I neglected to wash my backpack the last couple seasons and my 2p tent could use a wash. Zippers are feeling a little gritty.
I’ve seen some suggestions like baby shampoo, but the only stuff at the store was scented. Anyone use unscented castile soap?
i have castile soap, though the current bottle is peppermint scented. it helps in the sense that if i can still smell it i haven’t rinsed quite enough, though unscented couldn’t hurt. for zippers wash them and then lubricate; i’ve seen everything recommended from high end stuff to candle wax and lip balm.
tbh outside of my clothes and groundsheet my gear hasn’t gotten that dirty, though i just washed my quilt after thousands of miles. i was nervous i would screw it up lol.
Yeah, washing the quilt is something I’m nervous about. A big reason why I’m adamant about sleep layers.
I noticed how rough the tent zippers felt last trip and decided it was time for a bath. Lubing was definitely in the plan. I might spring for the zipper lube with the brush. Seems like it’ll go a lot quicker that way.
I’ve never found the need for dedicated sleep layers, if it’s cold i’ll layer on my windpants and fleece.
sounds reasonable re: zipper care, zippers are always the first thing to go; i’ve tried to minimize them in my kit but haven’t eliminated them yet, still have 2 left.
The sleep layers are just my base layers, but the help keep the funk (oil, sweat, sunscreen, etc) out of the quilt. I’m just adamant about wearing them. If I get too warm, I open the quilt up.