Repair & Care

FAQs

Good gear deserves good care. In our FAQ, we answer the most important questions about cleaning, repairs, and spare parts – so your equipment stays mission-ready.

Spare Parts & Repairs

• Broken buckle on your backpack, jacket or gear?

  No problem – most buckles are super easy to replace. At TACWRK, you’ll find a selection of original parts and high-quality alternatives. Just make sure to check the size and type (e.g. side-release or ladder buckle). Many repair buckles can even be fitted without any sewing required.

• Can I repair a broken zipper myself?

  Minor zipper issues can often be fixed yourself. If the zipper is stuck, a bit of silicone spray can help. If the slider is worn out or broken, you can replace it using a Gear Aid Zipper Repair Kit. However, if the teeth or coil are damaged, a full replacement by a professional repair service is usually required.

• What can I do if the teeth of the zipper or the coil are damaged? Do you have a recommendation for where I can have it repaired?

  Many high-quality brands offer repair services or spare parts—often easily accessible via customer service or their websites.

  Professional outdoor tailors and gear repair services may also be able to help, as they specialize in technical apparel. Additionally, many traditional local tailors now offer repairs for technical zippers—especially in larger cities or mountain sport regions, it’s worth asking around. 

• How do I properly care for zippers to prevent them from breaking in the first place?

  Zippers stay functional for longer when regularly cleaned of dirt and dust. For zippers on jackets or backpacks, it’s best to use a dedicated zipper care product or silicone spray. This prevents jamming and extends their lifespan. Especially if you spend a lot of time in dusty or dirty environments, this step is well worth it.

Waterproofing & Care

• How can I check if my jacket’s waterproof coating is still effective?

  The quickest way to test is the shower test: hang up your jacket and spray it with water over a large area. If the water beads off, the waterproof coating is still intact. If the water sticks or soaks into the fabric, it’s time to reproof the jacket. 

• How do I know which waterproofing treatment is suitable for my jacket?

  The right product depends on fabric and function:

  • Hardshells with membranes (e.g. Gore-Tex, Sympatex) need PFC-free sprays that renew the DWR without clogging pores.
  • Softshells and hybrid jackets require flexible treatments that preserve breathability and stretch.
  • Waxed cotton or cotton blends (e.g. Fjällräven G-1000) need special wax or oil-based products.

  Always follow the care label and choose the correct method: spray-on for targeted treatment or wash-in for full-surface reproofing (only for jackets without sensitive linings)

• Do I need to pay special attention when waterproofing Gore-Tex clothing?

  Yes. Gore-Tex relies on both a membrane and a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating to stay breathable and water-repellent. Use a technical detergent (no fabric softener, bleach, or powder), wash at 30–40 °C, and run an extra rinse cycle.

  After washing, reactivate the DWR with low heat (dryer or iron). If water no longer beads on the surface, apply a suitable reproofing product (spray-on or wash-in) and finish with heat to seal the treatment.

• What was the deal again with washing machine and dryer? What’s allowed — and what’s not?

  It depends entirely on the material: Merino wool can be machine-washed on a wool cycle but should always air-dry flat. Down jackets and sleeping bags require a gentle wash with down detergent and must be fully dried in the dryer with dryer balls to regain loft. Synthetic base layers and insulated gear (like Primaloft or G-LOFT) tolerate low-heat drying but should never be washed with fabric softener. Gore-Tex and hardshells can go in the machine with technical detergent and should be tumble-dried at low heat to reactivate the DWR coating. Cordura backpacks, on the other hand, should never go in the machine or dryer—hand-wash only.

  Golden rule: Always check the care label and avoid common mistakes like high heat, fabric softener, and overloaded wash cycles—these can seriously damage performance fabrics.

• What should I do if my shoe is letting in water?

  Wet feet don’t always mean your boots are broken. Often, worn-out DWR coating or moisture entering through the tongue or cuff is to blame. First, clean your boots with mild footwear cleaner, then reapply a suitable waterproofing spray (e.g. Nikwax or Grangers) while they’re still slightly damp.

  If water still seeps in at specific points, the membrane (e.g. Gore-Tex) may be damaged. In that case, contact the manufacturer for repair options or patch minor leaks with a product like Gear Aid Aquaseal SR. Regular care is key to long-term waterproof performance.

Material & Durability

• How durable is each type of Cordura?

  • Cordura 500D is the perfect all-rounder – lightweight, tear-resistant, and sufficiently abrasion-resistant for backpacks, pouches, and plate carriers in regular use.
  • Cordura 350D is extremely light and preferred where weight matters more than maximum durability, such as in ultralight gear or inner compartments.
  • Cordura 700D combines the best of both worlds – more robust than 500D but lighter than 1000D, making it ideal for uncompromising tactical gear with weight considerations.
  • Cordura 1000D is the heavyweight among fabrics – extremely abrasion-resistant, heavy, and nearly indestructible, perfect for pack bottoms, edges, and heavy-duty backpacks in hardcore use.

• How can I prevent Cordura from fading?

  Cordura material is extremely tough, but prolonged UV exposure can still cause fading. To prevent this, store your gear in a dry, shaded place whenever possible. If the sun-bleached look bothers you, you can apply a UV-protection spray to help shield the fabric from sun damage.

Care & Cleaning

• How do I clean a tactical backpack?

  Uhm, preferably not at all. But if yogurt, spaghetti Bolognese, and pickles exploded in your backpack all at once, do not throw it in the washing machine. Backpacks made of Cordura or nylon should be cleaned by hand using lukewarm water and mild soap. Machine washing is not recommended, as it can damage coatings and fabric structure. Let it dry thoroughly—but never in direct sunlight. The same applies to tac pouches and all other Cordura gear.

• How should I store my gear to prevent material damage?

  Tactical gear and outdoor equipment should be stored clean, dry, and in a well-ventilated space. Avoid direct sunlight and damp environments. Shoes shouldn’t be kept in sealed boxes to prevent mold. Backpacks and clothing are best stored hanging or loosely folded. Never store sleeping bags in their stuff sacks—always hang them up loosely instead.