate to the product, avoid unnecessary additives, and rinse thoroughly. Close pocket zips, release drawcord tension, and secure hook-and-loop areas so they do not abrade neighboring fabric.
Waterproof and weather-resistant fabrics depend on more than the outer surface. Face fabric, membrane or coating, seam construction, and water-repellent finish work together. Wetting on the surface does not by itself identify the condition of every layer. Clean the garment first, then assess it in use appropriate to its design. Do not apply an aftermarket treatment unless it is compatible with the product instructions.
For insulated pieces, protect the distribution of the fill. Avoid twisting or wringing. Support the full weight of a wet garment when moving it, and dry it completely before storage. Grid fleece can trap small twigs and hook fasteners; remove debris gently rather than pulling hard enough to open the knit. Browse the intended roles of each layer in Outerwear.
02 / Field standardPacks: remove grit before it cuts
Packs collect abrasive particles at the base, behind shoulder straps, around zips, and where webbing enters hardware. Empty every compartment and shake out loose material. Use a soft brush or damp cloth for localized cleaning. Pay attention to zipper tracks, buckle channels, and seams rather than saturating the entire pack by default.
Release compression straps and inspect folded webbing for grit or edge wear.
Check the pack base and frame-contact areas for thinning, punctures, or distortion.
Rinse soap residue from any spot-cleaned area and allow hidden foam to dry fully.
Store with straps relaxed and the body uncompressed in a ventilated, dry place.
Do not drag a loaded pack over rock or lift it by a pocket, compression cord, or partially closed zip. Use the haul points and handles only for the loads and situations described by the product. See the current range in Packs.
03 / Field standardFootwear: clean, dry, inspect
Remove insoles and laces when that helps open the shoe for cleaning and drying. Brush dry soil from the upper and outsole, then use water sparingly to loosen remaining dirt. Clear stones from the tread without cutting the rubber. Avoid solvents and direct high heat, which can affect adhesives, foam, rubber, and upper materials. Let footwear dry at room conditions with air moving through it; loosely packed absorbent paper can help and should be replaced as it becomes damp.
After drying, inspect flex points, lace anchors, toe protection, midsole edges, and the bond between upper and sole. Uneven tread wear may reflect terrain, gait, or a fit issue; it is useful information for the next trip. Rotate footwear when practical so it can dry fully between uses. Visit Footwear for product-specific construction details, and use Fit & Sizing if repeated pressure or movement suggests a mismatch.
04 / Field standardStorage and regular inspection
Clean equipment does not need to look new, but it should be dry, stable, and ready to inspect. Store it away from prolonged direct sunlight, high heat, damp enclosures, and sharp objects. Do not leave shells tightly compressed, insulation crushed, packs loaded, or footwear wet between trips. Loosen adjustments so elastic, foam, and webbing are not held under needless tension.
After each use, remove dirt and dry the item completely.
Before storage, check seams, high-wear zones, closures, and contact points.
Before the next trip, operate every critical zip, buckle, lace, and adjustment.
Address small damage early using Field Repair, or ask through the contact form when the safest method is unclear.
Patina, fading, and softened hand can be normal records of use; loss of function is a different matter. Track changes over time instead of waiting for a single dramatic failure. Consistent, modest care is usually more useful than an aggressive restoration after long neglect.
