How to Care For, Clean and Repair Your CiLAO Trekking Backpack

Why Regular Backpack Maintenance Matters

Backpack care isn’t just about keeping it looking clean—it directly affects performance and lifespan. A properly maintained pack retains its water repellency, comfort, and structural integrity. Thorough cleaning protects the fabric coatings, prevents mold buildup, and removes abrasive dirt that wears down materials. It's also the perfect time to check for loose stitching, a worn buckle, or a sticky zipper—before they cause bigger problems on the trail.

How Often Should You Clean Your Hiking Backpack?

It depends on how often and how intensely you use it:

Occasional hiker (a few outings a year): A full clean at the end of the season is usually enough, plus the occasional dust-off.
Frequent hiker (monthly trips or more): Light cleaning after each hike (dusting, airing, drying), with a full wash every 2–3 months.
Heavy use or long-distance trekking: Deep clean after every major trip, and inspect the pack thoroughly before each departure.

Routine maintenance avoids buildup and makes each cleaning quicker and more effective.

How to Properly Clean a Hiking Backpack by Hand (Never in a Machine)

One of the most common mistakes is machine-washing a hiking backpack. While it may seem convenient, it’s extremely damaging to the padding, reinforcements, water-repellent coatings, and technical fabrics.

Here’s the right way to do it:

Start by emptying every pocket, even the hidden ones. If possible, remove the foam padding and internal frames. Dust out crumbs or dirt with a soft brush or handheld vacuum. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and use a mild soap—Marseille soap or a detergent designed for technical textiles. Gently scrub dirty areas like the straps, back panel, and waist belt with a soft brush. Use a toothbrush to clean zippers and hard-to-reach spots.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap. Blot excess water with a towel, then hang the backpack upside-down, pockets open, in a dry, ventilated space out of direct sunlight. Drying may take 24 to 48 hours depending on humidity. To prevent mildew during drying, slip a small bag of rice or silica gel inside the main compartment.

How to Store Your Backpack Properly Between Hikes

Once clean and dry, store your backpack in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or moisture. Avoid basements, attics, or poorly ventilated closets. Never compress it in a tight space—the padding and structure can deform over time. Clip all straps neatly, and insert a rolled-up T-shirt or towel into the main compartment to help preserve its shape.

Good storage is key to preserving both comfort and durability.

Backpack Repairs: Quick Fixes and When to Contact CiLAO

Even with great care, accidents happen: a strap gets frayed, a buckle snaps, a seam starts to come loose. The good news? Many minor repairs can be done at home if you’re prepared.

If a buckle breaks, CiLAO packs are designed to allow easy replacements without sewing. Always keep a compatible spare buckle in your repair kit. For a fraying strap, trim the end cleanly and carefully melt it with a lighter to prevent further unraveling. A loose seam can be reinforced using polyester thread and a sturdy needle designed for technical fabrics.

Small holes or tears can be patched with adhesive fabric patches—as long as the surface is clean and dry. Heavily worn areas, like the bottom of the pack, may require thicker, reinforced patches.

For zippers, regular cleaning with a toothbrush helps prevent jams. If the slider sticks, a little wax or candle rubbed along the teeth usually does the trick. Misaligned teeth can often be corrected with a flat pair of pliers.

That said, if you're unsure or if the damage looks significant, we strongly recommend you contact CiLAO directly.

Our team knows your backpack inside and out—materials, design, and best repair practices. By trusting us with your repairs, you ensure your pack retains its original quality, durability, and comfort. Attempting the wrong fix can sometimes worsen the issue or void the product's performance guarantee. So if in doubt, don’t hesitate: reach out to CiLAO. We're here to help extend the life of your gear—and your adventures.

Should You Re-Waterproof Your Backpack? When and How

Over time, even high-performance fabrics lose their water-repellent properties. You’ll notice it when rain no longer beads up and begins soaking the outer fabric.

After two or three washes—or if you hike regularly in wet conditions—it’s a good idea to restore water resistance.

Apply a technical waterproofing spray to a clean, dry backpack, ideally outdoors. Hold the spray 30 cm away and apply evenly. Focus on high-friction areas: straps, the back panel, seams—these zones wear faster.

For the best results, choose an eco-friendly spray that’s free from harmful PFCs.

Recommended Products and What to Avoid

Safe to use:

Marseille soap or dedicated technical textile cleaner
Lukewarm water, soft cloths, non-abrasive sponges
Technical waterproofing spray (preferably PFC-free)
Reinforced adhesive patches for outdoor gear

Avoid at all costs:

Standard laundry detergent (it strips waterproof coatings)
Bleach, harsh stain removers, or boiling water
Dryer or direct sunlight drying
Washing machine—even on delicate settings

These common mistakes can ruin a backpack beyond repair.

Taking care of your CiLAO backpack isn’t complicated. It’s all about simple routines and smart habits. By cleaning it regularly, drying it properly, storing it in the right conditions, and handling minor repairs—or letting us take care of the more complex ones—you’ll extend its life and enjoy every adventure with peace of mind.

Your backpack is more than just a bag—it’s your partner on every trail. Take care of it, and it will take care of you.

And remember: if you need guidance, spare parts, or expert repairs, the CiLAO team is here for you, before and after the hike.