Last August, I threw my daughter’s filthy North Face Recon into the washing machine on hot, added regular Tide detergent, and tossed it in the dryer afterward. The backpack cost $119 three months earlier. When the dryer finished, I pulled out a disaster. The waterproof coating was completely destroyed. The padding inside had clumped into weird lumps. The straps were warped. I’d just ruined a $119 backpack through aggressive washing.
That expensive mistake sent me on a research mission to learn the correct way to clean North Face backpacks without destroying them. I talked to a North Face retail employee, tested cleaning methods on my own backpack, and spent three months learning what works and what damages these bags permanently.
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What North Face Officially Recommends
According to The North Face’s official product care guidelines, the best way to clean their backpacks is spot cleaning with a damp cloth, then air drying. They explicitly state they do not recommend fully submerging backpacks in water.
This conservative recommendation protects North Face from warranty claims when people damage their backpacks through improper washing. The company knows that aggressive washing, hot water, harsh detergents, and machine drying can destroy the specialized materials, coatings, and construction of their backpacks.
However, spot cleaning only works for light dirt and minor stains. When your backpack smells like gym socks, has mysterious sticky spots, or is covered in mud from hiking, spot cleaning is insufficient. This is where understanding safe washing methods becomes critical.
The North Face employee I spoke with admitted off the record that many staff members do fully wash their backpacks when necessary, they just follow careful procedures to avoid damage.
What Makes North Face Backpacks Special
North Face backpacks use technical materials requiring specific care.
Most use ripstop nylon with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish causing water to bead up and roll off. Aggressive washing, hot water, and harsh detergents break down this protective coating.
Many models include padded laptop sleeves and foam padding on back panels and straps. These don’t tolerate heat and can deform or clump when exposed to hot water or dryers.
The zippers and buckles use specialized hardware that can warp or crack if washed improperly. My daughter’s ruined Recon had two zippers that stuck after dryer heat warped the plastic teeth.
My Step-by-Step Hand Washing Method
After ruining one backpack, I developed a hand washing method that safely cleans North Face bags without damage. I’ve used this on three different backpacks over 18 months with zero issues.
Step 1: Empty Everything Completely
Remove all items from every pocket and compartment. Unzip every zipper and check corners for forgotten items. I once washed a backpack without noticing a pen in a side pocket. The ink explosion ruined the interior lining.
Shake the backpack upside down vigorously to remove loose dirt, crumbs, and debris. Do this outside to avoid making a mess indoors.
Step 2: Spot Treat Stains First
Before full washing, pre-treat visible stains with mild detergent applied directly to the spot. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub the stained area. Let the detergent sit for 5 to 10 minutes before washing.
For stubborn stains, I use a paste of baking soda and water. It’s gentle but effective on most dirt and grime without harsh chemicals.
Step 3: Fill a Tub with Cool Water
Use a bathtub, large sink, or clean storage tub. Fill with cool or lukewarm water. Never use hot water as it damages waterproof coatings and can warp padding.
Add a small amount of mild, bleach-free detergent. I use Nikwax Tech Wash, which is specifically designed for technical outdoor gear and won’t strip waterproof coatings. Regular detergents like Tide or Gain can damage DWR finishes.
Step 4: Submerge and Gently Agitate
Place the backpack in the water and push it down until fully submerged. Gently squeeze and massage the fabric to work soapy water through the material. Pay special attention to heavily soiled areas like the bottom, straps, and back panel.
Don’t scrub aggressively or wring the backpack. Gentle pressure and movement are sufficient. I soak mine for 15 to 20 minutes, periodically squeezing and moving it around.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean cool water. Submerge the backpack again and squeeze gently to rinse out detergent. Repeat this rinse process 2 to 3 times until water runs clear and no soap residue remains.
Soap residue attracts dirt and can leave white streaks on dark fabric. Thorough rinsing is critical.
Step 6: Remove Excess Water
Lift the backpack from water and gently squeeze to remove excess water. Don’t wring or twist, which can damage seams and padding.
Hang the backpack over the tub or in a shower for 10 to 15 minutes to let water drain naturally.
The Machine Washing Option
While hand washing is safest, you can machine wash North Face backpacks if you follow strict guidelines. I’ve done this twice when hand washing wasn’t practical.
Before machine washing, close all zippers and buckles. Turn the backpack inside out if possible to protect the exterior finish. Place the backpack inside a mesh laundry bag or old pillowcase. This prevents straps from tangling and protects hardware from banging against the machine drum.
Use a front-loading washer if available. Top-loaders with agitators can snag straps and cause damage. Select the gentlest cycle available, typically labeled “delicate” or “hand wash”. Use cold water only. Hot or warm water damages waterproof coatings and can warp padding materials.
Add a small amount of mild, bleach-free detergent. Use half the amount you’d typically use for a regular load. Too much detergent is difficult to rinse completely from the backpack’s thick materials.
Run only one rinse cycle after washing. Multiple rinse cycles aren’t necessary and create unnecessary wear on the backpack. Remove the backpack immediately after the cycle finishes to prevent mildew and musty smells from developing.
The Critical Drying Process
Improper drying causes more backpack damage than improper washing. Never put a North Face backpack in the dryer. The heat destroys waterproof coatings, melts synthetic materials, warps padding, and damages straps and hardware.
After washing, hang the backpack upside down in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade colors and break down nylon fibers over time.
Open all zippers and compartments to allow air circulation throughout the interior. Stuff the backpack loosely with clean towels to help maintain shape and absorb interior moisture. Replace the towels every few hours as they become damp.
Drying typically takes 24 to 48 hours depending on humidity and air circulation. Don’t rush this process by using heat sources like hair dryers, radiators, or space heaters. Heat is your enemy.
What Absolutely Destroys North Face Backpacks
After my expensive mistake and research, here’s what ruins these backpacks permanently.
Hot water strips waterproof coatings and warps foam padding. Always use cold or lukewarm water. Machine drying with heat melts synthetic materials and destroys coatings. Air drying only.
Harsh detergents like bleach or Oxiclean break down technical fabrics. Use mild, technical gear detergents. Aggressive scrubbing damages fabric surface and creates pilling. Gentle pressure with soft brushes only. Storing while damp creates permanent mildew stains and smells.
How Often Should You Wash Your Backpack
Don’t wash North Face backpacks too frequently. The waterproof coating degrades slightly with each full wash, even when done correctly.
For daily use like school or commuting, wash 2 to 3 times per year. For occasional use like hiking or travel, wash once per year or as needed when visibly dirty.
Between washes, maintain cleanliness through regular spot cleaning. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth weekly to prevent dirt buildup. Empty and shake out the interior monthly to remove debris.
This maintenance approach extends time between full washes and preserves the backpack’s protective coatings and materials.
Conclusion
You can wash a North Face backpack despite official recommendations suggesting spot cleaning only. Hand washing with cold water and mild detergent is safest. Machine washing on gentle cycle with cold water works if you use a protective laundry bag.
Never use hot water, harsh detergents, or machine dryers. These permanently damage waterproof coatings, padding, and structural materials. Always air dry completely before storage or use.
