Kit care

Look after the kit.

A few habits keep waterproofs working, down lofted, merino soft and leather boots sound. Care by material, from the shop.

On the agenda

01

Waterproofs

02

Down

03

Merino

04

Leather boots

An orange waterproof jacket hanging on a peg by a stone cottage door

01 Waterproofs

Wet weather

Keep the beading.

A waterproof shell works in two parts: the membrane keeps water out and the surface finish makes rain bead and run off. Dirt and body oils stop the finish working, so wash the jacket when water starts to soak in.

Do this

Wash it

Use a technical cleaner made for waterproof clothing, not a normal detergent or softener, and follow the label.

Rinse well

Rinse twice if the machine allows it. Detergent left in the fabric attracts water.

Reactivate

Tumble dry on a low setting if the label allows, or warm it gently, to bring the surface finish back.

Reproof

When water still soaks in after washing, apply a spray or wash-in reproofer made for the fabric.

Shop waterproofs

A down jacket and sleeping bag stored loosely in a cotton sack on a shelf

02 Down

Winter

Keep the loft.

Down keeps you warm by trapping air in the clusters. Wash it when it stops lofting or smells, then dry it slowly and break up the clumps as it dries. Store it loose, not compressed.

Do this

Wash rarely

Spot clean small marks. Wash the whole piece when it is dirty or the loft has gone flat.

Down cleaner

Use a cleaner made for down and a gentle cycle, and rinse until the water runs clear.

Dry slowly

Tumble dry low with dryer balls, or dry flat and break up the clumps by hand as it dries.

Store loose

Keep it in a cotton storage sack, not a stuff sack, so the down stays lofted between trips.

Shop insulated kit

A merino base layer laid flat on slate with a folded map and a compass

03 Merino

Three-season

Keep it next to skin.

Merino works because the fibres regulate warmth and resist odour. It does not need washing after every walk, and a gentle wash keeps the fibres and the fit intact.

Do this

Air it first

Hang a base layer overnight between walks. Fresh air is often enough.

Wash cool

Use a wool cycle and a wash made for wool, with a low spin.

No softener

Fabric softener coats the fibres and reduces their ability to move moisture.

Dry flat

Dry flat and away from direct heat so the garment keeps its shape.

Shop base layers

Hands rubbing wax into a leather walking boot on a workbench

04 Leather boots

Three-season

Keep the leather fed.

Leather boots last for years when the leather stays supple and the seams stay sealed. Clean off mud, dry them slowly and wax or condition the leather before it dries out.

Do this

Clean the mud

Brush off mud and grit while it is damp, and rinse the worst of it away with clean water.

Dry slowly

Take out the insoles, loosen the laces and dry away from radiators and direct heat.

Feed the leather

Work in a wax or conditioner for the leather, paying attention to the flex points.

Store with shape

Stuff the boots lightly with newspaper and keep them somewhere dry and aired.

Shop footwear

Care and repair

A little care goes a long way.

If a zip fails or a seam goes, ask us before you replace the piece. A repair is often simpler than it looks.

Shop clothing and footwear

Look after the kit.

Keep the beading.

Keep the loft.

Keep it next to skin.

Keep the leather fed.

A little care goes a long way.

Leave no trace. Take good kit.

We value your privacy

Keep the beading.

Keep the loft.

Keep it next to skin.

Keep the leather fed.

A little care goes a long way.

Look after the kit.

Keep the beading.

Keep the loft.

Keep it next to skin.

Keep the leather fed.

A little care goes a long way.

Leave no trace. Take good kit.

Trail post

We value your privacy

Keep the beading.

Keep the loft.

Keep it next to skin.

Keep the leather fed.

A little care goes a long way.