SMUX TREKKING TEAM
Attitude for Altitude
CARE AND CLEANING OF PERSONAL GEAR
10.1 Shell Layer
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Jackets, which may also be known as shells, are often made with materials such as Gore Tex or other similar breathable waterproof materials. Since the patent expiration of Gore Tex, there have been numerous entries to the waterproof market. These materials should be washed in cold water only on a gentle cycle. Referring to the garment instructions, you may be able to use general washing detergent with low surfactants and absolutely no bleach. You may need to purchase a specialized cleaner designed to treat and clean specific materials. See “11.4 Working Principle and Care of Gore-Tex Jackets” for more information.
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Another type of outer layer which may need cleaning attention are jackets with fill such as traditional down jackets. However, as materials have developed, traditional fillers such as goose down have been replaced with loft materials from DuPont and other manufacturers. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, it may be possible to simply machine wash these jackets in mild cleaners such as Ivory Flakes. Drying may be accomplished by tumbling on low heat. The addition of a tennis ball may be recommended to help evenly distribute the fill and prevent clumping in the jacket chambers.
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10.2 Fleece Layer
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Mid layers will often take the form of polar fleece. This fleece is a man-made material which is manufactured by some companies from recycled plastic products. Polar fleece provides excellent protection and is a warm type of material which is typically available in thicknesses from 1 through 3. Fleece is relatively easy to care for as it may be turned inside out and washed on a gentle cycle in cold water. Dry this material on low heat, and you are ready to go.
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10.3 Boots
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Boots may provide some special challenges due to the inevitable accumulation of dirt and mud. Prior to any deep cleaning, you must remove as much mud and debris as possible. Giving the mud time to dry will allow you to scrape a large degree off rather easily. Deep cleaning any stains or spots may be accomplished with a rag, cold water and a mild detergent. However, deeper cleaning may require special cleaning solutions designed to clean materials such as Gore Tex while at the same time retaining the waterproof integrity of the material.
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10.4 Sleeping Bags
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How to use:
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Unzip your sleeping bag in the morning to remove moisture, and shake the bag to restore loft.
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Zip up sleeping bag.
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Fold in half, lengthwise.
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If applicable, fasten toggle and loop to ensure bag stays in folded position.
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Start rolling snuggly from opposite end of ties, loops or straps (whichever applicable). Have ties lying directly on the ground.
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After rolling bag completely, secure ties, loops or straps. If bag has Wrap ‘N Roll feature, continue rolling into attached carrier, tie and transport.
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Washing Instructions[1]
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Dry cleaning is NOT recommended.
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Use only oversized commercial front loading washing machine with a rotating drum action – DO NOT use top loading agitator style machines.
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Wash warm, rinse cold on gentle cycle using ¼ mild detergent.
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Use a fabric softener in wash. (Do not use detergents with bleach.)
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Tumble dry at low temperature in oversized commercial dryer.
Alternate method: hand wash in bathtub.
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Storing
Bag must be thoroughly dry before being stored.
For longtime storage, it is not recommended to store sleeping bags in its stuff sack or carrier, since it can reduce the loft, or puffiness, of the bag over time.
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