Article: CLEANING & CARE GUIDE: KEEPING YOUR GEAR IN PRIME CONDITION

CLEANING & CARE GUIDE: KEEPING YOUR GEAR IN PRIME CONDITION
ALPAKA products are engineered for the long haul. Our technical fabrics and components are designed to withstand years of daily use, but a bit of strategic maintenance ensures peak performance and keeps your gear looking adventure-ready.
1. ASSESS & PREP
- Identify the type of soiling (surface dust, light marks, localized stains, or extensive soiling).
- Remove any items from compartments and pockets.
- Brush off loose debris with your hand or a soft brush.
- Vacuum or shake out the interior.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of lukewarm water with a few drops of technical gear. cleaner (available at most outdoor equipment retailers) or mild liquid soap.
2. LIGHT SPOT CLEANING
- For surface dust and light marks, apply a small amount of diluted cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth (never directly to the product).
- Gently wipe affected areas with the dampened cloth.
- Remove soap residue by wiping with a clean, damp cloth.
- Focus on high-touch areas like handles and grab points.
- Allow to air dry completely before storing or using.
3. DEEP CLEANING
- For localized stains: Apply diluted cleaning solution to a cloth, then work from the outside of the stain inward using circular motions.
- For extensive soiling: Work section by section across the product with minimal moisture.
- Pay special attention to high-friction areas: handles, shoulder straps, and contact points.
- Wipe away all cleaning solution with a clean, damp cloth.
- Give zippers and hardware a second pass to prevent residue buildup.
- Air dry completely in a well-ventilated space.
- Consider applying a technical fabric refresher spray once dry to maintain water resistance.
4. PERFORMANCE REMINDERS
- Hardware maintenance: Keep YKK AquaGuard zippers running smoothly by wiping clean after exposure to dust, sand, or salt.
- Storage protocol: Store partially unzipped in a dry environment to prevent moisture buildup.
- UV protection: Prolonged sun exposure can degrade even the toughest materials - store away from direct sunlight when not in use.
- Field repairs: Address small issues immediately to prevent progression - contact our team for guidance on DIY fixes.
Your ALPAKA gear is built to evolve with your journey. With these simple maintenance protocols, it will continue to perform at its peak and adapt to whatever comes next.