All of the outdoor clothing equipment we sell at Outdoor Look is always of the highest quality and is built to take all sorts of knocks and the normal rigours of use, such as dirt, sweat, rain and sun, all of the gear that you purchase needs to be taken care of in between trips so that you get the maximum life and use from it.

Here are a couple of suggestions for rucksacks and boots:

Backpacks/Rucksacks. These should be stored clean and dry in an area of the house that has moderate temperature variations and low humidity. They should be emptied of all items then cleaned with a mild antibacterial soap, especially on any food stains and on all straps, back pad and hip belt and openings, as this is where sweat and greasy fingers take their toil. Let it sit for ten minutes and then hose off until the water runs clear. Then allow to dry, but do try to avoid drying in direct sunlight as UV can waken nylon.

Boots: It’s always best to get the worst of the muck off your boots before it dries, so try to clean them as you are using them. That patch of grass as you are walking, or if you’ve got waterproof walking boots, a quick paddle, or dip in the nearest stream and then rinse them off when you finish your walk.

If the mud and dirt has baked on, then get the worst of it off with a stiff brush, and always remember to put paper down, unless you want the wrath of other members of the household on you! Once the worst of it is removed then you need to take a nail brush, or equivalent, to the more stubborn stuff.

It might be worth removing the insoles and laces to get at all the nooks and crannies to make sure they are really cleaned. At the end of your walking season it might also give you the opportunity to re-proof the boots using a dedicated gel or wax. It might be worth considering cleaning the inside of your boots too. This will stop the membrane getting blocked with salt and grit, as well as making them smell a whole lot better! Take out the insoles, shake the dirt and pour some lukewarm water; give them a good swill round and pour out the water.

It’s important to let the boots dry naturally and at their own pace. Don’t try to cut corners by using a hairdryer or putting them near a radiator or in front of the fire – the heat may crack the leather or damage the lining. Best to fill them with old newspaper and leave them somewhere dry, but not too warm, a porch or a garage are normally OK.

So simple effective tips, it’s not a favourite job of mine but it has to be done to look after your outdoor clothing equipment and they will look after you.