Dirt, sweat and grime will age your gear prematurely. Each material requires its own unique care and handling, to enjoy a long and productive life. (Don’t we all?)
Air pockets caught between clusters of down feathers retain body warmth. This loft is what provides down’s insulation. Over time, dirt, sweat and moisture can contaminate the down feathers through the outer jacket material and cause them to clump and lose their loft. A gentle wash and thorough dry will restore the jacket’s insulating performance.
For garments that combine both GORE-TEX and Down fabrics, play to the gear’s more sensitive side: Follow the Wash + Dry instructions for Down.
HOW TO WASH
STEP 1
PREPARE FOR WASHING
Close the main and pit zippers.
Open pocket zippers.
Release tension on all elastic drawcords.
Loosen and re-secure the Velcro® cuffs.
STEP 2
WASH AND RINSE
Choose a front load washing machine, ideally.
If using a top loader (agitator), protect your garment inside a mesh bag for added protection. (If you don't have a mesh bag, don't worry. We use Guppy bags at our Service Centres, or putting your garment in a pillowcase can also work in a pinch.)
Put your garment in the machine and add cleaning agent as indicated on bottle.
Wash on medium heat (40°C/104°F) at permanent press or gentle cycle setting.
Use a second rinse cycle to remove any residual soap.
HOW TO DRY
STEP 1
PREPARE FOR DRYING
Turn garment inside out.
STEP 2
CHOOSE NORMAL LOW HEAT
Place in dryer alongside two clean tennis balls or “dryer balls” to help prevent clumping and redistribute down.
Dry completely and thoroughly, to avoid clumping or mold.
This may take upwards of 2 hours of drying time.
STEP 3
RE-APPLY DWR IF NEEDED
Lay garment on a flat surface.
Shake bottle well and spray a thin coating evenly on outer surface.
Don’t saturate the surface. A thin coating is adequate.
Rub DWR into the outside of your jacket with a clean sponge or cloth to keep the treatment application even and prevent streaks.
Allow garments to dry for 12-24 hours.
Hang in a well-ventilated space.
Air drying is fine, but heat may improve the treatment’s effectiveness. (Put dried garments in the dryer for 10-20 minutes.)
HOW TO WASH + DRY YOUR DOWN
WHICH CLEANING AGENT?
Ideally, use a cleaning agent made specifically for technical down products. We recommend Nu Down Detergent.
WHEN TO WASH
Wash down only when necessary.
Act when there are obvious signs of dirt or sweat, the down has become clumpy or there is a loss of loft.
Ensuring your things last is the simplest way to care for our planet. See how simple it can be:
