COLEMAN TENTS
EUREKA TENTS
TENT CARE
You should seal all floor seams and
those seams on the rainfly. This will
make the tent waterproof. If the
manufacturer already taped the seams,
get some seam sealer anyway and seal the
corners. Better to be safe than sorry.
Always use a ground sheet with your
tent. This will cut down on the wear and
tear of your tent floor. Rocks are
sharper than you think and over time
will push right through that nylon. If
you do not buy a ground sheet made
specifically for your tent, buy a
plastic sheet and cut it slightly
smaller than the dimensions of your
floor. This will keep water from
accumulating between the sheet and the
tent floor.
Always store your tent DRY. If it gets
wet on your trip, don't worry. Set it up
when you get home and it will dry in
about 30 minutes. If you store it wet,
mildew will accumulate in the nylon and
destroy the material. There is no way to
stop mildew after it is there. Always
store your tent DRY.
Store your tent in a relatively cool
place. If you leave it in a hot room or
car the sealed seams will delaminate
causing the tent to lose its
waterproofness.
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FABRIC
MAINTENANCE
A durable water-repellent (DWR) finish
is applied to the outermost surface of
waterproof/breathable clothing and
equipment during manufacture. It
prevents the fabric from absorbing
moisture by making water bead up and
roll off while minimizing condensation
within the garment and maximizing
breathability. This finish is not
permanent and must be maintained to
optimize performance.
Clean the fabric. Dirt attracts water,
so clean the fabric with Nikwax Tech
Wash non-detergent cleaner. Detergents
can leave water-attractive residues that
don't rinse out. They also contain
agents that can wash away
water-repellent treatments. Never use
liquid detergents or fabric softeners.
Restore durable water repellency.
Washing and using fabrics can make them
begin to absorb water or "wet out".
Nikwax TX-Direct completely restores
durable water repellency and will last
several washings without re-applying
after every wash like other treatments.
Keep the fabric clean. Once treated,
keep the fabric clean with Nikwax Tech
Wash to maximize performance and extend
the life of the fabric's new
water-repellent finish.
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BOOT CARE
The less water absorbed by leather, the
longer it will last and the more
comfortable you will be. Once wet, it
stretches and weakens-shrinking and
becoming brittle as it dries. Leather is
skin without natural occurring
lubricants and protectants of living
skin, making it essential to keep it
clean and add waterproofing and
conditioners to maintain it.
Rinse off mud and dirt with plain fresh
water, using a nylon brush if necessary.
Small particles of dirt can work their
way into the fibers of the leather
causing it to dry out and break down.
Use a Nikwax waterproofing treatment of
ours to protect and preserve the
leather. If using a water-based
treatment, (Aqueous Wax Leather
Waterproofing, Nubuck and Suede, Fabric
and Leather or Leather Cleaner and
Conditioner) apply immediately after
washing off boots with water. Wait until
leather is dry before applying Nikwax
Waterproofing Wax for Leather or Liquid
Nikwax.
Put in a warm, but not hot place to dry
out. Excessive heat damages footwear. To
help dry a boot that is filled with
water or thoroughly soaked, stuff it
with newspaper. Replace wet newspaper
with dry, and repeat until boot is dry.
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WATERPROOFING
--Boots -
Boots are made of leather because it is
comfortable, supportive, naturally
water-repellent, and breathable. The
less water absorbed by leather, the
longer it will last and the more
comfortable you will be. Once wet it
stretches and weakens, shrinking and
becoming brittle as it dries. Here are a
few simple suggestions to keep boots
performing at their best for years to
come.
CLEANING: The first step to boot
maintenance is regular cleaning. Small
particles of dirt can work their way
into the fibres of the leather causing
it to dry out and break down. After use
rinse off mud and dirt with tap water.
To remove oil-based dirt, excess wax and
stubborn grime that will not be cleaned
by plain water use NIKWAX Footwear
Cleaning Gel and a nylon brush. Be sure
to clean the linings of your boots with
a warm damp cloth after each use as
well. Salt from perspiration can pass
into the lining rapidly destroying the
leather making it dry and cracked.
RESTORE or ADD WATER-REPELLENCY:
This is important not just to keep your
feet dry, but will keep boots cleaner
and maintain the leather's suppleness
for improved durability. After cleaning
boots with water, apply the appropriate
NIKWAX waterproofing treatment to the
entire boot, paying special attention
the stitching and hardware (anywhere the
leather has been punctured) to ensure
complete protection from the elements.
Reapply as necessary or after use in
severe conditions. For best results let
boots dry for 24 hours before use.
DRYING: Start by removing the
laces and insoles. Dry boots slowly at
room temperature. Do not expose boots to
a direct heat source. Excessive heat can
cause irreversible damage to the leather
and is harmful to the adhesives used in
boot construction. To help dry a boot
that has been filled with water or is
thoroughly soaked, we recommend stuffing
it with newspaper. Replace wet newspaper
and repeat until boot is dry.
CONDITIONING: Conditioning boots
can reduce the break-in time for new
boots or revive old dried out boots. We
suggest using NIKWAX Liquid Conditioner
for leather, a few times a year or as
needed.
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--Sleeping
Bags - Nikwax non-detergent
soaps clean without harming
water-repellency and help to restore the
bag's loft. Nikwax waterproofing
treatments are made from breathable
elastic water-repellent elastomer called
TX.10 that bonds to the fibers of the
fabric and fill material. Treating
sleeping bags with Nikwax makes them
less susceptible to humidity and allows
them to stay drier longer.
Down-Filled Sleeping Bags - Clean with
Nikwax Down Wash, waterproof both down
and shell fabric with Nikwax Downproof
Wash-In, for Waterproof/Breathable outer
shell fabrics - Waterproof outer shell
fabric only with Nikwax TX-Direct
Spray-On.
Synthetic-Filled Sleeping Bags - Clean
with Nikwax Tech Wash, waterproof both
insulation and shell fabric with Nikwax
Polarproof Wash-In ,for
Waterproof/Breathable outer shell
fabrics - Waterproof outer shell fabric
only with Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On.
1) Use In A Front Loading Washing
Machine for best results. Machine
application provides an even
distribution of the active ingredients.
Use a large capacity (30 or 50 lb. load)
commercial, front load machine. Top
loading machines can cause damage to the
bag. Set water Temperature to WARM.
2) Pre-Wash with the appropriate
Nikwax non-detergent soap to remove
dirt, water-attracting detergent residue
and contaminants. Rinse the bag
thoroughly. Apply the appropriate Nikwax
waterproofing treatment to the clean,
wet bag.
3) Add The Water-Repellent Treatment
to the wash cycle soap dispenser after
loading the bag into the machine (do not
add to the pre-wash soap dispenser).
4) Tumble Dry the bag at the heat
recommended on the CARE TAG. Large bags
will require several hours of tumble
drying. Make sure the bag is completely
dry before storing. TECH TIP Use of a
sleeping bag liner will help keep your
bag clean. Make sure that your bag is
thoroughly dry before storing in a
loosely packed oversized stuff sack or
sleeping bag storage sack.
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Special consideration for sleeping
bags with waterproof/breathable shells:
Apply Nikwax TX-Direct Spray-On
according to the directions on the
bottle if all you want to do is add
repellency to a bag that has a
waterproof/breathable shell. Downproof
and Polarproof can be used on bags with
waterproof/breathable shell fabric,
although they will slightly reduce
breathability.
--Tents
1) Clean by sponging off the tent or
pack with a solution of Nikwax Tech Wash
and water to remove any dirt. ( Note: do
not wash the tent in a washing machine.)
You may also spray the tent with water
to remove dirt or soap.
2) Treat by applying Nikwax Texnik
while the fabric is still damp, spray or
apply with a brush generously and evenly
on the uncoated side of the fabric.
Check carefully to make sure no areas of
the fabric have been missed. Wipe up
runs with a damp cloth. Allow to soak
into cloth for 5 minutes and then wipe
all excess (drips, runs, puddles) away
with a damp cloth. (Note: Failure to do
so may leave a white residue) Apply a
second coat to areas of high traffic or
abrasion (such as tent floors or pack
bottoms), following the instructions
above. Allow the first coat to dry
before applying the second, rewet the
fabric before applying so that it is
damp to the touch.
3) Maintain after treating by
sponging it off with a solution of
Nikwax Tech Wash and water.
Single Wall Tents and Bivy Sacks
1) Clean by sponging off the tent or
bivy with a solution of Nikwax Tech Wash
and water to remove any dirt. ( Note: do
not wash in a washing machine.) You may
also spray with water to remove dirt or
soap, rinse thorougly.
2) Treat by applying Nikwax TX
Direct Spray-On while the fabric is
still damp, spray generously and evenly
on the outer side of the fabric, rub
into the fabric with a damp cloth to
ensure even distribution. CHECK
CAREFULLY to make sure no areas of the
fabric have been missed. Allow to soak
into cloth for 5 minutes and then wipe
all excess (drips, runs, puddles) away
with a damp cloth. Wipe away drips, runs
or puddles 15 minutes later. (Note:
Failure to do so may leave a white
residue) Tent floors or bottoms that are
not made with waterproof/breathable
fabrics should be treated with Nikwax
Texnik. Follow the same instructions as
for above. Apply a second coat to areas
of high traffic or abrasion. Allow the
first coat to dry before applying the
second, rewet the fabric before applying
so that it is damp to the touch.
3) Maintain after treating by
sponging it off with a solution of
Nikwax Tech Wash and water followed by a thorough rinse with water.
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--Outerwear
A durable water-repellent (DWR) finish
is applied to the outermost surface of
waterproof/breathable clothing and
equipment during manufacture. It
prevents the fabric from absorbing
moisture by making water bead up and
roll off. This minimizes condensation
forming within and maximizes
breathability. The DWR finish is not
permanent and needs to be maintained to
optimize performance. Safe for use on
Gore-Tex®, Sympatex®, Entrant®, Ultrex®,
TriplePoint® and all liner and shell
fabrics.
1) Clean with Nikwax Tech Wash. Dirt
will attract water and reduce the
beading-up of droplets on the fabric's
surface. Wash the garment in Nikwax Tech
Wash non-detergent soap. Detergents can
leave water-attractive residues that
will not rinse out. They also contain
agents that can wash away
water-repellent treatments. Never use
liquid detergents or fabric softeners.
2) Treat to restore durable
water-repellency with Nikwax TX-Direct.
Washing and using fabrics can make them
begin to absorb water or "wet out".
Nikwax TX-Direct completely restores
surface water-repellency which enhances
breathability. Nikwax TX-Direct lasts
several washings and does not need to be
reapplied after every wash like other
treatments. TX-Direct is available in
both wash-in and spray-on versions.
3) Maintain by cleaning the fabric
with Nikwax Tech Wash. Once treated,
keep the fabric clean with Nikwax Tech
Wash to maximize performance and extend
the life of the fabric's new
water-repellent finish.
TOP
--Fleece and
Insulated Garments
Even though synthetic insulating fibers
naturally absorb little moisture they
can hold substantial liquid within the
structure of the knit or weave. This
significantly reduces the thermal
insulating qualities of the garment.
With proper cleaning and the addition of
Nikwax Polarproof you can improve the
performance of your insulated
clothing-especially in wet or humid
conditions. Stay drier, warmer and be
more comfortable. Nikwax treatments will
not affect the look, feel or
breathability of the item. Ideal for use
on PolarTec®, Synchilla®, Chinella®,
Thinsulate®, LiteLoft®, Primaloft®,
Polarguard/ PolarguardHV® and Hollofill®.
1) Clean the fabric with Nikwax Tech
Wash. Dirt will attract water and reduce
the beading-up of droplets on the
fabric's surface. Wash the garment in
Nikwax Tech Wash non-detergent soap.
Detergents can leave water-attractive
residues that will not rinse out. They
also contain agents that can wash away
water-repellent treatments. Never use
liquid detergents or fabric softeners.
2) Treat to add durable
water-repellency with Nikwax Polarproof.
Nikwax Polarproof adds surface
water-repellency which reduces
water-absorption, minimizes weight gains
and maintains insulating properties.
Nikwax Polarproof lasts several washings
and does not need to be reapplied after
every wash like other treatments.
Polarproof is an easy-to-use wash-in
treatment.
3) Maintain by cleaning the fabric
with Nikwax Tech Wash. Once treated,
keep the fabric clean with Nikwax Tech
Wash to maximize performance and extend
the life of the fabric's new
water-repellent finish.
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--Down
Garments
Down is an amazing natural fiber that
has an unbeatable warmth to weight
ratio. It's compressible, resilient and
very long lasting if properly
maintained. The major drawback of using
down-filled clothing is it's inability
to retain loft and insulate when wet. To
optimize the performance of your
down-filled garments: 1) clean it
regularly and, 2) add the appropriate
Nikwax water-repellent finish. When
machine washing always use a front load
machine-top loading agitator machines
can damage the garment.
1) Clean with Nikwax Down Wash. Dirt
and body oils will contaminate the down
causing it to clump together and loose
loft. Dirt also attracts water and
reduces the beading-up of droplets on
the fabric's surface. Wash the garment
in Nikwax Down Wash non-detergent soap.
Detergents can leave water-attractive
residues that will not rinse out. They
also contain agents that can wash away
the natural oils of the down. Never use
liquid detergents or fabric softeners.
2) Treat to add water-repellency
with Nikwax Down Proof. The performance
of down-filled garments in wet or humid
conditions will be enhanced by applying
the appropriate Nikwax treatment. To add
water-repellency to the whole
garment--shell, down and inner
lining--use Nikwax Down Proof. Nikwax
Down Proof is a wash-in product that
will treat the whole garment with a
durable water repellency (DWR) that does
not affect breathability, look or feel.
Note: If your down garment incorporates
a waterproof breathable shell fabric,
you should use Nikwax TX-Direct
Spray-On. Nikwax TX-Direct lasts several
washings and does not need to be
reapplied after every wash. TX-Direct
Spray-On should be used on these
garments when you do not want to treat
the down itself. Independent lab tests
indicated that Nikwax Down Proof could
slightly reduce the breathability when
used on a fabric with a microporous
laminate or coating. However, the
reduction was so slight that is would
not be noticeable in the field. If a
slight loss of breathability is a
concern, use TX-Direct Spray-On.
3) Maintain by cleaning with Nikwax
Down Wash. Keep the item clean with
Nikwax Down Wash to maximize thermal
properties of the down and extend the
life of the garment.
- Outerwear Endorsements for Nikwax
Products: Boulder Gear, Burton, Degre 7,
Granite Gear, Kokatat, Marmot,
Moonstone, Mountain Hardwear, Ned Limbo
Phd, Obermeyer, Outdoor Research,
Pacific Trail, Rail Riders, Schoffel,
Sequel, Sierra Designs, Solstice, Spyder,
The North Face, W. L. Gore.
WATER
FILTER CARE
Keep Your Water Filter Flowing
Most people often overlook cleaning
their filter after a trip and before
storage. You can triple or quadruple the
life of your filter if it is cleaned
properly. Most filters come with
extensive cleaning/maintenance
instructions, which you should follow
closely. Here's a list of procedures
that will increase your filter's
performance greatly.
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Backwash a Filter
When output starts to slow, detach the
intake hose and attach it to the filter
outlet. Pumping will send a "backwash"
of clean water through the filter,
loosening some of the accumulated gunk.
After backwashing or before storage, the
filter element must usually be sanitized
with a diluted bleach solution.
Scrub a ceramic element
This means removing and wiping off the
ceramic cylinder. If the water flow has
slowed, scrub the cylinder with a
toothbrush to restore normal output.
Some ceramic elements contain silver to
limit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and
algae within the filter, which keeps you
from having to sanitize it after
cleaning. Note, however, that the silver
isn't intended as a water treatment by
itself.
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Clean the surface filter
This means removing the filter membrane
and scraping or brushing it clean. Most
people replace their membrane when it
turns gray. After removing the membrane,
you must sanitize it with a bleach
solution or by boiling.
Start with the cleanest water you
can
Try and not make your filter work harder
than need be. Use pools rather than
large currents, because they stir up
sand and debris. Always hold the intake
hose above ground so you won't suck up
any mud, muck, or leaves.
Let water settle
Dip up a container of water and set it
aside to let the suspended solids settle
out. A few hours will help, but leaving
water to settle overnight is best.
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© TheCampingGuide.com 2003
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