Backcountry Gear Maintenance: How to Keep Your Equipment Performing

Backcountry Gear Maintenance: How to Keep Your Equipment Performing Season After Season

Backcountry gear takes a beating — from abrasive snow, wet conditions, hard climbs, and long descents. The difference between gear that lasts a season and gear that reliably performs year after year is regular care and simple habits. Below is a clear, no-nonsense guide to maintaining the core pieces of your backcountry kit: skis, boots, bindings, and climbing skins.

1) Skis: Clean, Dry, Wax, and Store Right

After every tour:
• Remove snow and ice; wipe down the tops, base, and edges with a soft cloth — this prevents rust and corrosion.

Cleaning tips:
• If dirt sticks to the base, use lukewarm water and mild detergent. Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners that can damage the materials.

Waxing:
• Regular wax maintains glide and keeps the base from drying out.
• Hot waxing (with an iron) provides better long-term protection and glide; liquid/cold wax is quicker but less durable.
• Wax when snow conditions or temperatures shift significantly.

Base repairs:
• Minor gouges can be fixed with P-tex. For significant damage, consult a professional.

Storage tips:
• Dry skis fully before storing.
• For off-season, apply a protective wax layer and store in a dry, frost-free place — not near acidic fumes or in a garage with fluctuating temperatures.

2) Boots: Clean, Dry, and Protect Shape

Cleaning:
• Separate shell and liner.
• Use mild soap and lukewarm water; gently hand-wash liners. Avoid hot water (>40 °C / 104 °F) which can distort materials.

Drying:
• Dry liners and shells completely in a warm, not humid location.
• Avoid direct heat sources (like heaters or ovens) which can warp shells or liners.

In-season storage:
• Keep boots in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and large temperature swings.

Off-season storage:
• Once fully dry, reassemble and close buckles loosely. A dry, shaded place preserves materials longer.

3) Bindings: Clean, Check, and Store Smart

Cleaning:
• Dirt and grit can impact function — wipe bindings with lukewarm, sudsy water.
• Never use aggressive or acidic cleaners.

Check function:
• Binding release settings can drift over time and with exposure to dirt, moisture, or long storage.
• Have a professional verify settings before the season starts or if something feels off.

Transport & storage:
• Store skis with bindings in a dry, frost-free space. Avoid garages with exhaust fumes or fluctuating temperatures.
• For pin bindings, reduce tension during storage by setting components to minimal stress settings.

4) Climbing Skins: Care for Adhesive and Fibers

Cleaning:
• When skins get dirty, use a damp cloth on the climbing side.
• Remove stones, grass, and debris from the glue gently — foreign matter reduces stick and can damage the glue.

Drying:
• Dry skins at room temperature before re-folding.
• Never expose adhesive to direct heat or strong sunlight — it weakens tack.

Adhesive care:
• Keep freshly waxed ski bases clean before applying skins — excess wax reduces grip.
• If adhesive performance drops or clumping begins, re-treat with a waterproofing product made for skins or have a professional re-treat them.

Folding & storage:
• Once clean and dry, fold skins adhesive-to-adhesive and store in a skin bag.
• For off-season, store in a clean, cool, dry spot.

Simple Habits = Better Performance & Longer Gear Life

Good gear care doesn’t require expensive tools or services. The biggest gains come from routine habits:

• Wipe and dry gear after every outing.
• Use mild cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals.
• Store everything dry, clean, and stable in temperature.
• Check moving parts (like bindings) with a pro each season.
• Treat your backcountry equipment with intention and it’ll repay you with reliable performance, season after season.