How to Maintain and Clean Your Tactical Bag for Long-Term Use

A tactical bag serves more than a storage purpose. It is a trusted aid while traversing harsh terrains, strolling around urban areas, or partaking in recreational activities. Whether you are part of the military, an outdoor enthusiast, or just someone who loves well-designed equipment, a tactical bag needs proper maintenance to perform well, retain its shape, and look stylish for years. 

Here at Carry Trip, we aim to provide you with the best experience for your gears, which is why we created bold guides like this one on how to maintain and clean your tactical bag for long-term use. 

1. Contents Should Be Removed Periodically 

Make it a personal rule to normalize the practice of removing every single item out of the bag.

This action may appear straightforward at first glance, but many pieces of equipment, stuck away in out of sight compartments, are seldom remembered. The same goes for smaller items like tools, batteries, pens, and even snacks. This often gets skipped. After completing this step, try to shaking the bag. This movement will help dislodge some dirt and dust that is stuck inside the bag.

2. External Maintenance 

The appropriate tools are just as important as the right cleaning agents. Some bags may require a damp cloth and some soap for exterior cleaning. It is worth mentioning that most tactical bags are made of strong fabrics such as polyester or nylon which come with some level of abrasion resistance. Still, while cleaning you should not use bleach or strong chemicals as these will damage the bag's fabric and cause discoloration. 

To remove tough stains and dried mud, you can make use of a soft bristle on the bag’s surface with light scrubbing. Be careful and go easy with the stitching and MOLLE webbing since they are prone to damage during cleaning.

3. Hand Wash Thorough Cleaning 

In case your bag is filthy, you may choose to clean it better. 

•   Take a basin or tub, fill them with cold water, add some gentle detergent. 
•   Dip the whole bag into the water and scrub it with a soft brush or cloth. 
•   Keep in mind the bottom side of the bag needs the most cleaning. 
•   Make sure to rinse thoroughly and there should be no soap residue left. 

Never put your tactical bag in a washing machine or drier because it will distort the shape of the bag, cause the padding to shift, flex the zippers and straps, and fracture them. 

4. Proper Air Drying

A tactical bag without stating remarks must be air dried in the shade. The bag should not be left exposed in the sun for a long time since UV rays are harmful to the fabric and lowers its useful life. Also, the bag should not be put in the dryer since the heat would wreck the inner materials.

•  Checking and Maintaining the Hardware

All zippers, buckles, and straps must be carefully checked for any signs of damage or loosening. To fix stiff zippers, a silicone-based lubricant will work well. Loose webbing or straps should be removed and properly re-stitched.

•  Correct Storage

When not in use, custom tactical bags should be stored in a dry cool area. The bag should not be tightly folded, squeezed, or pressed under heavy objects as it might deform its intended shape. If possible, stuffing the bag with lightweight soft items can help retain its intended form.

• Final tip: Maintain its modular ability

Other modular gear usually complements tactical bags, enhancing their functionality. With our rugged Molle Pouch, you can customize your setup by only bringing what is necessary and packing it when not in use.

Conclusion

Taking reasonable care of your tactical bag improves its appearance and extends its longevity and reliability in the field. With minimal effort, you can greatly protect your investment. For advanced dependability and performance, check more accessories from Carry Trip.