Despite most people having probably never done it, it is a good idea to periodically wash your pack. A simple liquid detergent free from fabric softeners can be used or alternatively one of the many specialist cleaning products such as Grangers Performance Wash, Nikwax Tech Wash, Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarwash, Fibertec Pro Wash, or Storm Clothing Wash. If these aren’t available then soap flakes which can be purchased from a supermarket are also fine.

Ensure all pockets are empty and that the back panel if removable is put to one side. Any debris or grit should be removed from inside the pack, using a vacuum cleaner if necessary. Your pack should be washed by hand in warm, soapy water. Do not attempt to use a washing machine or place your pack in a tumble dryer. Using a cloth or soft-bristled scrubbing brush gently clean the outside of the pack, focussing on any heavily soiled areas such as the base. Rinse thoroughly before drying.

Once thoroughly dried, all components such as cordlocks should be checked and zips thoroughly lubed. We recommend using a product such as Gear Aid Zipper Lubricant, McNETT Zip Care or Zipper Stick. Alternatively natural products such as Beeswax can also be used.

A Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment is applied to the outside of some packs to help water to bead and run-off. Others have waterproof coatings applied externally.

Either way, in use, you may notice the pack gradually begins to ‘wet-out’ when in contact with water or melting snow for any extended period of time. This occurs when water is no longer being repelled but instead is being absorbed into the fabric. It is usually most noticeable in high-wear areas such as the base and front panel. This is because the performance of any DWR or external waterproof coating is compromised by abrasion, dirt and oil contamination.

As such it may eventually be necessary to consider reproofing your pack. This is a process that should only be undertaken on a clean pack.

We recommend using a spray-on or applied reproofer such as Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof or Grangers Fabsil . Concentrate the spray on areas that are ‘wetting out’, following any relevant instructions.

Unfortunately, even when well cared for, packs can be damaged. Razor sharp ski edges, ice axe picks and crampons can all puncture or cut even the most robust fabrics and hauling or simply continually dropping a heavy pack on rocks can all take their toll. Such damage is not covered by our warranty as this is deemed normal, if unfortunate, wear and tear. However, many of these faults can be repaired both ‘in the field’ and professionally.

Many packs will typically last many years. Frequency of use, activity type and obviously the durability of the original product will all play a part in how long they can be expected to last for but given the lack of laundering, a pack's environmental impact is concentrated in its manufacture and end of life. As such please do everything you can to prolong it. Use it until it falls apart and do not replace it needlessly.

Here’s what you should do instead:

1) Revere it - Our products are made to be used. Learn to value the experience etched into the very fabric of your gear. Every nick, every mark is not just wear & tear but a story and a statement.

2) Revitalise it - Wash and maintain your pack (including reproofing) when required and store appropriately.

3) Repair it - Many minor faults that may seem terminal can actually be easily fixed. It may seem expensive but think about the cost not just of a new pack but the bigger environmental cost to your consumption.

4) Relegate it - Just because your pack can no longer cope with a major alpine climb that does not mean that it isn't ‘good enough’ for a wide range of less severe uses. So consider relegating your winter climbing jacket to the jacket you reach for when walking the dog, wearing around town or occasional rainy day walks.

5) Reappropriate it - Use the garment for something it was not originally designed for but works perfectly for. Keep an old waterproof jacket in your car in case of breakdowns or for fitting snow chains, use it for wet weather gardening or chopping logs.

6) Reassign it - Just because a jacket may not meet your needs any longer it may meet someone elses. Don’t use this as an excuse to not think about your own actions (!) - but there are numerous specialist charities who need outdoor clothing and many groups will gratefully receive donations of used gear, even if slightly damaged.

7) Reuse it - ave you ever thought of sitting on a GORE-TEX covered bar stool, or carried a DRILITE® tote bag. Basically anything that requires something waterproof or easily wiped clean and that is tough can be made from pieces of your waterproof clothing.

8) Recycle it - Recycling can save energy and resources that would otherwise be used in the manufacture of virgin materials but unfortunately for most waterproof jackets it’s practically impossible to do. Composite materials, bonded components, a mixture of different polymers all mean that waterproof clothing put to no other use is destined for landfill… that’s why we’d ask that you try to do everything you can to keep your waterproof clothing in use for longer.