Gear repair and maintenance are essential skills for every backpacker. Not only can repairing a broken tent pole or flapping hiking boot sole in the backcountry save your trip, properly maintaining and repairing your gear saves your wallet long term.
More and more manufacturers are transitioning to “forever chemical”-free water-repellent treatments on their shells.” But while those new outer layers are better for the environment and human health, they need to be washed twice as often to keep them performing at their peak.
Extend the life of this crucial piece of gear with these tips for care and cleaning.
Don't shove your warm-weather gear in the back of the closet for winter. Here's how to ensure you're ready to hit the trail as soon as spring arrives.
Fixing a popped inflatable sleeping pad is one of the most frustrating tasks that backpackers have to deal with. But with a little bit of knowledge and some cheap supplies, patching it yourself can be simple.
Honing your sewing skills will help you repair your favorite gear—or unleash your creative side.
Next time you have to resupply your gear, make one of these swaps to reduce your waste and impact on the planet.
It’s not just a bag. It’s a lifetime’s worth of beauty sleep. Learn what features you need, shop accordingly, and keep your bag in good repair, and it’ll keep you sleeping soundly.
Home is where you stake it out. Understand the ins and outs, pick the right shelter, and treat it like you would your bedroom.
Understanding suspension and construction is key to finding the right fit—and proper maintenance and repair will ensure your load-hauler lasts thousands of miles.
Footwear tech is more complicated than it looks. Maximize your mileage by learning how to pick the right boots and make them last.
Don't let a busted jacket, tent, or pack ruin your trip. Follow these steps to get your zipper working like new.
Eliminate grime and odors and restore loft to your favorite puffy.
Save time, money, and the planet with these 16 simple gear fixes you can do at home.
Keep your gear going season after season with these tips from Boulder Mountain Repair technicians Sam Goodhue and Matt Wintston to prevent little problems from becoming big (and expensive) ones.
Tyvek Home Wrap is a DIY backpacker’s dream. It’s cheap, sturdy, waterproof, and it weighs about .2 ounce per square foot—ideal for making your own A-frame tarp tent.
There will be times when only a thin layer of fabric protects you from Mother Nature’s fury. Choose the right shell and take care of it.
Getting out too much is a good problem to have. Stinky clothes from all the mileage? Not so good. We tested 16 cleaning products to find the best treatments to prolong the life of your favorite layers.
Take good care of your sleeping bag, and you could use it for years to come.
A little TLC will keep your hiking boots in shape for years to come.
How to fix zippers, wash a sleeping bag correctly, waterproofing and make boots last.
Master these easy repairs to save on shop costs and replacement gear.
Our resident expert, gear editor Kristin Hostetter, assembles the tools to save any trip.
Learn how to fix and prep your gear so that it lasts for miles
Build this light, affordable kit to repair any backwoods blowout.
3 ways to make your high-tech apparel perform better and last longer.
Keep your sleeping bag up to fluff with proper care and handling, including storing, washing/drying, and special considerations.
So your trusty backcountry home is looking a little beat up. That doesn't mean it's time to throw it away. Learn what can and can't be fixed on your tent with our handy guide.
What you can and can't fix: How to breathe new life into tired old faithfuls.