Product Guide | Backpacks
Backpack Care & Maintenance Guide
Your APEX backpack is built for life on the trail. Clean it gently, repair damage early and store it completely dry to protect its fabric, hardware, fit and long-term performance. X24-H owners will also find dedicated hydration-system care below.
01 After Every Trip
Empty, Shake, Dry & InspectA few minutes of care after each outing prevents grit, food residue and moisture from becoming larger problems.
- Empty every pocket. Remove food, wrappers, loose accessories and trail debris.
- Shake out grit. Open the pack and turn it upside down. Use a soft brush for dirt caught in seams.
- Air-dry moisture. Leave every compartment open in a shaded, ventilated location.
- Loosen the straps. Release compression, sternum and hip-belt straps before storage.
- Inspect before storing. Check zippers, buckles, mesh, webbing and load-bearing stitching.
02 Routine Maintenance
Protect Fabric & HardwareBrush First
Dry dirt is easier to remove than wet mud. Use a soft nylon brush or a clean damp cloth.
Protect the Zippers
Brush grit from zipper teeth, sliders and garages. Flush stubborn dirt with clean lukewarm water. Never force a jammed slider.
Check High-Wear Areas
Inspect shoulder-strap anchors, hip-belt stitching, compression straps, buckles, mesh pockets and trekking-pole attachments.
Dry Completely
Hang the pack open in moving air, away from direct sun, heaters, fireplaces and clothes dryers.
03 Wash Your Pack
Spot Clean Before Full WashingWash only when sweat, salt, oils, mud or odour remain after spot cleaning. Frequent full washing can shorten the life of coatings and components.
Empty every compartment. Remove loose accessories and the hydration bladder. Brush out dirt; vacuum seams using low suction if needed.
Use lukewarm water, a clean sponge or soft brush and a small amount of mild, residue-free technical wash. Test a hidden area first.
If necessary, clean gently in a large sink or tub. Work through fabric, mesh, webbing, buckles and zipper areas. Do not scrub printed branding.
Rinse repeatedly with cool, clean water until no cleaner remains in the fabric, foam, seams or webbing.
Press out water without wringing. Hang upside down with every pocket open until the pack, foam and seams are completely dry.
Do not use a washing machine, tumble dryer, bleach, fabric softener, stain remover, hot water, pressure washer, stiff brush, iron, dry-cleaning process or prolonged soak. Do not apply zipper lubricants that attract grit.
04 Repair & Store
Repair Early | Store DryField Repair
- Small fabric cut. Clean and dry the area, align the edges and apply a rounded-corner gear-repair patch outside. Patch inside as well when accessible.
- Loose thread. Do not pull it. Trim carefully. Stop loading an area if a seam is opening or load-bearing stitching is damaged.
- Broken buckle or zipper. Use a temporary strap or repair clip only to exit the field. Arrange a proper replacement before the next trip.
Long-Term Storage
- Store the pack clean and completely dry.
- Loosen every adjustable strap.
- Use a cool, ventilated indoor space.
- Avoid airtight containers while damp.
- Keep away from fuel, solvents, extreme heat and sharp tools.
Load the pack and test every zipper, buckle and strap. A two-minute inspection at home is easier than a repair on the trail.
05 X24-H Hydration Care
After Every UseA clean, completely dry system keeps water tasting fresh and helps prevent mould inside the reservoir, tube and bite valve.
Empty Immediately
Rinse the reservoir, tube and bite valve with warm water before residue has time to dry.
Clean All Three Parts
Residue and moisture can remain inside the tube and bite valve even when the reservoir looks clean. Rinse and dry every component.
Remove the hydration bladder before cleaning an X24-H backpack. Clean and dry the hydration system separately according to the instructions below.
06 Deep-Clean the Hydration System
Reservoir, Tube & Bite ValveAdd warm water, shake, drain through the tube and valve, then rinse again.
Clean weekly during regular use and whenever water tastes or smells stale. Use warm water with a capful of mild dish soap, a few tablespoons of baking soda, or 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water. Never combine cleaners.
Use a reservoir brush inside the bladder and a narrow tube brush through the full drinking tube.
Keep the bite valve attached. Flush cleaning solution through it, then soak the valve and gently work solution through its openings.
Flush the reservoir, tube and valve with clean water until no cleaner, taste or odour remains.
Hang the reservoir open and inverted with the opening propped wide. Hang the tube straight down and keep components separated until every surface is dry.
07 Drying & Freezer Storage
No Moisture Before StorageDrying Made Easier
Use a purpose-made drying hanger or a clean, non-sharp object to hold the reservoir opening apart. A clean chopstick or loosely folded paper towel can improve airflow. Never store the bladder while moisture remains.
Optional Freezer Storage
For extra protection between trips, place the clean, drained bladder and tube in the freezer. Store loosely, keep away from sharp items and thaw completely before filling or flexing the components.
Do not use a dishwasher, bleach, boiling water, abrasive cleaners or sharp tools. These can damage the material, seals or drinking components and may leave unwanted residue.
08 Inspection, Replacement & Support
Know When to Stop Using GearNormal wear, abrasion, cuts, heat damage and improper washing are not manufacturing defects. Photograph any suspected manufacturing defect before repair and contact Team APEX at info@apexproseries.com with your order details.