Arc'teryx Care & Maintenance Guide

How to Wash and Protect Your Gear.

Why Proper Care Matters

Taking care of your gear isn’t just about looking sharp (though that helps). It means your waterproof layers stay reliably waterproof, your insulation keeps you warm when it matters most, your jacket won’t smell like a swamp after one hike, and your investment keeps paying off season after season.

GORE-TEX Gear (Shell Jackets & Pants)

To prepare your garments for washing, begin by closing all zippers and Velcro fasteners, loosening any drawcords, opening the cuffs, and emptying all pockets. For cleaning technical jackets, we recommend using Nikwax Tech Wash; however, any cleaner specifically designed for technical outerwear will also work. Garments can be washed either by machine or by hand. If machine washing, first ensure that all detergent residue is removed from the detergent dispenser. Place your garments into the machine and add the recommended amount of washing solution. Set the washing machine to a synthetic cycle: 30°C with a slow spin for front loaders or 40°C for top loaders. After the wash, either drip-dry the garments or tumble dry on a low setting, if the care label permits.

If you prefer to hand wash. Fill a sink or basin with hand-hot water and add the appropriate amount of technical wash. Submerge the garment, stir the water to distribute the cleaner, and allow it to soak for five to ten minutes. Agitate the garment during this time, repeating the soaking and agitating process until the item is free from dirt, marks, or blemishes. Once clean, rinse thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Let the garment drip-dry or tumble dry on low if the care label allows. Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, colorants, or regular laundry detergents, as these can seriously damage the performance of your technical jackets.

To restore water repellency, use a technical reproofing product such as Nikwax TX.Direct. As with cleaning, reproofing can be done by machine or hand. If machine washing, begin with clean garments and make sure the detergent dispenser is clear of residue. Place the garments into the washer and add 100ml of TX.Direct per item for front-loading machines, or 150ml per item for top-loading machines. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen waterproofing product. Use a synthetic cycle, 30°C with a slow spin for front loaders or 40°C for top loaders. Once finished, drip-dry or tumble dry on a low setting, if permitted by the care label. Hand application follows the same steps as hand washing, simply replacing the cleaning solution with the waterproofing treatment.

If your waterproofing product is a spray, apply it while the clean garment is still damp, as this allows for more even coverage. Hang or lay the garment flat, and spray the product evenly over the entire surface from approximately 15cm away. After a few minutes, wipe away any excess with a damp cloth and inspect the garment to ensure there are no missed areas. After waiting a bit longer, wipe off any remaining residue and allow the jacket to dry completely before wearing.

Down Insulation (Like the Cerium) & Synthetic Down Insulation (Like Atom, Proton Series)

Down gear needs careful treatment. To properly wash a down jacket, start by closing the main zipper as well as any pit zippers, while leaving pocket zippers open. Release the tension on all elastic drawcords and loosen the Velcro cuffs, re-securing them lightly to prevent damage. It's best to use a front-load washing machine, but if you're using a top-loader with an agitator, place the jacket in a mesh bag or, alternatively, a pillowcase to protect it during the wash.

Once the jacket is inside the machine, add the appropriate cleaning agent as directed on the product label, we will always recommend Nikwax Down Wash, but all other specific down washes will work as well. Wash the garment using medium heat (40°C or 104°F) on a permanent press or gentle cycle. To ensure all detergent is removed, run a second rinse cycle before drying. Tumble dry on low heat with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to break up clumps and help restore loft.

If you don't have a tumble dryer or the cleaning label says that you can't tumble dry it. Then lay it out flat on a drying rack to let the insulation fully dry, don’t rush it as this can take serval hours even after the outside of the garment feels dry. While drying pat and or scrunch the garment gently to break up the clumps of the down inside the jacket every so often. When storing, avoid stuffing it in its sack, hang it up or keep it in a breathable storage bag to maintain its loft.

Everything Else (Base Layers, Fleece, Softshell, Packs, Accessories)

For base layers, fleece, and softshells, wash in warm or cold water using a technical detergent if needed like Nikwax Wool wash and Nikwax Softshell Proof. Skip the fabric softeners, they clog breathable fabric. Use a gentle cycle, then either tumble dry on low or air dry. Packs and accessories need a gentler touch. Hand wash them with warm soapy water and a sponge or soft brush, then rinse thoroughly and air dry out of direct sunlight.

What Not to Do (Seriously, Don’t)

Avoid regular laundry detergent and fabric softeners. Don’t crank the heat in the dryer, high temps can melt or shrink fabrics. Never machine wash packs or harnesses, and don’t ignore small damage like rips or fraying seams. A little maintenance goes a long way.

Signs Your Gear Needs Washing (And What to Use)

Still unsure when to wash? If water soaks in instead of beading, or if your gear smells musty, feels sticky inside, or the insulation looks flat, it’s time. Visible dirt, salt stains, or a general drop in performance are all red flags. The good news is that modern detergents are gentle. Washing gear helps extend its life, not ruin it.

To do it right, we recommend Nikwax. Tech Wash is your go-to cleaner for waterproof gear. TX.Direct restores DWR, whether you choose spray-on or wash-in. Down Wash Direct is perfect for reviving loft and performance in your insulated gear, and SoftShell Proof takes care of your hybrid layers. All of these are eco-friendly, water-based, and safe for technical fabrics.

Smart Storage = Longer Life

Once everything’s clean and dry, don’t just cram it into a corner. Hang jackets and pants, store insulation uncompressed, and keep your gear somewhere cool and dry, definitely not a damp garage or basement.

Not Sure if Arc'teryx is Right for You?

Before you commit to a new jacket or shell, you might want to see how Arc'teryx stacks up against the competition. We put it head-to-head with Patagonia and The North Face in our deep-dive comparison: from performance in NZ conditions to durability, value, comfort, and even streetwear style.

?? Check out the full Arc'teryx vs Patagonia vs The North Face: Which Brand is Best for NZ Outdoor Enthusiasts? breakdown here to help decide which brand fits your adventure style best.

Final Thoughts

Arc’teryx gear is built to last, but only if you meet it halfway. Regular washing, smart storage, and the occasional reproofing will keep your kit performing like the day you bought it. Treat it well, and your jacket might just outlast your knees on those backcountry climbs.

Stay sharp. Stay dry. Look after your gear, and it'll look after you.