Can you wash backpacks, how to wash a backpack, and similar questions I have seen asked around, and this is why I wrote this text to have as a reference.
Are all backpacks washable?
Modern backpacks are usually made of polyester and nylon, so I am pretty sure most of them can be washed. Such materials are normally washable when used in some other outdoor products, so there should be no difference with packs.
But I would not want to be responsible if something goes wrong, so you should read instructions before doing anything. However, the problem is that it seems there are no instructions. For the purpose of this text, I checked several of my Deuter and Osprey packs, and it appears that there are no instructions sewn-in anywhere.
Packs may have coating from inside, so I would avoid higher water temperature, cold wash if possible. Also, packs have some water repellence on the surface, and this may be washed out in the process. So I would not wash a pack unless this is really necessary.
On the other hand, I do not think I would wash in a machine an expensive pack like those from Osprey UNLTD series. I would wash them by hands only.
Can you wash a nylon backpack?
The answer is yes, nylon or polyester, it does not matter. In principle, such packs can be washed.
How to wash a backpack? Can you put a backpack in the washer and dryer?
The short answer is yes, for the washer I mean. But this depends on the pack. With smaller packs this should not be a problem at all, and I have done this many times.
With larger packs this may not be possible. They usually have a frame. But some internal frame packs have stays in their sleeves and they can be removed. In this case the pack can easily be folded and you should be able to put it in a washing machine.
I used to wash my pre-historic Deuter Futura 38 pack in a washing machine together with its frame, it fitted inside exactly. It could not tumble at all, but water would tumble, so this was almost good enough.
As for a dryer, this should be possible, so use the same logic as for any synthetic clothing. But I must say that I have never done this, I put it outside to dry naturally.
But some larger packs have unremovable frame, and they may not fit in any machine. In this case use your bathtub, add some detergent for hand washing and let it stay in the water for some time. Then wash it, use some brush if necessary and make sure you rinse it properly.
Once, I washed my large mountaineering pack that way, but did not really do the job properly. So later in the rain, there was detergent foam coming from the padding.
Why does my backpack smell? How do you clean a smelly backpack?
There are two different aspects here. Backpacks’ fabric tends to collect odors just like any other fabric. If you keep your dirty clothing in the pack, as you have to, then the backpack will pick up odors.
On the other hand, if you go outdoors, then you know that best materials for your outdoor clothing are synthetics like polyester and nylon. But then you also know that a synthetic shirt does not smell great after a day or two.
The same holds with your backpack that is built from the same materials. This holds in particular for the padding on the shoulder harness and the hip belt. You normally sweat, so the result should be obvious.
Can I wash my Patagonia backpack?
Patagonia, Deuter, Gregory, or Osprey, there is no difference. You can certainly wash such packs.
Can you machine wash a hiking backpack?
It does not matter if this is a hiking, backpacking, commuting, or travel pack. I am pretty sure you can wash them in a washing machine.
How do you deodorize a backpack without washing it?
I have seen some claiming that baking soda can do the job. Apparently, if you put it in the pack and let stay open, this will deodorize a pack. I must say I did not try this and cannot confirm if it really works.
If you need a pack, check around in the site, you will find many backpacks presented in detail. Check also my text about testing the weight of a wet pack.
Thank you for reading. Let me know if you have questions, there is a comment box below.
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