Hopefully you’ve been able to hit the mountains and get your Eberlestock pack good and dirty. If so, it could probably use a little T-L-C. Extend the life of your pack and keep the funk at bay with these tips.
Eberlestock packs are made with water resistant fabric and will generally shed water and blood. But that doesn’t mean they won’t get dirty.
Use game bags in warmer weather and keep the meat out of the dirt. This will reduce the blood, mud and grime you get on your pack in the first place – while also keeping your meat protected from the elements. Plastic garbage bags are okay if it’s cold out, but they don’t let the meat breathe and cool as quickly.
The sooner you can clean your pack, the better. Don’t let it sit in your elk’s juices. If you can, dunk it in a creek and slosh it around right after you get back to camp to take the first layer of blood off. Then just let it air dry.
Take your pack to a D-I-Y carwash, hang it on the floormats hooks and spray it down with just the high-pressure house. Be careful not to hold the pressure wand too close.
You can also soak in a big tub or even a big cooler. Drain the water, refill and repeat until the water runs clear. Hang it in the garage to dry.
DON’T
Put it in the washer or dryer.
Put in direct sun.
Use scent killer or anything that will make the pack smell too good.
Maintenance
Eberlestock packs are tough, but things happen. Buckles get slammed into tailgates and doors, so consider carrying a spare buckle or keeping a sewing kit at camp.
And here’s another helpful hack – wrap duct tape around your water bottle for quick repairs to tears.
The Off-season
Even if you aren’t successful, it’s a good idea to rinse your pack at the end of the season to flush any sweat build up or leftover blood.
When storing, hang it by the handles so the stays don’t bend in the wrong position.
And lastly, before you hang it up for the season, be sure to completely unpack every little thing–(show a peanut on camera). When it comes to food, even the little guys (video of a mouse face close-up) can be as tough on a pack as you are.