Simms Freestone Backpack - Shadow Green

Waders

The #1 tip to prolonging the life of a wader is drying your waders. It is important to dry your waders out after each use. We recommend drying the inside first (if damp) and then the outside. When drying the outside you can pull your gravel guards up until the feet are dry and then flip them down to dry the rest of the wader

• Washing - Use a front load machine or hand wash. Use cold water and normal detergent that does not contain bleach. Once you have washed the waders make sure you dry them properly start by drying the inside first. Never put your waders in the dryer, the heat will adversely affect the seam tape on your waders and will void your warranty.
• Fit - We offer more sizes than anyone, a good fit goes a long way to extending the life of your wader. Make it clear that people should use their exact measurements as we have already provided extra room for layering and movement.
• General Care - Do not store inside your car for long periods of time excess heat will damage your waders.
• Use A Mat - Always put your waders on using a protective mat to shield the neoprene feet from rocks.
• Proper Layering - Do not wear jeans under your waders. Jeans are highly abrasive wearing on your waders from the inside out. More importantly jeans and sweatpants do not transfer moisture away from the body. Use proper layering (to view our layering collection, go here). Using layers such as these will help wick moisture away from your body and assist in the waders ability to breathe.
• Stains - most stain removers will work fine on our waders. As long as the stain remover does not contain bleach you should be okay.

Footwear

For maximum thoroughness, remove laces prior to cleaning. Use specialized boot cleaner, saddle soap or maybe a mild dishwashing soap with luke-warm water.

• Do not use bar soap or detergents.
• Do not place wet boots close to a heat source (fireplace, campfire, wood stove, radiator, heater, sunny windowsill) as this can weaken adhesives and cause materials to become brittle or shrink.
• Dry using natural methods (air dry) and try to keep them out of the sun for long periods of time.

Boots dry faster when positioned upside-down. If desired, stuff a sheet or two of newspaper into each boot to absorb moisture. Change the paper each hour. If you see any mold on your boots, brush in a mixture of 80% water and 20% vinegar.Over time the use of leather conditioners may provide increased water repellency and can prevent cracking and drying of the leather.Store boots in a place where temperatures are stable and normal. Do not store boots in attics, garages, car trunks or any unventilated spaces.Never put boot in washing machine.

Outerwear/Jackets

Cleaning your GORE-TEX® garments regularly will extend the life of the product. It will also keep them breathable as dirt and oil can clog the GORE-TEX® membrane over time.It is critical to wash jackets. Natural oils can damage the GORE-TEX® tape and adhesives causing a peeling effect.Machine wash warm. Do not use fabric softener or bleach.Remember to zip all pockets and close all Velcro cuffs before washing to prevent any damage caused by the machine.Tumble dry on warm setting making sure not to use a high heat setting. Drying on warm will actually reactivate the DWR coating.

Sportswear

For items that can be washed, normal home laundering is recommended. Insect Shield repellent apparel can be bleached, starched, pressed, etc., without effect on the repellent quality; however, it should not be dry-cleaned. 70+ washings until effectiveness starts to deteriorate.

For non insect shield repellent apparel:

• Machine wash cold with like colors. 
• Use mild detergent. 
• Gentle cycle.
• Do not use fabric softeners. 
• Do not use bleach. 
• Tumble dry low. 
• Do not iron.

Headwear

Cleaning your GORE-TEX® garments regularly will extend the life of the product. It will also keep them breathable as dirt and oil can clog the GORE-TEX® membrane over time.It is critical to wash jackets. Natural oils can damage the GORE-TEX® tape and adhesives causing a peeling effect.Machine wash warm. Do not use fabric softener or bleach.Remember to zip all pockets and close all Velcro cuffs before washing to prevent any damage caused by the machine.Tumble dry on warm setting making sure not to use a high heat setting. Drying on warm will actually reactivate the DWR coating.

For items that can be washed, normal home laundering is recommended. Insect Shield repellent apparel can be bleached, starched, pressed, etc., without effect on the repellent quality; however, it should not be dry-cleaned.70+ washings until effectiveness starts to deteriorate.

For non insect shield repellent apparel: 

• Machine wash cold with like colors.  
• Use mild detergent.  
• Gentle cycle. 
• Do not use fabric softeners.  
• Do not use bleach.  
• Tumble dry low.  
• Do not iron.

Gloves

Cleaning your GORE-TEX® garments regularly will extend the life of the product. It will also keep them breathable as dirt and oil can clog the GORE-TEX® membrane over time.It is critical to wash jackets. Natural oils can damage the GORE-TEX® tape and adhesives causing a peeling effect.Machine wash warm. Do not use fabric softener or bleach.Remember to zip all pockets and close all Velcro cuffs before washing to prevent any damage caused by the machine.Tumble dry on warm setting making sure not to use a high heat setting. Drying on warm will actually reactivate the DWR coating.

Machine wash and rinse in cold water, gentle cycle. Tumble dry low, remove promptly. Do not dry clean, bleach, iron or steam.To maintain loft do not store compacted. Primaloft® is easy to care for especially when compared to down.