Myth 1: Normal washing power destroys a waterproof
Waterproof membranes are thin, delicate layers of a porous construction which lets out vapours, protected by a tough nylon exterior with PU or silicone treatment to repel water droplets. Because of their fragile nature, washing them in Bio or Non-bio powder or liquids can compromise their performance. The additives eventually clog up the pores and render DWR treatments useless.
It is important to use the product recommended from the jacket manufacturer. Nikwax and Grangers are two common and reliable brands which offer a two-step cleaning and proofing system. Pure soap flakes are also safe for membranes, although another treatment for the DWR should be used in conjunction. Remember after its dry to tumble dry for an extra 20 minutes on low to reactivate the DWR.
RINGING TRUE
Myth 2: Use a pump sack to inflate a sleeping mat
The theory here is that by using your lungs to inflate your sleeping mat, the moisture from your breath condensates and get trapped inside the mat. Eventually it begins to effect the mat’s insulating properties and ruins it. To avert this problem, a pump sack can be used to fill dry air into the mat.
In actual fact, although many sleeping mats come with an included pump sack these days, sleeping mats are treated with an anti-bacterial coating on the inside to prevent any mildew problems. An inflating device is unnecessary and its perfectly OK to use your breath every time. Companies also recommend you store your mat unfolded with the valve open to aid any drying needed.
BUSTED
Myth 3: Folding your tent is bad for it
A traditional/OCD/TLC/you-name-it method is to fold everything neatly before filing it… clothes, sleeping bags, tents. Folding a tent (or sleeping bag) is a sure way to get it fitting into the stuff sack in an orderly fashion and in good time! But it can also damage your tent.
The theory is that once a pattern of folding your tent has been established, this habit repeated over the lifetime of the tent can cause certain places to be subject to more wear and tear. The fold lines eventually become crease lines and potential weak spots where waterproofing treatment can start wearing way. Best idea is to stuff the tent into its sack.
RINGING TRUE
Myth 4: Gore-Tex is guaranteed to keep you dry
Gore-Tex was about the first breathable membrane used in modern hiking gear. Their campaigns successfully lead wearers of products with Gore-Tex to believe they would never again have to take shelter from downpours and still be dry at the end of the day. Tempting!
Gore-Tex is just another one of those membranes – popular and effective no doubt, but once the DWR protection wears out, water will eventually find a way to seep through that breathable membrane. Fortunately, the DWR can be reactivated in a low tumble drier for another rainy day.
BUSTED
Myth 5: Sleeping warm enough is all about your sleeping bag
Inexperienced hikers sleeping cold at night often blame, first up, their sleeping bag for not being warm enough for the temperature they are using it in. Sometimes its the case of mistaken limit vs. comfort rating identity, but quite often the hiker looks for a warmer version to combat the issue, unaware of other factors causing the shivers.
Its more than likely the sleeping bag is well able to handle the temperature thrown at it. What some don’t realise is the amount of other factors at play here: The first and most important thing to check is the rating of your sleeping mat. The cold coming from underneath is more debilitating than the cold from above. Secondly, wear an even amount of clothing to bed, and consider; do you need socks or not? Also try exercising and eating close to bed time.
BUSTED
Myth 6: Buy cheap buy twice
This myth has become a bit of an old wives’ tale. Its implied that when you are stingy with your gear it could let you down. Spending big money on gear is supposed to be the antidote, and ensures long-lasting and reliable gear that you will have to spend on only once.
Not true at all. In actual fact, there is no more chance of gear failing whether it costs less or more – it can happen to any spec of gear: Its mostly about how you care for your things that talks (but not in every case). Also consider the quality or strength of materials or construction – which aren’t necessarily indicated by price. Buying cheap gear also means you’re not really out of pocket that much if you decide its not for you!
BUSTED
Myth 7: Buying new gear for a long or demanding hike
That pair of shoes you wore on that 200km hike last year are looking a bit sorry and you’re concerned about their trustworthiness for your upcoming 140km hike starting later this week. If there’s time, you will pop down to the outdoors shop and look for a new pair…
BAD IDEA
There is certainly nothing right or wrong, true or false, with setting out in a new pair of shoes or tent or whatever, but just not in the above scenario. The idea here is to test things and make sure they work, make sure you’re familiar with them, and to wear them in and ensure they’re comfortable (no hot spots), BEFORE you set out.
Neither is it a good idea to set out in those old shoes: they will start to hurt your feet if the support has gone in them. Its all about planning and checking over everything with plenty of time to spare.
