Left my pack in the sun to air out, now the straps are brittle

After a long hike, I put my backpack on the patio to dry. Came back a few hours later and the sun had baked the plastic parts. The buckle snapped when I tried to adjust it. Keep your gear in the shade when airing it out, or you might be buying new straps.

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3 Comments

the_nina6mo ago

Yeah, the sun absolutely murders plasticizers in straps. Found that out after my hydration pack turned to dust. Always air dry gear in total shade now, no exceptions.

2

theat706mo ago

Ugh, learned that the hard way with a backpack left on a patio chair. Now if I have to fix any flaking straps, a tiny bit of seam sealer from my camping kit buys a little more time.

1

kim_mitchell436mo ago

I read an article that said something like 500 hours of direct sun can really start breaking down nylon webbing. Makes you realize why a covered spot matters so much, right? They had photos of straps that just crumbled apart from pure UV exposure over one summer. Kind of wild how fast it happens when you don't think about it.

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