Although backpacks are not worn against the skin like our clothes, over time and on longer hikes they will get dirty. If your pack is very dirty or sweaty, then washing it is essential. But if it’s only lightly soiled, or the dirt is superficial, like specks of mud or a dusting of pollen, then you can just spot clean it using a damp cloth. Note: It’s easier to remove dirt when it’s still fresh, straight after your hike. If your pack is more heavily soiled, then make sure you wash it correctly. And if you’ve used the rain cover included with your pack, then make sure you clean it with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely before packing it away.

If you’ve been out hiking lots over the summer months, then it’s normal for your backpack to get dirty and sweat stained. If you want to remove dirt from your deuter backpack, there are a few things you should bear in mind: You should never wash a backpack in a washing machine. That’s because the abrasion places stress on the material (and PU coating) and can damage it in the long run. Also, there is often residue left behind from detergents, which can lead to skin irritation if you have sensitive skin. The chemical reaction that occurs between sweat, detergent residue and UV rays also speeds up the decomposition of materials. Washing a backpack can also lead to colors bleeding – especially if you wash the rain cover together with your backpack. The heat and moisture can release the color and allow it to transfer to other materials – similar to your colored laundry wash.

This is how to clean your backpack as gently as possible. First, detach the rain cover and set it aside. Then, depending on its size, place the backpack in a bowl or bathtub full of lukewarm water and wash it with pH-neutral soap or shower gel. Dirty stains on the backpack can be easily removed with a brush. Wash out salt stains on the carrying system by squeezing it several times by hand with soap and plenty of water. Make sure you then allow your backpack to dry out completely. Store it in a well-ventilated, dry place.

Our back systems are not designed to be mounted and removed, so we do not recommend that you remove the frame or rods for cleaning. Based on our experience, it is not possible to remove and install the back system properly without professional assistance. It could lead to your backpack/ product becoming damaged beyond repair.

Please remove / detach the rain cover from your backpack before washing. Do not submerge the rain cover and wash it, because this can impact the water-resistant finish (DWR) or seam seals. Even water that’s at a hand-washing temperature of 30 °C+ can result in colors running.  And so, it’s important to remove the rain cover before washing your backpack, and simply spot clean the rain cover, if required, with a damp cloth. 
Once cleaned, always make sure your rain cover is completely dry before storing. This will also prevent any color leakage over time.
 

Here’s how to wash your pack gently. First, remove the rain cover. Then, depending on the size of your backpack, submerge it in a bucket or bathtub of lukewarm water and wash with pH-neutral soap or shower gel. Stubborn dirt can be removed with a brush. Salt deposits on the back system can be removed by squeezing soap and lots of water through the padding by hand, over and over. Then leave to dry in a well-ventilated, dry place.

1. Empty your backpack completely after each use. Get rid of any dirt with a brush and soapy water.
2. Never machine-wash your backpack or put it in the dryer, as this will damage the PU coating.
3. Backpack materials should not be ironed.
4. Always make sure any zippers are dirt free.

Drying your backpack properly is not just important after you’ve washed it, but after a long day out too. Because it will have absorbed sweat and might have even been through rain showers. And so, it’s important to air it properly.

1. Open all the zippers and place your pack in a dry place or hang it up, upside down.
2. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near a heat source, like an electric heater or open fire.
3. Store your backpack in a dry place like a cupboard — avoiding damp basements — and with all buckles and straps fastened.
4. Don’t forget to make sure your rain cover is always completely dry after each use, and before storing it. If not, there is a risk of the colors running, or the fabric becoming damaged.

A backpack is easily affected by moisture. Follow our tips for waterproofing to make sure your belongings stay dry. Your backpack fabric should remain waterproof for the first few years. Sustained downpours will however result in some moisture seeping through the zippers and seams. On alpine tours, or when climbing or ski touring, it’s best to pack the contents inside waterproof bags/dry bags inside the pack to prevent them from getting wet. The advantage of this, as opposed to a rain cover, is that all the straps remain accessible e.g. for attaching an ice axe, trekking poles or snowshoes. For hiking and trekking backpacks it’s best to use a rain cover.

But sometimes, especially after a thorough wash, your backpack may need reproofing. It’s easy to check if this is the case, by simply dropping a few water droplets onto the fabric of your backpack. If it doesn’t bead up, and penetrates the fabric, then you should waterproof your backpack. For older models, applying waterproofing agents only helps over a shorter period of time. Beware that waterproofing agents (spray or wash-in) can penetrate into the shoulder strap fabric and cause skin irritation.

To ensure you enjoy your deuter trail running vest for as long as possible, follow these care instructions:

• Rinse the flasks or your hydration bladder thoroughly before use. Then you can start your first run directly.
• After each tour, completely empty the vest, remove dirt, and rinse the hydration vessels. Hang or lay it out to dry in a shady, dry place. If your run was particularly sweaty, you can wash the vest by hand with lukewarm water and some functional detergent beforehand.
• Is your vest starting to smell or have stubborn stains? Hand washing with functional detergent also helps. Let the trail running vest soak in lukewarm water and then rinse it gently.
• Only rarely should you put your trail running vest in the washing machine, as the material and fasteners can be damaged over time. Use the hand wash program without spinning at low temperature (30 degrees) and always use a laundry bag. Fabric softener, bleach, and the dryer are off-limits!
• Store your vest in a dry place away from sunlight and heat sources.

You can also find the most important care instructions for the trail running vest on the care label sewn into the vest.