Questions tagged [gear-care]

The tag has no usage guidance.

Filter by
Sorted by
Tagged with
3 votes
2 answers
255 views

Is my camping stove leaking? How can I check?

I have a Campingaz Camping 206 S camping stove, like the following picture, though I'm hoping any advice I get here will apply equally well to any kind of small gas camping stove. It's been a pretty ...
ymbirtt's user avatar
  • 133
17 votes
4 answers
4k views

How do I tell if this single climbing rope is still safe for use?

I've lent my friend a five year old single climbing rope for a garden project. It was in meticulous condition until then. Instead of a weekend it took him more like six weeks to complete his project ...
Andreas Schwab's user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is is okay for a SUP-pump to get wet?

[Moved here from the sports exchange] I have a Stand-Up-Paddle-Board, and I like to do some tours. I would need to take the pump with me. It's a typical pump for a SUP (double-action-pump with a ...
rcheetah's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
484 views

How can I increase friction in a zip?

We had a question recently about decreasing friction in a zip, but this is the opposite case: I have a couple of zips that slide down by themselves. Is there anything I can apply to add a bit of ...
Chris H's user avatar
  • 25.9k
3 votes
1 answer
247 views

Reproofing porous areas of a breathable drysuit - can it be done at home?

My kayaking drysuit has become porous in a couple of places, mainly around the knees. I'd like to prolong its life at least for the rest of this paddling season. After paddling the other day I found ...
Chris H's user avatar
  • 25.9k
2 votes
0 answers
58 views

Double stitched leather shoe care

I am hiking in Meindl's double stitched, Nubuk leather hiking shoes, called Badile (https://meindl.de/product/badile-en/?lang=en) I have them for quite some years now and was very happy with them all ...
ArOk's user avatar
  • 121
6 votes
1 answer
249 views

Removing pickle smell from a tent

While camping a little while back, my GF dropped an open jar of pickles inside the tent. Brine was all over the tent's floor, and after we cleaned what we can and it completely dried out, some odor ...
Posopr's user avatar
  • 61
5 votes
2 answers
373 views

Where can I get little durable cases you can hang on your climbing harness?

On longer climbing sessions I like to keep my cell phone close by, but most of the time I have no backpack with me. So I would like to pack the cell phone in a little case that I can put on my ...
Andreas Schwab's user avatar
10 votes
6 answers
22k views

How to prevent strap slippage through buckle?

A strap running through a buckle is typically easy to loosen and tighten as desired. Usually, it stays in place. Sometimes, however, it slowly (or quickly) works its way loose, as though the thickness ...
Martin F's user avatar
  • 4,088
8 votes
3 answers
5k views

How to touch up scratches on a black anodized aluminum flashlight?

One of my flashlights that has a black anodized aluminum housing has a couple of scratches on it, all of the way through the anodized coating. How can I cover up the scratches so that its completely ...
Charlie Brumbaugh's user avatar
5 votes
5 answers
263 views

How to clean trail running shoes?

I've asked all of my trail running friends and the general consensus is to simply hose them off in the sink (some even just wear them in the shower...). I'm concerned that leaving soaking wet shoes ...
Atlas's user avatar
  • 145
7 votes
2 answers
4k views

Can or should you season titanium cookware?

I have a set of titanium cookware that I use for backpacking. It's a small set for one to two people and consists of two little pots and one cover/frying pan. Mostly, this set gets used for boiling ...
Van's user avatar
  • 981
9 votes
1 answer
2k views

How to get rid the mold smell in old canvas tent?

Bought a 30 year old classic Coleman's canvas ten cheap (it's Canadian cousin actually). It is in great working condition, water proofing and zippers etc. and I thought convert it to a hot tent. But, ...
Bogdan's user avatar
  • 419
9 votes
4 answers
1k views

What sort of glue (if any) to use to fix replacement tips onto carbon fibre trekking poles?

I have a pair of quite old Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Flicklock trekking poles. After much use and abuse the tip on one of them has finally gotten bashed in (the carbide tip has either broken ...
timday's user avatar
  • 283
7 votes
1 answer
4k views

How can I fix an airbed valve that pops open?

I have an old six-reed inflatable camping mattress -- one of the ones with six long parallel chambers that you inflate with lung power. It looks similar to this one. The chambers are sealed with the ...
Pont's user avatar
  • 3,752
5 votes
1 answer
812 views

How can I repair a mapcase (reattach Velcro)?

I have a mapcase made of clear plastic (PVC I think). It has a roll top held shut with velcro. Both sides of the velcro were attached by some sort of welding process but one of them has completely ...
Chris H's user avatar
  • 25.9k
1 vote
1 answer
155 views

How to replace an unknown propane lantern globe? [closed]

I have a propane lantern that the glass measures 3.25 X 3.25 and on the glass it has borosil with an r in a circle beside it, but no numbers so that we can get a new globe because it has broken. ...
Horsegirl's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
7k views

What type of glue is best to repair/resole cross country ski boots with plastic soles?

Does anybody know a good type of suitable glue to repair a delaminated sole on (modern) cross country ski boots with plastic soles (Rottefella NNN in particular). The delaminated part is in the front ...
Martin's user avatar
  • 181
5 votes
1 answer
2k views

How to properly wash a snowboard/ski tech jacket?

I have a 10k mm waterproof jacket from Quiksilver and I was wondering if there is any supposed way I should wash it properly. I know about Nikwax tech wash and have a bottle of it, but how much ...
appwizcpl's user avatar
  • 153
10 votes
2 answers
406 views

What is the difference between a sac liner and a dry bag?

I know dry bags come in different sizes and materials, some being soft and some being rigid and tough. However I've noticed there are items in the market that are exactly the same as a soft dry bag ...
Neeku's user avatar
  • 621
19 votes
2 answers
10k views

How to clean and refurbish a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife?

I have an old Swiss Army Knife on which I can only open one blade; the rest are locked in place. How should I clean this, and is there anything else I should do to refurbish it, like oiling, after I ...
compton's user avatar
  • 335
14 votes
3 answers
6k views

Is it ok for my climbing shoes/chalk bag to get wet?

I recently picked up bouldering and bought my first pair of shoes as well as chalk and a bag. I've only been climbing in the gym for now and handled the equipment like any other gym-sports-equipment: ...
Marv's user avatar
  • 243
12 votes
3 answers
905 views

Should one store a tent loose for prolonged periods between uses to maximize its lifetime?

Explanation of why my question is not a duplicate of What is the best way to store my tent?. I am specifically asking about an aspect not addressed in the earlier question or any of its answers: ...
ab2's user avatar
  • 23.1k
9 votes
1 answer
12k views

Relation of ski edge sharpening to skiing ability and snow conditions

What is the effect of sharpening ski edges at different angles (85-90) and with different grit diamond stones (150-1200+) or regular files? How does this relate to the level of the skier and the type ...
Adrian Ber's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
174 views

Via ferrata equipment maintenance

How would you store via ferrata equipment between season? Temperature, humidity? Is there any additional maintenance required?
Adrian Ber's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
4k views

How to prevent rubber on hiking boots from degrading?

I have Lowa leather hiking boots with a rubber toe cap and sidewalls which I bought around 5 years ago. I've gotten great use out of them and the leather is still in great shape, but the rubber is ...
Cecilia's user avatar
  • 413
3 votes
1 answer
780 views

Using Gri Gri 2's Carabiner with Another Belay Device?

I've been using an AustriAlpin autolock carabiner with my Gri Gri 2 for around 9 months, a few times a week (1 to 3 times). It's a very solid, robust and big carabiner, which means that's not too ...
Neeku's user avatar
  • 621
8 votes
1 answer
999 views

Does leaving a knot in a static cord damage the cord as it does with dynamic rope?

I've heard to never leave a knot in a climbing rope for an extended period of time as it can deform and weaken the core of the rope. I'm unclear if the same is true for static cord and rope as well. ...
STW's user avatar
  • 1,450
1 vote
1 answer
94 views

Where is a good introduction to snow chain usage? [closed]

I have never used a snow chain with my vehicle, or even saw the process of someone putting a snow chain onto a vehicle. I plan to drive to western Cascades Mountain area in my small front-drive ...
qazwsx's user avatar
  • 621
7 votes
1 answer
2k views

Should wax for G-1000 be continuously applied?

I got a Fjällräven Barents Trousers for Christmas! Hell yeah! It's made of the "G-1000" material. 65% polyester, 35% cotton. G-1000 Original is the original fabric in Fjällräven’s comfortable ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.5k
3 votes
1 answer
7k views

Get the bad smell out of sheep wool

Note: This question might be a little offtopic. Kill it if necessary. I've always had "THC" outdoor jackets which are knitted sheep wool jackets. However, they stink like a stable. Normally I put ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.5k
4 votes
1 answer
203 views

Does moisture harm a skateboard?

Should I be concerned if my skateboard somehow got wet? Let's say I didn't know it better and rode it in rain for example.
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.5k
5 votes
1 answer
238 views

How to store a snowboard?

What should one consider while storing a snowboard? Mine is in the same position for about 7 months of the year. In case it makes any differences, here are the specs: Directional shape Sidecut: ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.5k
7 votes
2 answers
416 views

How to wax a bow string

I've heard that I've to wax my bowstring. I'm a little bit lost on how to do so. I've a Dacron Flemish string on a hunting recurve. Can anyone lead the way?
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.5k
3 votes
3 answers
297 views

How to store a knife

Actually I've placed my knife besides my quiver. It's in a leather scabbard and a dry room at common room temperature (17°C - 23°C). Is there anything else to consider? My intention aren't any ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.5k
6 votes
1 answer
75 views

Which oil to "burn" (with a hot air gun) a rattan recurve

I've a rattan recurve bow here which needs to be tuned. However, I'm not sure which oil to use. Which oil should I use to "burn" (with a hot air gun) a rattan recurve?
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.5k
9 votes
1 answer
10k views

Rain soaked leather jacket- how to repair?

I have a genuine full grain 1.3 mm cow hide motorcycle jacket that was caught in rain. It wasn't a downpour but I was in the rain long enough for the jacket to be pretty wet, not just the surface. I ...
gptt916's user avatar
  • 193
15 votes
9 answers
41k views

Cleaning the plastic residue of the inside of my old backpack

I have a very old backpack (10-15 years old) that is perfect for one day or weekend hikes. The problem is that the inside material has started to peel off and it leaves small bits of yellowish plastic ...
Paul Irofti's user avatar
  • 1,569
9 votes
2 answers
4k views

Impregnation and waxing full leather shoes

I will go to a wet territory (Jotunheimen) next week and would like to prepare my full leather shoes for that. I have read a lot of articles about shoe care and they are either about impregnation (...
ruedi's user avatar
  • 549
6 votes
1 answer
150 views

How to store a bow?

What is the correct way to store a bow after use? Is there any specific care that is needed pre and post storage?
Aravona's user avatar
  • 15.4k
10 votes
1 answer
7k views

How to care for a smelly (as in wet dog smell) down sleeping bag?

My down sleeping bag smelled like a wet dog after a damp night out. By reading this forum thread. I realized that it probably didn't dry enough after the trip. So I let it out at the air, and the ...
Dakatine's user avatar
  • 4,585
6 votes
2 answers
3k views

How often to wash gore-tex?

According to my jacket instructions, it performs best when clean (gore-tex pores need to be clean from sweat, skin oils, and whatever else from the outside). Also, they instruct to tumble-dry the ...
Dakatine's user avatar
  • 4,585
6 votes
1 answer
2k views

Does a tent need special after-trip care when camping on and near ocean beaches?

Does a tent need any special care after camping on or near ocean beaches? I know that salt can corrode metal (e.g. metal in the poles, stakes, zippers, etc.) and sand can mechanically abrade many ...
nhinkle's user avatar
  • 8,700
7 votes
1 answer
335 views

Ice axe and crampon post winter cleaning/preparation [duplicate]

So winter is well and truly over in Wales. Pretty much all the snow has melted and the weather is improving. So it's time to retire my winter gear until next winter. What should I do with my Ice Axe ...
user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
2k views

How do I know when my snowboard edges need to be serviced?

I haven't serviced my snowboard for a couple of years but then again I haven't used it much in that time unfortunately either. I went a couple of days ago and did fine, did double black diamonds with ...
amphibient's user avatar
  • 4,063
7 votes
1 answer
597 views

Should I grind the edge or the backbevel first when sharpening my knife?

I'm using a Spyderco Tri-angle sharpmaker to sharpen both a drop-point fixed blade and a folding tanto blade. It has 2 settings: 2 20 degree sides for a 40 degree working edge 2 15 degree sides for ...
Joshua Aslan Smith's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
2k views

Will using kick-wax on my alpine touring skis ruin the bases?

My favourite backcountry ski area has a really long approach along a groomed trail. I started putting a bit of kick wax on the base of my skis so I could make better time on the flat instead of ...
ShemSeger's user avatar
  • 53.4k
8 votes
2 answers
2k views

How to fix a leak in Hydration pack?

Its somewhat wrong to say a leak, I should rather say a small hole. But how would you go about sealing/fixing it? I know many of us would say, "Why so much trouble? trash it, and get a new one", but ...
WedaPashi's user avatar
  • 31.7k
10 votes
2 answers
7k views

Carrying crampons safely when not using them

How should one carry crampons when not actually using it, but knowing that they are going to be needed in the further stage of the expedition. Further clarification: Suppose I am gonna need to have ...
WedaPashi's user avatar
  • 31.7k
6 votes
1 answer
5k views

How to repair gore-tex boots split?

Last year I got myself a first pair of gore-tex B0 boots. Before I used only leather. I took care of those as good as I could. Keeping clean and using special sprays. However now one boot developed 1....
Val's user avatar
  • 777