Whether you’re planning to camp in your garden or further afield Nikwax has pulled together some top tips, highlighting a selection of products from its range, to help you get your camping kit prepared and capable of withstanding all weathers - well we have to be realistic!  Nikwax products are easy to apply, so this to-do list can be a fun for all the family to get involved.

• Clean and protect your old faithful tent using Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarwash: An easy to use spray-on technical cleaner with UV protection for cotton, canvas and synthetic tents and gear. Cleans effectively, revitalises water repellency, and extends the useful life of fabrics by protecting against UV deterioration.

Here, Vango’s Technical Tent Product Manager, Bob, recommends looking after you tent with Nikwax® aftercare products:

“This is generally the most important camping essential you need to take great care of if you wish it to last as long as possible. Not caring for your tent and storing it in the wrong kind of environment can drastically decrease the quality and lifespan of the fabrics. For the best results, clean your tent with Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarWash® and reproof it with Nikwax  Tent & Gear SolarProof®”

• Got a new tent – add some extra protection from harmful UV rays to extend the life of your new tent with Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarproof: Simply spray on to protect synthetic tents from harmful UV damage whilst adding Durable Water Repellency. It increases fabric strength and protects against deterioration.  One application can double the life of fabrics, so a worthy investment.  According to outdoor retailer Trekitt we’re buying bigger, better and more expensive tents so looking after them is key.
• It’s not just tents that need some TLC. Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarwash and Solarproof can be used to clean and protect other camping items, from caravan awnings, gazebos, toilet tents and fabric camping chairs to sun shades for children/pets and rucksacks.
• Refresh your sleeping bag. After living in a stuff sack for months your sleeping bag needs bringing back to life. Depending on the sleeping bag filling, either Nikwax Tech Wash or Down Wash Direct will do the trick.  Read more here on how easy it is to do.  For those who struggle to get warm at night opt for a 3- season sleeping bag, filled with Nikwax Hydrophobic Down such as Therm-a-rest’s Questar and don’t forget to pack a hot water bottle.
• Pack a down gilet or jacket for those chilly evenings while socialising around the campfire. Rab has a great selection made using recycled Nikwax Hydrophobic Down. The best cleaner for these items is Nikwax Down Wash Direct which can be simply added to the washing machine with your garments and then popped in the tumble dryer with a tennis ball.  Not only does it clean effectively it restores water repellency and maintains fill power and insulation.

• For the inevitable downpour make sure your waterproof jacket has been cleaned and re-proofed to keep you dry. Tech Wash and Direct are your go-to products. Both can be used in the washing machine and there’s no need to wait for the jacket to dry in between treatments.
• Don’t neglect your feet. Stock up on Nikwax’s trusty Footwear Cleaning Gel, Waterproof Wax for Leather and Fabric and Leather Proof to clean, add water repellency and breathability to your shoes and walking boots. After all, who wants wet socks and feet while camping!

As well as extending the life of your camping gear, which means you need to replace it less often, you can relax safe in the knowledge that Nikwax products are kind to our natural environment too. They are all water-based, PFC-free and Nikwax has never used any harmful aerosols or fluorocarbons in its products.  Happy camping!