We create our clothing and hardware in such a way that it should last for ages. And the more you use it, you might develop some kind of relationship with it. Your Eco-Shell jacket isn’t just your protection from the rain; it’s your mood booster on wet treks in the wilderness. Your down jacket doesn’t just keep you warm: it’s your best campfire buddy. And your tent doesn’t just shelter you; it gives you access to views better than any five-star hotel. They can fill you with memories of magical moments outdoors whenever you look at them hanging in your hall, gear cupboard or wardrobe. We think that means they’re worth taking care of so you can love them longer.

Over time, tears can appear, buttons may get lost, and zips might get stuck, but you want to hold on to it for many more adventures. It’s also better for the environment that we care for and repair our gear instead of buying new. So what better solution than giving you the know-how to fix your kit? Here we go!

You should always start by checking the instructions in the care label. But as a general rule of thumb, we advise only washing your gear when it really needs it. Machine washing leads to wear and tear of your clothing and sleeping bags, and places strain on zips, Velcro and other trims. And by using a lot of water and energy, too much machine washing isn’t kind to nature.

Instead, we recommend hand washing dirty areas with warm water, mild soap or detergent and a sponge, or even just hanging your clothing or sleeping bags up for airing.

If you do choose to machine wash, washing at 30°C uses less energy than washing at 40°C. Use a detergent suited to the garment(s) you’re washing too. And don’t use a fabric softener. It leaves a waxy residue on your clothing that can impair the functionality of your gear: affecting its ability to wick away moisture, for instance.

Likewise, tumble drying – which is a complete no-no for some products – also places stress on your garments. So whenever possible hang up your clothing –down is an exception – to dry instead, preferably outside.

Some of your Fjällräven products will become firm favourites that you’ll use on an almost daily basis. But others, like tents and sleeping bags and those big, warm winter jackets, are more like rare treasures. Storing them correctly becomes a big issue. A damp, poorly ventilated storage area is your gear’s worst enemy, as this is perfect mould-growing territory. It’s important to store your gear in dry, well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight and heat. Certain products, such as Eco-Shell and G-1000 garments, will most likely need re-impregnating after storage.