When going on a long backpacking trip, most hikers are aware that they will end up smelling pretty bad by the end of their trip. Body odor is completely natural, especially when you are out in nature with little or no access to fresh water to clean with after working up a sweat by hiking all day. Apart from the unpleasant smell, body odor is harmless, and you can get rid of it once you get home and get a nice long hot shower.

What’s more difficult is getting rid of the smell from your backpack!

The shoulder straps and the back panels of most backpacks are designed to align perfectly with the body, which causes them to be in the perfect position to soak up as much of the sweat and body odor as possible. As a result, they get stinky quickly, and the smell is harder to get rid of as it burrows deep within the fabric.

Here are some quick and easy ways to de0stink your backpack after a long hiking trip:

Spritz Some Vinegar

Almost every household has vinegar, and it is one of the easiest ways to de-stink anything. Add some vinegar to a spray bottle with a couple of drops of lime juice and spritz it on the straps of your backpack and any other place that is smelling particularly ripe. Leave it for a few hours, and then rinse the backpack with warm, soapy water to remove the smell of vinegar so that you don’t end up smelling like a pickle on your next hiking trip.

Clean It with Lysol

Lysol is one of the most effective and commonly used disinfectants popular at bowling allies to de-stink sweaty bowling shoes and in gyms. Spray some Lysol on your backpack before and after your trip and let it air dry to remove any lingering odors and eliminate any bacteria build-up causing the smell. You can also use Lysol for your hiking boots and other gear to get rid of any contaminants and keep them sanitized and safe for use.

Tossing It in The Washer

Check your backpack’s tag to see if it is safe for machine washing. Most small hydration packs and daypacks can be added to the washer on a gentle cycle after the trip to clean it easily. If you think your backpack will get damaged in the washing machine, just handwash it in a tub full of warm, soapy water and rinse it in some fragranced fabric softener afterward to remove any tough smells.

Kitty Litter!

Kitty litter has excellent de-odorizing properties, and many costume designers use it to remove musty smells and body odors from old costumes. Simply take a large plastic container and fill it with kitty litter. Toss in the back and make sure the kitty litter covers it completely before shutting the container. Take out your fresh-smelling and de-odorized backpack after a week!

Spray on Some Vodka

Vodka isn’t just for having a good time on the weekends. The distilled beverage has been used for years within the professional cleaning industry to get rid of nasty odors from garments without having to wash them. Just spray some vodka all over the fabric of your backpack until completely saturated and allow it to air dry for a fresh-smelling backpack in no time!

Durable and Compact Ultralight Backpacks from Light Hiking Gear!

Are you thinking of going on a fun hiking trip this weekend? Don’t forget to get a quality ultralight backpack from Light Hiking Gear to carry all your stuff easily!

Our exclusive ultralight backpacks are durable and compact, and easy to clean after a long hiking trip, so you don’t have to worry about storing a stinky backpack!

Check out our amazing range of lightweight backpacks and ultralight hiking gear, or contact us today for more information!