How to wash a back pack?

[ElCee]

I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?

 

[Bradypus]

Here in the UK I would use the specialist washing solution and waterproofer from Nikwax if I ever got around to washing my rucksack. Not sure if you have similar products in your neck of the woods. Places like GoOutdoors will sell small sachets of each.

Welcome to Nikwax | Outdoor Innovation

Since 1977, Nikwax has been the global leader in environmentally safe aftercare and waterproofing solutions that extend the life and performance of technical footwear, clothing and equipment.

www.nikwax.com

 

[C clearly]

Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?

That's what I do. However, using some specialist washing solution/waterproofer as suggested by @Bradypus seems like a good idea.

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

After our second Camino Frances, our Osprey backpacks were dirty, dusty, sweaty. My wife asked our dry cleaning store if they could clean. They did for a reasonable price and both were fresh to use for Caminos three and four (and my my case five). Since part way through CF1, my wife has used backpack transport each camino. I carried mine on the first three caminos, then decided to also use backpack transport for the last two caminos. So no need to wash them again since they are staying pretty clean. Bob

 

[Kiwi-family]

Wash my pack? This forum is full of new ideas for me lol. I honestly just spot wash really grubby splotches. The dirt I call patina and wear it as a badge of honour. It sits alongside my carefully stitched on patches that cover spots that were wearing through. Come to think of it, the dirt might be holding the bag together. We wouldn’t want it to fall apart now, would we?!
PS the bag still passes the sniff test ;-)

 

[Tassie Kaz]

...the bag still passes the sniff test ;-)

What about when your backpack has been shut up in the overhead locker of a plane for 25 hours?
That's when I discovered mine needed... er... 'attention'...

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I wash my pack after every Camino. In good weather I soap and hose it down on the driveway, but most recently I washed it in the bathtub in warm soapy water. Mine never gets very dirty though cuz when I take it off for a picnic or otherwise, I always try to set it down in grass whenever possible.

 

[truenorthpilgrm]

I wash my pack after every Camino. In good weather I soap and hose it down on the driveway, but most recently I washed it in the bathtub in warm soapy water.

I'm about to do the same down here in the tropics. Hose it down,, scrub with dish-soap and set it out in the sun to dry. It's a somewhat tattered bag but I'm quite attached to it.

 

[MikeJS]

I leave my pack in the garage after use where it stays until the next camino. Always seems OK……….

 

[Bradypus]

I leave my pack in the garage after use where it stays until the next camino. Always seems OK……….

I think the OP's point is that they would like to return a borrowed pack to its owner in a clean and tidy condition. I'm certainly more careful with borrowed or rented gear than I am with my own stuff!

 

[Pilar]

For years I have taken two packs to a commercial laundromat. Find one of the oversized load machines and lay the packs in straight. I have all the buckles fastened. Wash on cold. Remove and air dry. It has worked every time without damage to the packs. We have 35 and 40 liter packs.

 

[ElCee]

Wash my pack? This forum is full of new ideas for me lol. I honestly just spot wash really grubby splotches. The dirt I call patina and wear it as a badge of honour. It sits alongside my carefully stitched on patches that cover spots that were wearing through. Come to think of it, the dirt might be holding the bag together. We wouldn’t want it to fall apart now, would we?!View attachment 159554
PS the bag still passes the sniff test ;-)

This one was a little stinky at times although it may have been my dirty laundry. Just knowing how soaked in sweat the straps were most days, I don’t feel right returning it as is.

 

[WalkingPlaylist]

I've washed my backpack after every Camino. I have an Osprey. I disassemble it and open all the compartments and take the air back out of its slide. Using a mild soap like dish soap or woolite I put it in the tub and then using a brush wash the straps and washcloth on the large areas. Lots of dirt comes out! Then rinse it really well, pat it dry and then let it air dry. I have to say 1000+ miles and that thing still looks brand new....

Lots of good videos online to show you

 

[USSusan]

I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?

I have washed my pack twice (after 2 Camino Frances) and it still looks fine. I soaked it in the bathtub using Woolite, then rinsed twice, then hung it upside down until it was dry. Good Luck!

 

[Pepper_E]

Generally never wash my packs, but did hang a pack outside and hose it down inside and out after 1,000 mile section hike on the Appalachian Trail.

 

[ElCee]

Thanks everybody! I appreciate all your help!

 

[SilentNight]

I have used and washed sweaty, dirty Osprey and Camelbak backpacks for over 10 years. This is what works for me. I have backpacks of different sizes that I have used that are over 10 years old. They still look new.
Remove anything from the pockets.
Zip shut all pockets, leaving about 1 inch unzipped.
Cinch down any straps.
Connect any strap connectors.
LG front loading HE washer:
Launder on normal with jeans or other heavy materials.
Select cold water.
Select double rinse.
Add non-bleach HE laundry detergent. (I like Tide pods for really dirty laundry, and use eco-friendly for all other laundry. My backpacks are really dirty after use.)
Add 1 cup white vinegar for stinky laundry atop the laundry inside the washer.
Do not add fabric softener.
After the washing is complete, hang the backpack with one of its loops on a hanger.
It will be dry 24-36 hours later, depending on your climate.

 

[JerryStroebele]

Just returned from the Camino late yesterday. Empty backpack went into the shower with me this morning, with a brush and a bottle of dish soap. Easy peasy, no leaning over the tub. Buen Camino

 

[Handsome_Canuck]

I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?

How to Clean Your Osprey Backpack

www.osprey.com

Looks like the bathtub is the "official" way to go

 

[Flory]

I got my packback secondhand from somebody ( very greatful) but it did not smell very nice.
I put it in the bathtub with water and half a bottle of detol (couple of days). After that i washed it a couple of days with wash detergent. Than a couple of days with clean water. Workt good
And before you ask we also have a shower;-)

 

[t2andreo]

I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?

You should be able to find NikWax pack soap at your nearest MEC or maybe Canadian Tire. Follow the directions.

Basically, you use NikWax to handwash your soiled pack in a bathtub with warm water. You can agitate the pack with your hands. Work on stains with a kitchen/laundry brush after the bag is well soaked.

Rinse using a shower. A hand-held shower is great for this.

Air dry after draining all water. I use a towel to soak up as much water as I can.

This actually works.

Hope it helps,

Tom

 

[SilentNight]

How to Clean Your Osprey Backpack

www.osprey.com

Looks like the bathtub is the "official" way to go

Nope, from 10+ years experience of washing my Osprey backpacks. Please read my reply.

 

[Amused212]

I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?

First, take care of any deep stains. Sometimes just water with some gentle brushing will do but I have also used a spot remover. Then, if it fits, put in the washer on delicate with a low sudsing detergent. A Nixwax wash will also do but it's more costly. However, I do then use the Nixwax waterproofing after it has been washed. Hang dry. If storing for awhile, after drying I will put a dryer sheet in each zippered pocket. Helps keep it smelling nice and will absorb minor dampness. Change the sheets when you think about it.

 

[Caminogoat]

For years I have taken two packs to a commercial laundromat. Find one of the oversized load machines and lay the packs in straight. I have all the buckles fastened. Wash on cold. Remove and air dry. It has worked every time without damage to the packs. We have 35 and 40 liter packs.

That is what I do, too. It comes out clean and happy (I and backpack feel the same way I think).

 

[jouffroy47]

For the record, NIkwax Tech Wash technical cleaner appears to be available at REI for you Americans out there...

 

[DebK]

You might want to ask the person you borrowed the pack from, they may have their own idea of how they want to wash their backpack. I always disassemble all the loose pieces of my pack (I also take pictures before I disassemble it.) I make sure the buckles and straps are cinched, toss it in the washing machine with mild detergent, cold water, and gentle cycle, then air dry outside. Always comes out nice and fresh.

 

[Elvis2]

I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?

Hang up on clothes line and hose it down. Use dish soap as well.

 

[Janade]

I just returned from a dusty, dirty trek and I hadn’t washed my backpack before (it’s been on two caminos before this). I just made sure it was totally empty and threw it in the washing machine with a couple of towels. It came out beautifully!

 

[t2andreo]

I have used and washed sweaty, dirty Osprey and Camelbak backpacks for over 10 years. This is what works for me. I have backpacks of different sizes that I have used that are over 10 years old. They still look new.
Remove anything from the pockets.
Zip shut all pockets, leaving about 1 inch unzipped.
Cinch down any straps.
Connect any strap connectors.
LG front loading HE washer:
Launder on normal with jeans or other heavy materials.
Select cold water.
Select double rinse.
Add non-bleach HE laundry detergent. (I like Tide pods for really dirty laundry, and use eco-friendly for all other laundry. My backpacks are really dirty after use.)
Add 1 cup white vinegar for stinky laundry atop the laundry inside the washer.
Do not add fabric softener.
After the washing is complete, hang the backpack with one of its loops on a hanger.
It will be dry 24-36 hours later, depending on your climate.

Osprey recommends using NikWax, at least on their packs - Just sayin. See this link - https://www.osprey.com/gb/how-to-clean-your-osprey-backpack

Scroll down the page a bit.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[MeanderingRo]

I borrowed my sister’s 28L Osprey. It was rainy and muddy on the CF when I walked. I got to the point of not caring if I put it down on a clean or dry spot. Upon return I tried to spot clean it and then I just put it in a gentle cycle of my front loading washer. We had Nikwax cleaning solution followed by Nikwax waterproofing stuff. I returned it looking and smelling new. Everyone was happy.
Buen Camino
PS I bought my own backpack and who knows if I’ll wash it after my 2024 Camino

 

[t2andreo]

I borrowed my sister’s 28L Osprey. It was rainy and muddy on the CF when I walked. I got to the point of not caring if I put it down on a clean or dry spot. Upon return I tried to spot clean it and then I just put it in a gentle cycle of my front loading washer. We had Nikwax cleaning solution followed by Nikwax waterproofing stuff. I returned it looking and smelling new. Everyone was happy.
Buen Camino
PS I bought my own backpack and who knows if I’ll wash it after my 2024 Camino View attachment 159667

A clean and sweet smelling rucksack is a happy rucksack. You take care of it - it will take care of you.

Hope this helps,

Tom

 

[CA_Pilgrim]

I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?

I've washed my old ack several times over it's 12+ year life. It's pretty easy. First, make sure it is completely empty. Second, Fill a bathtub with a few inches of warm water with a little bit of a gentle detergent. I use Woolite laundry detergent. Third, move the pack around in the soapy water for a few minutes water. the water should get dirty as the pack is cleaned. Finally, empty the tub and fill it with clean warm water and swirle the pack for few minutes to rinse the soap out of the pack. The water will probably get dirty again as more dirt is removed. Repeat until you are satisfied that the soap is completely rinsed out. Usually about 3 times. Then hang the ack up to dry. I usually hang it in the shower with a fan blowing on it. It should be dry in about 12-24 hours.

 

[Lurch]

Wash your pack!…next you will tell us you wash your shoes or hat After a Camino…what is this world coming too. (Smart aleck mode off.)

 

[Anamiri]

I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?

Not my current backpack, but a previous one I realised was grimy (I was actively looking for grimy things).
I was waterblasting the house, outdoor furniture and decks, and decided to do my back pack as well. I find that waterblasting is addictive and satisfying, so I'm always looking around for something else to do before I return it.
Of course I would never do that to someone elses gear.

 

[JerryStroebele]

Had to really scrub the mud off my boots this morning. The mud on the Aragonés is incredibly STICKY mud. But of course, well worth it. Buen Camino

 

[David Bedlow]

You should be able to find NikWax pack soap at your nearest MEC or maybe Canadian Tire. Follow the directions.

Basically, you use NikWax to handwash your soiled pack in a bathtub with warm water. You can agitate the pack with your hands. Work on stains with a kitchen/laundry brush after the bag is well soaked.

Rinse using a shower. A hand-held shower is great for this.

Air dry after draining all water. I use a towel to soak up as much water as I can.

This actually works.

Hope it helps,

Tom

In my experience it is better not to rinse after using NikWax as doing so rinses the waterproofing away - D

 

[RJM]

I've never babied my hiking equipment, so just like when I was in the army when I get home I just hose down my backpack (ruck) and using a medium bristle brush give it a good scrubbing with laundry detergent I have in a bucket. I then just hang it out in the sun to dry and later give it a light spray down with Scotchgard or similar for water repellency.
Even whilst on the Camino I have rinsed off my pack when the opportunity and weather presented itself. Especially the sweat off the part that makes contact with my back. I wash my shoes on the Camino as often as I can, too. Get that smelly sweaty funk smell out of them.
On warm sunny days the pack and shoes dry quickly outside.

 

[Katykay]

For years I have taken two packs to a commercial laundromat. Find one of the oversized load machines and lay the packs in straight. I have all the buckles fastened. Wash on cold. Remove and air dry. It has worked every time without damage to the packs. We have 35 and 40 liter packs.

We washed ours at a commercial laundry also in a hot (60 degree) wash to kill off bedbugs. Our tough bags came out intact and gleaming

 

[ElCee]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I washed it in the bath tub in warm water with liquid laundry detergent, rinsed in 2 tubs of water and hung it dry. I thought it was just sweaty but a surprising amount of real dirt came out of it.
Now to starting looking for my own pack for my next Camino!
Bom caminho!