How to care FOR YOUR GEAR

KEEPING THE RAIN OUT

Waterproof shells can be literal lifesavers in the backcountry, yet many trampers go years without giving them a wash – perhaps because it’s easy to maintain the illusion that they’re clean.

Fairweather trampers may seldom get them out of their packs, and the occasional sprinkle of rain will keep them sparkling and bright. It’s only under hard use on muddy and overgrown tracks that they’re likely to become dirty.

But external grubbiness isn’t going to cause as many problems as what’s going on underneath, says Jane Ellis from Kiwi outdoor company Earth Sea Sky .

“The worst thing for any breathable waterproof fabric is contamination on the inside,” Ellis says.

Body oils and salt, and chemicals such as sunscreen and bleaches can wreak havoc on your rainwear.

“If it’s left unwashed, over time it will cause delamination, and the area that will be particularly at risk will be around the neck and hood,”