Gear Maintenance 101 - Down Products

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  • Опубликовано: 17 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 294

  • @mikedouglass7510
    @mikedouglass7510 4 года назад +160

    A tip when putting sleeping bag in tub is to put it in while still in stuff sack, and then take it out under water

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  4 года назад +14

      Nice Tip Mike!!!
      Hike On,
      Darwin

    • @KimberlyGreen
      @KimberlyGreen 4 года назад +5

      This tip deserves to be pinned!

    • @affalaffaa
      @affalaffaa 4 года назад +1

      Excellent tip

    • @domo3552
      @domo3552 4 года назад +1

      So simple an idea... Like the best things in life. Great tip!

    • @synthesizerneil
      @synthesizerneil 4 года назад +4

      Can't that increase the risk of tearing the fabric? A notorious problem of ultralgith 7d and 10d fabrics is they can rip when weight so maybe be very careful when pulling the wet quilt out of the stuff sack.

  • @seakayaker1470
    @seakayaker1470 4 года назад +53

    YES on gear maintenance please!

  • @chriseltringham5964
    @chriseltringham5964 4 года назад +26

    Seam sealing and waterproof treatment for rain jackets and boots!

  • @seangardam1779
    @seangardam1779 4 года назад +53

    Thanks Darwin! Seam sealing next please

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  4 года назад +18

      OHHH! That's a Good One!

    • @seangardam1779
      @seangardam1779 4 года назад +3

      I look forward to it - and hi from Tasmania Australia. Love your videos mate!

  • @CanyonNerd
    @CanyonNerd 4 года назад +14

    Good video. I HIGHLY recommend not picking up your bag when completely wet by one of the ends, as the weight of the bundled down and water can easily tear baffles. Always pick the entire thing up in a bunch when wet.

  • @DrewBoswell
    @DrewBoswell 4 года назад +14

    YES YES YES - this was very timely. It's one thing to read about how to wash down; it's another to watch you do it. Thanks for giving me the confidence I need to take the plunge and finally wash mine.

  • @TXDomer
    @TXDomer 4 года назад +15

    Yes - how to videos are great information to share. Anything you can do to help gear last longer and make it more sustainable, the better. Keep up the great work!

  • @ckristjana23
    @ckristjana23 4 года назад

    YES, more videos on gear maintenance. Waterproofing tents, sleeping back, jackets....

  • @jjames05
    @jjames05 4 года назад +25

    I'd be cool to see a follow up to this covering how u waterproof stuff.

  • @geraldhenrickson7472
    @geraldhenrickson7472 4 года назад +6

    I use rubber gloves that reach up my forearm and...a 10 gallon tub to conserve soap. I also let the quilt soak for 15 -30 minutes if needed. More gear maintenance videos PLEASE!

  • @alexweigelhikes
    @alexweigelhikes 4 года назад +18

    Great first shot at a how-to! They may not be the most exciting, but they are super helpful! Thank you!!!

  • @carljanson5279
    @carljanson5279 4 года назад

    That was really helpful. I've washed my bag before. But your technique of squeezing out the air with your feet, abandon rolling the bag when wet, looks like a big improvement over what I've done. Thanks, keep up the good work.

  • @mattheweagles5123
    @mattheweagles5123 4 года назад +18

    Make this the start of a series! Repairing and maintaining kit at home or on the trail would be really useful

  • @matthewdalsanto5735
    @matthewdalsanto5735 4 года назад +4

    Will be doing this with our quilts. Thanks for making the tasks much less daunting! There are wool dryer balls you can get that may be cheaper and you can use for regular loads too as an alternative to tennis balls!

    • @april906outdoors3
      @april906outdoors3 4 года назад +3

      I have a set of 3 wool dryer balls and highly recommend them for any type of clothing/gear you put in the dryer. They reduce drying time, too.

  • @pgreenx
    @pgreenx 4 года назад +3

    Super important to check inside the dryer for sharp pieces of metal that could rip the bag

  • @danharrison5285
    @danharrison5285 4 года назад +3

    Yes on the "how to" videos. You have talked is through just about everything over the years. Time to show us for more detail. Thanks!

  • @barefootfiona
    @barefootfiona 4 года назад

    Gear maintenance - YES please! Seconding the seam sealing.

  • @papajeff5486
    @papajeff5486 2 года назад

    Yes, please/thank you, to include rain wear revamp, shoes while on the trail, hole repair on clothes, tents/tarps, backpacks, bags, strap repairs, etc.. Kentucky

  • @KimberlyGreen
    @KimberlyGreen 4 года назад +14

    This process is very familiar and reasonable to any woman who has lots of hand-wash items (bras, dressses, sweaters, etc). Hmm, that reminds me, I have a basketload to do.

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  4 года назад +3

      😂 Damed Chores!!!
      Hike On,
      Darwin

    • @KimberlyGreen
      @KimberlyGreen 4 года назад +1

      @@DarwinOnthetrail Right?!? Oh, and yes, I liked this video a lot and encourage you to do some more.

    • @russellinthebush2897
      @russellinthebush2897 4 года назад

      Do you really throw your hand washables in the tub and walk on them?

    • @KimberlyGreen
      @KimberlyGreen 4 года назад

      @@russellinthebush2897 Well, I was referring to the general process (pre-soaking, manual manipulation, soap once, rinse several times). I don't tread on my bras, etc - I do those with my hands. But when my new EE zero-degree Convert needs a bath, a little tub dance seems reasonable.

    • @russellinthebush2897
      @russellinthebush2897 4 года назад +1

      @@KimberlyGreen No doubt, I was just poking fun at ya.

  • @wyatt92563
    @wyatt92563 4 года назад

    Yaaasss! Thx so much. So nervous about washing my down stuff; sleeping bag, jackets, pillows, comforters. This really helps! Looking forward to how to patch stuff; tents, sleeping pads, etc.

  • @MeMe-cd1wy
    @MeMe-cd1wy 4 года назад

    I use front load washer on hand wash. Rinse twice . I am washing 1970s Camp 7 down bags. Loft is amazing after wash. This method has worked on bags with baffle walls that are 45 years old. No problems so far. Bags loft like new.

  • @paulsmart5199
    @paulsmart5199 4 года назад +2

    Just throwing it out there, I've well used and well washed my old down sleeping bag for over 15 years. I've always just thrown it into the washing machine, regular detergent then tumble dried on a low to medium heat.
    No it's not the recommended manner and it may or may not be breaking down feathers but its never let me down.

  • @bluefire025
    @bluefire025 4 года назад

    You are absolutely right. I’m terrified of washing my down UQ and TQ. I really don’t want to ruin it. Watching this make me fee a little bit more comfortable. Thanks

  • @KarlOnSea
    @KarlOnSea 4 года назад +4

    Really good to see this done - I've always been *terrified* of washing down products!

  • @thetommantom
    @thetommantom 4 года назад

    I do this with my 4 pairs of summer clothes like shorts shirts socks underwear. It reminds me of making tea in a 5 gallon bucket.

  • @rebecca5486
    @rebecca5486 4 года назад +1

    "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening my axe" Abraham Lincoln
    Gear maintenance is so important, much more so than buying new things! I love how you 'rejuvenated' what you already have so you can continue enjoying it 💜

  • @kate481
    @kate481 4 года назад

    You are so well spoken and great at breaking down information into smaller pieces/steps. Thanks!

  • @jenmholm
    @jenmholm 4 года назад +3

    Loved this video, would love to see more maintenance videos just because i feel like there isn't a lot of informational videos on that subject and i love how you demonstrate it and how informative this video was

  • @ZebbeBa
    @ZebbeBa 4 года назад +1

    Yes on more how-to-videos! Like: how you pick a camp site, how you dress for different climates, how you keep warm on cold nights.

    • @joelleschachter2867
      @joelleschachter2867 3 года назад

      Hi Sebastian every one is different experience is 8mportamt making mistakes is part of learning we live in the RUclips age that tells you how to for everything sometime but not always
      The best skill i learned as a long distance hiking women alone
      Trust my intuition

    • @ZebbeBa
      @ZebbeBa 3 года назад

      @@joelleschachter2867 thats a weird replay to a one year old comment…

  • @aaronwissler4408
    @aaronwissler4408 4 года назад

    I just washed my quilt from eBay. I didn't see this video, but I put mine in the wash on hand wash cycle. I used a little organic soap. I used delicate dry but didn't put in the dryer balls. Did it twice, but have a few clumps. I guess its okay to put through the drying again.

  • @gregnicholls4214
    @gregnicholls4214 4 года назад +1

    OMG! Hero... Got an EE quilt that's well overdue and now have the confidence / peace of mind to wash it!

  • @qdraw1523
    @qdraw1523 4 года назад +1

    Thank you. Just upgraded from synthetic to a down quilt. Great timing.

  • @spencerallen9068
    @spencerallen9068 4 года назад

    Typically you don’t want to use that much soap at once, two cap fulls is enough to wash a bag. Also If you’ve put more then 50+ nights in a bag you really should do the wash rinse cycle twice to really get the down to loft to its full capacity. Everything else is spot on! Love the videos keep them coming!!

  • @jasonfisher447
    @jasonfisher447 4 года назад +1

    Yes! I’ve been needing to do this, was a little afraid to ruin my quilts. I’m definitely going to give it a go with these instructions now. Awesome video!

  • @BushTuned
    @BushTuned 4 года назад +2

    I find this great! i had issues with my down jacket and took me a week to fully unclump. actually took that long to dry as well after being in a dryer. at least i know now that i must declump after each cycle! cheers, you saved me $600 on getting a clean one haha

  • @SgtToastieYT
    @SgtToastieYT 4 года назад

    Looking forward to more videos like this. Care and maintenance goes a long way to getting the most out of equipment but can be confusing for items like tents, sleeping bags, and other technical items. Thanks Darwin.

  • @skipandcherieadventures116
    @skipandcherieadventures116 4 года назад

    Excellent how to video on the cleaning of our puffy and EE quilt. We would like to see how do you maintain the tent seams on tents like the triplex or duplex...we would love a video on that....thanks!

  • @jordancuttell6380
    @jordancuttell6380 4 года назад +1

    Awesome! It would be cool to have a series to reference! I would love a video on seam-sealing specifically tarps but tents would be interesting as well.

  • @PerfDayToday
    @PerfDayToday 4 года назад

    Waterproofing, I only recently learned that w Gore hardshells, that after washing and a complete drying, you pop the garment back in the dryer (low) for 20 min. or so to reactivate the factory ‘installed’ DWR coating.

  • @chipkk7868
    @chipkk7868 4 года назад

    Great advice for something that we all should do on a regular basis. Please do more and include one on storing gear. Some people have space to hang their ear and others are very limited on storage space. Any tricks or advice would he very helpful

  • @chrislonsberry4571
    @chrislonsberry4571 4 года назад

    Thanks Darwin! Tips are always welcome.

  • @buxtond
    @buxtond 3 года назад

    just watched this - i see its a few year ago now. thank you for making this. its time i wash my down. its time for some how to videos. Your how you pack your pack was helpful as well

  • @kevinlentsch5571
    @kevinlentsch5571 4 года назад

    Yes do more how to videos. Always wondered how you wash your 750ml cup when cold soaking in a long hike.

  • @PetrozzaProductions
    @PetrozzaProductions 4 года назад +1

    Hands-On how-to videos are great! Less daunting than just reading instructions and guessing it's right.

  • @BriannaPrajnaVieira
    @BriannaPrajnaVieira 4 года назад

    I especially appreciate this because a lot of folks just buy new gear when what they have is dirty and smelly.

  • @timlois
    @timlois 4 года назад +3

    Love gear maintenance video idea. DWR treatments would be cool.

  • @john_kelley
    @john_kelley 4 года назад

    The sultry music definitely made this feel more romantic than I was expecting. LOL! Great video!

  • @kevincoulter2239
    @kevincoulter2239 4 года назад

    I first discovered you, when you were making your DIY Pot Cozy & Cook Pouch! Yes more please. This video was very interesting and informative! 🙏

  • @MrTodd-ln7mz
    @MrTodd-ln7mz 4 года назад +1

    Thank you. "Some time there just aren't enough tennis balls", Forest Gump. I would like to see a video on maintaining your most important gear on the trail. "Your feet" I know this sound corny, but it is one of the biggest failures and reasons people leave the trail.

  • @survivalgal1882
    @survivalgal1882 4 года назад

    You can wash-in, or spray-on. I do BOTH! (you can also buy bags/quilts that are already treated or that use materials that are already water resistant), but yes, down needs the most protection by far! Plus, if it's rainy, I keep a waterproof bag cover over up to my knees if rain is imminent (I don't actually use it unless my shelter "wets-out" and leaks or if it's so rainy and windy making water impossible to avoid (remember ALL waterproof, and even water-resistant materials are prone to condensation). I also treat all clothing that will take "waterproofing" treatment. You may also want to take the time to treat/seal all seams, even on snow boots, with a good brush-on sealant.
    What you want to avoid most is the un-holy trinity: Wind + Rain + Cold! (most likely to happen 6 to 9 degrees +/- zero).

  • @chrislist7456
    @chrislist7456 4 года назад

    Thanks for the video, Darwin! I think a maintenance series would be great.

  • @JT-162
    @JT-162 4 года назад +1

    Great topic...tent maintenance would be interesting

  • @davidsawmandave8731
    @davidsawmandave8731 4 года назад +1

    Yes And yes , seam seal a tent and really waterproof a tent/ jacket , love this video

  • @alexfigirova
    @alexfigirova 4 года назад +1

    Yes please, do more “how to videos”. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

  • @bighominid
    @bighominid 4 года назад

    Great video, and you don't shrink away from the fact that, sometimes, gear maintenance takes a lot of time and effort. Yes, I'd love to see more how-to videos, whether on gear-maintenance or other hiking-related topics (e.g., how to navigate, etc.).

  • @marjiecleveland
    @marjiecleveland 4 года назад

    Excellent information! I’ve been leery about buying down cuz I wasn’t sure how difficult it would be to clean down. It’s not a bad process at all! Would definitely like more how to videos.

  • @briancuprisin4571
    @briancuprisin4571 4 года назад +4

    HEY Darwin, it's guys. Now this is a video worth posting. Well done sir.

  • @ajmig7492
    @ajmig7492 4 года назад

    Excellent video Darwin! You hit the toe on the root, the first few times doing it makes me uneasy because the last thing we want to do is ruin our most expensive piece of equipment..... More how to's would be awesome!!!

  • @MySoCalledAdventures
    @MySoCalledAdventures 4 года назад

    Love this one. Duplex tent maintenance would be great and pack maintenance too

  • @donaldgerig9515
    @donaldgerig9515 4 года назад

    Yes, would love more videos on gear maintenance. Great meeting you at PCT Days this year! Keep up the good work.

  • @domo3552
    @domo3552 4 года назад

    Great video Darwin. I sent my Western Mountaineering down bag away to be professionally cleaned (like you I was nervous about washing it myself) and Wow it was like a new bag afterwards. It wasn't cheap though, but worth every penny so I'd definitely do the same again. However, I'm thinking of doing it myself next time - so thanks for this video.
    Other suggestions? I'm still incapable of sewing/darning, yeah I know there are probably a million sewing videos on RUclips! Zip failure also leaves me flummoxed.

  • @halabujioutdoors
    @halabujioutdoors 4 года назад +1

    What a coincidence!
    Just a few days ago, Grizzle Gear showed how he's cleaning his down gear as 2020 PCT prep in laundromat. In fact, very similar methods.

  • @terryweaver9770
    @terryweaver9770 4 года назад

    Hell yes, Darwin!! Do as many of these videos as YOU can think of!! We’re all here to learn, watch, subscribe & live!!

  • @SniperTrader7733
    @SniperTrader7733 4 года назад

    Excellent! I have put off cleaning my sleeping bag. I want more!!!

  • @RegrettablyLongwinded
    @RegrettablyLongwinded 3 года назад

    Thanks, man. My brother came out of his tent this morning and quite literally scared the piss out of my puppy... All over my quilt.

  • @goranfredriksson1297
    @goranfredriksson1297 4 года назад

    Really liked this episode, I need to learn more about rain repellent treatment for my old jackets and other stuff so it will work as it used to do.

  • @Everydaybackpacker
    @Everydaybackpacker 4 года назад +1

    I would love to see more videos like this! A great way to spend the off season.

    • @DarwinOnthetrail
      @DarwinOnthetrail  4 года назад

      Off-Season Hiker Chores! 😂😂

    • @Everydaybackpacker
      @Everydaybackpacker 4 года назад

      Basically! When the snow hits Montana all we have is that and skiing! 😂

  • @KurtMcScotsman
    @KurtMcScotsman 4 года назад +1

    Thanks for the tutorial! This definitely makes me feel more comfortable washing my down. Could you show how you wash stuff like rain jackets and Gore Tex?

  • @erickillg811
    @erickillg811 3 года назад

    I can’t thank you enough for doing this video. i’ve needed to do this for a little while. Love your videos keep making them keep on hiking keep doing what you’re doing. I would like to see more tutorial videos on how to how not to and everything in between. You explain things really well and you have a great concept on how you make videos. So keep doing it and I’ll keep watching.Wish you the best have a great day

  • @MarkInArizona
    @MarkInArizona 4 года назад

    What is your routine post trip for cleaning gear ala backpack, frame bags (bikepacking), tents and inspection of equipment for wear/tear? What do you do immediately before putting just used gear into storage on or the shelf for the next adventure? [Admittedly most people just toss dirty gear and only worry about it days before the actual next journey!]

  • @kodywoodward3172
    @kodywoodward3172 4 года назад +1

    Great video! This is something I’ve always needed to know. I like that you’re going in this direction with videos☺️

  • @CubWelder
    @CubWelder 4 года назад

    Awesome video, Darwin! Please make more videos on gear maintenance! I would love to see some videos on repairing minor holes and tears in nylon! Thanks!

  • @amysthe-wise-one8493
    @amysthe-wise-one8493 4 года назад

    This is highly useful information. Much obliged since I wash my down stuff in April once the really cold season here ends. So yes, more gear maintenance videos please.

  • @moh-qz5yy
    @moh-qz5yy 4 года назад

    For the benefit, we can use any shampoo or even clothing

  • @waspmeat
    @waspmeat 4 года назад

    I’d like to try this also in the tub but do the inverse by celebrating the remaining air and loft of the bag. The goal here would be to wash the materials and soak it, not to get all the air out. With each roll and compression to get the air out the down becomes distressed. Soap and water will no doubt penetrate and do their job without this level of agitation. I would extend the bag and flip it often to agitate and soak both sides. Soaps ability to clean is more effective over time (in soaking) than it is with agitation. This might produce a better outcome and better longevity of the down. This could also yield much faster drying times and less clumping👌

  • @trishschofield7808
    @trishschofield7808 4 года назад +1

    Excellent! Yes please more info helps.
    I would have loved to see this last summer.

  • @stantalley8024
    @stantalley8024 4 года назад

    I think you should do more maintenance videos never thought about cleaning a down sleeping bag like that awesome😎

  • @lindathomas3483
    @lindathomas3483 4 года назад

    Great
    Video. I liked it b/c it you took the fear out of washing down!!! Simple instructions, no fancy gadgets or exotic complicated procedure. Simple. Thanks.
    What brand of gloves are you wearing?

  • @Golddragon214
    @Golddragon214 4 года назад

    Ive cleaned GorTex items in a similar way and had great results. Mostly Ski Jackets. I too tend to let my Down items go a long time between cleanings because I am afraid they will fall apart.

  • @mrsljames1
    @mrsljames1 4 года назад

    Yes! Gear maintenance and any hacks or tips you have!

  • @andrewbesold3872
    @andrewbesold3872 4 года назад

    Thank you! My Western Mountaineering bag is 20 years old and REALLY needs its first cleaning! Still damn warm though. 🤣

  • @nicktombs1876
    @nicktombs1876 4 года назад

    I have a front loading washing machine (I live in England) that has a down cycle so I use that, still with Graingers or Nikwax down soap, it spins most of the water out on a low spin speed so that it needs very little time in the dryer.

  • @henrymuse4385
    @henrymuse4385 4 года назад

    Love the new direction Darwin, more gear maintenance please!

  • @affalaffaa
    @affalaffaa 4 года назад +2

    Thanks very handy as going to need to do this soon. Seems expensive to send it away to do it professionally, but at the same time I didn't want to mess it up.
    I'll try it on my cheapest item first!
    Thanks for this and yes to more of the how to vids.

  • @tammyschilling5362
    @tammyschilling5362 4 года назад

    To reduce the running of the dryer for hours and hours you can hang up your bag, ideally outside, to dry part of the way. Yeah, all the feathers will fall to one end and you'll have to re-fluff it manually, but it's going to spend way less time in the dryer as a result.

  • @t.vanoosterhout233
    @t.vanoosterhout233 4 года назад +2

    Useful info, especially because it's about down, there are lots of conflicting 'how-to's' around, good to have sth that works. Now where do I find a bathtub....
    Maintenance of silnylon tents?

  • @geauxherd762
    @geauxherd762 4 года назад

    Not always applicable due to seasonal requirements and weather , but I try to wash in warmer weather and let the bag dry in the air and the sun THEN go to the air dry and tennis balls to fluff and re loft. But not always the most time efficient manner

  • @TXGranny2
    @TXGranny2 4 года назад

    Great how to video, now I'll know what to do to my enigma quilt, thx Darwin!

  • @Flfagundes1979
    @Flfagundes1979 4 года назад

    Excellent video, thanks a lot Darwin, always clean the “downs” equipments is a difficult and stress process. Thanks to share you method!!!!

  • @OutdoorPastor
    @OutdoorPastor 4 года назад

    I appreciate the gear maintenance video. Maybe one on trekking poles would be good.

  • @seribas
    @seribas 4 года назад

    Great timing before my PCT thru attempt!! Literally one of the last things i need to do before i leave

  • @numbereightyseven
    @numbereightyseven 6 месяцев назад

    Put the jacket into its stuff sack, submerge under the water, and massage it a bit to press air out. Then pull it out of the sack while still holding it under the water. That will maximize the soaking, minimizing the air inside the baffles.

  • @sindyseal5411
    @sindyseal5411 4 года назад +1

    Super informative video. Thanks!⛰❣️

  • @guitarhiker4449
    @guitarhiker4449 4 года назад +1

    So happy to see you do this video! I recently got into down and dry down and mine is due for its very first cleaning! Your timing couldnt be more perfect for me anyways! Can you use a front loading washer instead of your tub or is their too much residual soap left in those public front loaders? Mine is a sea to summit dry down bag grangers recommended too i think? Thanks man! Hike on!!

  • @vividus101
    @vividus101 4 года назад

    Appreciated the video and information Darwin! I’ve never washed a down product before and it definitely is a little scary. Definitely think a series on gear care would be useful

  • @MAXCOBRALAZERFACE
    @MAXCOBRALAZERFACE 4 года назад +4

    Excellent video 👍
    I’ve run smelly backpacks through the wash before. But it was a rugged bag. I don’t think I’d wash my ULA OHM in the wash?

    • @Nebulung
      @Nebulung 4 года назад

      I've heard to use "Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator." Haven't tried it, don't even have a backpack yet.

  • @connormoffitt2443
    @connormoffitt2443 4 года назад

    yes please, that would be amazing if you made it a series!!!

  • @luke_mckay
    @luke_mckay 4 года назад

    Yes, do more, I'd love to see more on your duplex.

  • @azcolby40
    @azcolby40 4 года назад

    Excellent, next video, zipper maintenance, tent, sleeping bag , coats 😀

  • @debsmith7050
    @debsmith7050 4 года назад

    Thanks. Merry Christmas Darwin and Snuggles