#LETSTALKABOUT Washing Down Pieces

Here in the Pacific Northwest, Winter is already rearing it’s head. I hate to sound histrionic, but with snow falling in the mountains and temps below freezing, it’s true. With storms in the forecast, now is a great time to shower your down pieces with a little TLC.

Contrary to popular belief, washing your down pieces is critical to ensuring a long, efficient, happy life. With repeated use, oil, dirt, and other gunk accumulates on the feathers, decreasing their ability to loft and keep you warm. The solution? Wash them. Generally speaking, once a year should be sufficient to keep them in prime shape.

Here’s what you do:

1. Look up the manufacturer-specific guidelines on washing your piece and take note of any mandatory information (ex: washing in cold versus warm water).

2. Check all of your down pieces carefully for holes, patching any you find before you give them a wash. Bonus points: you might find a chapstick or $20 bill in a hidden pocket!

3. Spot clean! If you find some particularly greasy spots, give them some extra loving attention. This is common around hoods, the opening of your sleeping bag, the ends of your sleeves, and the footbox of your sleeping bag. Grab your down cleaner of choice (we’re a Nikwax family) and apply with a soft bristled toothbrush, moving in a circular pattern until it dislodges. If this is the only dirty spot on your down piece, you can wipe off the cleaner with a damp sponge but if you’re washing the whole thing, don’t worry about removing the soap.

4. Once your pieces are prepped, load them into a front-loading washing machine (don’t use a top-loading machine as they are prone to ripping the seams). Be sure that you don’t overload for max cleanliness.

5. Load your down tech wash into the machine and select warm water and the gentle cycle, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.

6. When the cycle is completed, remove your pieces and load them into the dryer, squeezing out any extra water if necessary. Toss in some down balls or tennis balls to assist in the drying process.

7. Set the dryer to low heat and let ‘er rip. You should expect your down pieces to take several hours. If you check and there are clumps in the down, continue drying until your pieces are fully lofted and fluffy as can be. Clumps are usually a sign that the down hasn’t dried completely and are easily fixed with additional time in the heat. Whatever you do, don’t store your pieces until you ensure they are fully dry.

Voila! That’s it. Now store your lovingly washed items away until you’re ready to get out and get after it.

Things to consider:

• Avoid fabric softeners or harsh chemicals like bleach.

• Similarly, avoid dry cleaning unless you frequent an establishment that specifically launders sleeping bags and other technical gear.

• If you discover holes or other defects that you can’t fix, consider contacting the manufacturer or a local gear repair shop. They can often fix things that you can’t, which is both wallet-friendly and environmentally responsible.

#LETSTALKABOUT Hiking in Trail Runners

I recently posted this photo in a local hiking group:

Check those shoes, which safely brought me to Everest and Annapurna base camps during my month in Nepal.

It’s a picture of me, at Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Almost immediately after I posted, the comments began. “I don’t think that’s approved footwear.” “Why aren’t you wearing boots?” “Wow, I can’t believe you did that in trail runners.” “You’re an idiot for those shoes.” The incredulous chorus wore on, despite the evidence of my successful return from the trip with all my toes intact and my smiling face. It made me realize that we need to have a conversation about trail runners, so let’s talk about them.

What exactly is a trail runner? Imagine your favorite tennis shoe, but beefier. Trail runners are specifically designed to offer better support, stability, and protection for your feet for off road adventures. Generally speaking, they offer better traction, shield your feet from inevitable contact with rocks and other trail hazards, and have stiffer construction than traditional tennis shoes. They also often feature more rugged face fabrics that can also be waterproof so you can tackle varied terrain without worrying about tearing them up.

Although these shoes were designed with runners in mind, more and more hikers are taking to them for non-technical (or technical, all hail local legends Alex Borsuk and Stuke Sowle) trails. I have worn mine for trails all over the world and even summited Glacier Peak (via the Gerdine Ridge) without ever stepping foot in a boot. I love how lightweight and comfortable they are, and how easy they are to pack when traveling greater distances. I don’t pull on my boots unless crampons are required or deep snow beckons and my bunion thanks me for it.

That said, there are a few things to consider before you ditch your boots.

1. Fit matters. Before you make a purchasing decision, visit your local outdoor retailer and talk to a fit specialist about the shoe that’s right for you. Make sure you tell them about any inserts you have, and your intended use of the shoes. Try them on, and don’t be shy about walking around the store in them.

2. Start slow. If you’re accustomed to wearing boots, you’ll want to start by tackling some shorter trails so your ankles and legs have time to strengthen and adjust to the difference in support and fit. Don’t be afraid to load up your pack and hit your neighborhood trail or pound the pavement for a few days so you can get used to the difference.

3. Consider your choice of socks. Even if you opt for a pair of shoes with waterproof fabric, trail runners are prone to getting wet if for no other reason than their height allows water to get in from the top as well as through any other non-waterproof parts. That’s okay, as many of them also offer fast drying features to keep your feet happy on multi-day treks. However, you will want to consider which socks you’re wearing. If I’m heading out for several days with a high chance of wet feet, I always wear wool shorties from Smartwool so my feet are warm even when wet. As much as I love my cotton KB socks from Costco, they have to go when it’s time to get after it!

4. Check your route before you go. As much as I love my trail runners, I am also aware of their limitations. While they have served me well for easy scrambles and long walks in the mountains (I logged 150+ miles in a month in the Himalayas in my latest pair), they aren’t a perfect substitute for boots in every situation. When steep snow and ice beckon, it’s boot time. Do your research, make smart decisions, and come home with happy feet!

As a final note, I want to briefly highlight another important aspect of this conversation: money. Often, we get caught up in the idea of the things we think someone needs to get outside successfully, when in reality we need much less to safely, successfully achieve our goals. When this happens, we run the risk of perpetuating some classist, gatekeeping ideologies and that’s not a cute look on anyone. So, the next time you catch yourself wanting to criticize someone for their choice of gear, take a step back and consider if you’re offering objectively sound advice, or if something else is at play.

Stay safe out there, friends. Happy trails.