Waterproof Backpack Care Instructions

Caring for your Waterproof Backpack

Maintaining your Breakwater Supply waterproof backpack will not only increase its appeal with a clean look, but simple maintenance will ensure maximum longevity and usefulness of your product. Below are some techniques to clean your waterproof backpack’s exterior, remove creases and folds, and protect the airtight zippers with Breakwater Supply Zipper Glide lubricant (for Fogland, River Ute, and Explorer Backpacks).

Cleaning your Waterproof Backpack, from Easy to Stubborn Stains

• Hose it down! Remember, you’re working with a waterproof backpack. For any mud, seaweed, sand, or dirt caked on the exterior, grab a hose and towel and get to work. All Breakwater Supply waterproof backpacks feature fast-drying neoprene shoulder padding as well as non-absorbent back padding. This means when you’re done cleaning, you can hang it by the top handle and it will dry within a reasonable timeframe (from 15 minutes to a couple hours).
• Windex. After you’ve taken care of the loose stuff and your backpack’s dried off, it’s time for restoration. Apply Windex or glass cleaner to a cloth (or directly to the surface), and wipe, applying pressure to areas of dirt and smudging. Since the Hydrowall exterior is non-absorbent, Windex is effective at removing marks in the same way it lifts stains from other non-absorbent surfaces like glass and metal. It has just the right amount of cleaning strength to make the job easy.
• Degreaser. Take it up a notch for stubborn, oily stains including sunscreen, as well as adhesive marks from stickers or tape, by applying a very small amount of kitchen degreaser and wiping with a cloth. Degreaser is a highly concentrated chemical, so use caution when applying. Follow advice on the degreaser label and avoid contact with skin.

Removing Creases, Wrinkles, and Folds

The best way to remove creases, wrinkles, and folds from the Fogland, River Ute, and Explorer Backpacks built with Hydrowall TPU is by applying low heat from a hair dryer and waving the dryer near the area until the crease or wrinkle is released. Set your hair dryer on low and motion it near the crease, wrinkle, or fold for roughly 5-10 seconds until the wrinkle has appeared to smooth out. To ensure the crease is gone permanently, keep the surface flat until it has cooled.

Keep in mind that this is a delicate process and we do not recommend high heat, as some hair dryers operate at high temperatures that can damage or even melt synthetic textiles. Use caution and patience at low heat so you’re comfortable with the process, and you’ll see the creases come out right before your eyes.

Applying Zipper Glide Lubricant to Airtight Zippers

The Fogland Backpack, River Ute, and Explorer Backpack come with a stick of Breakwater Supply Zipper Glide protective lubricant. This lubricant should be applied seasonally and before the backpack is being stored for extended time. With the zipper fully open, apply a thin coating of Zipper Glide along the zipper teeth and away from both ends of the zipper track (avoiding the ends will prevent the glide from gunking up at those points). After applying, slide the zipper head back and forth several times to spread the coating along the zipper track.

What’s in the lubricant? Our Zipper Glide is made from a formula that’s also used as kid’s lip balm (meaning it’s 100% safe), but is slightly harder, incorporating a combination of petroleum, moisturizers (emollients), and soft waxes. By applying the lubricant, the zipper remains flexible and protected from dirt and debris, while gliding easier along contact points. You can purchase Breakwater Supply Zipper Glide here.

You’re done! Repeat as necessary.

You’ve now restored your Breakwater Supply Waterproof Backpack, and you can repeat this process as necessary. For additional questions, click here to contact us about your Breakwater Supply product.