Gear Care, Best Practices
The worst part about finishing a great weekend of wheeling is knowing that you have lots of cleaning ahead. If you’ve read this far, you’ve decided that proper use and investing in quality recovery gear is crucial. Everything has a shelf life—even Twinkies—so it’s important to keep your gear stored in the right conditions. Wood says that “recovery gear should be stored in a cool, dark, moisture-free environment away from UV light and extreme temperatures.” If needed, set up multiple buckets to clean your straps, just like how a bartender cleans pint glasses, moving from a series of dirty soap baths to clean water. Wood also tells us that using pressurized water is a no-no. If your gear is loaded up with mud and dirt, using pressurized water is only going to force that dirt further into your rope or strap. This ends up acting like sandpaper deep within your gear, compromising its integrity as it breaks down the fibers. Always check first with the manufacturer but in general, if cleaning agents are required, Simple Green or common dish soap work well. Rinse well with clean water and make sure all gear is completely dry before storing it.
Make sure to inspect your gear and admit when it’s time to throw things away. A slight rip in your rope, strap, or synthetic winch line can (and will) compromise the strength significantly. A cracked bicycle helmet is compromised and you wouldn’t think twice about replacing it, so follow the same thought process with your recovery gear.
Remember to take note of terminology and labels, use the correct gear for each situation, and get proper training on how to use your gear. Be safe and happy wheeling.