Proper care helps maintain the performance, comfort, and durability of your gear. To get the most out of your Stellar Equipment products, follow the care instructions for the relevant material or product category below. Regular maintenance will help extend the life of your equipment and keep it performing as intended, season after season. For product specific wash directions, please view the wash tag on the garment.
Empty all pockets and zip up: Close all zippers, velcro and buttons. Make sure all pockets are empty.
Wash with similar colors: Wash the garment separately or only with similar colors to protect the fabric and finish.
Machine cycle: Select a delicate or hand wash cycle.
Temperature: Wash in cold water, maximum 30°C.
Detergent: Use a mild liquid detergent, preferably one specific for shell gear. Do not use powder detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners.
Tumble dry: Tumble dry on low heat to reactivate the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish.
Ironing alternative: If you don't have a tumble dryer, iron the garment on a low heat setting to reactivate the DWR treatment.
Re-waterproofing: Most of our shells are treated with a PFAS-free DWR coating, which is a more environmentally friendly alternative. As this treatment may wear off faster than traditional DWR finishes, we recommend reapplying a DWR wash-in or spray periodically to maintain optimal water repellency.
The middle layer of a 3-layer shell is the breathable membrane, and the innermost layer is a protective barrier. Keeping these layers clean ensures they can perform their functions effectively, keeping water out and allowing sweat vapor to escape.
Shell garments are built to protect you in harsh conditions, and frequent washing is key to maintaining their performance. Regular washing removes dirt and oils that can affect breathability, durability, and water repellency. Proper care means your gear will be ready for the elements every time you are.
Stellar Shell Jacket/Pants, Free Shell Jacket/bib, Ultralight Shell Jacket/Pants, Stellar Insulated Jacket/Pants, Pro Shell Jacket/Bib
Empty pockets and zip up: Close all zippers, velcro and buttons. Make sure all pockets are empty.
Wash with similar colors: Wash the garment separately or only with similar colors to protect the fabric and finish.
Machine and cycle: Use a front-loading washing machine. Select a delicate or hand-wash cycle
Temperature: Wash in cold water, maximum 30°C.
Detergent: Use a mild liquid detergent, preferably one specific for down products. Do not use powder detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners.
Handle with care: Handle the wet, heavy jacket carefully when transferring it to avoid damaging internal baffles.
Tumble dry: Tumble dry on a low heat.
Redistribute down: Add 2-3 tennis balls or specialized dryer balls to the machine. This is crucial as it breaks up clumps and redistributes the down clusters evenly as the jacket expands.
Ensure the down is fully dry: Be aware that it takes several hours for the down insulation to completely dry. The outer fabric may feel dry, but the down can take up to 6 hours. Remove the jacket periodically to shake it and break up any remaining clumps by hand.
Always store your down gear clean and completely dry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For best performance, store it uncompressed whenever possible. Hanging it in a closet or store it loosely in a breathable storage bag, so the down can maintain its loft and insulation.
It is fine to use the stow bag during travel or short-term storage, but make sure to unpack the garment again afterwards. Proper storage helps preserve loft, insulation, and long-term performance of your down gear.
Ultralight down Hood/Jacket/Vest/Pants, Stellar Down Parka, Guide Expedition Down Parka/Pants, Free Down Parka, Stretch Down Jacket/Hood/Vest, Guide Hyperlight Down Hood, Red Hot Parka,
Empty pockets and zip up: Close all zippers, velcro and buttons. Make sure all pockets are empty.
Wash with similar colors: Wash the garment separately or only with similar colors to protect the fabric and finish.
Machine cycle: Select a delicate, or hand-wash cycle.
Temperature: Wash in cold water, maximum 30°C.
Detergent: Use a mild liquid detergent. Do not use powder detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners.
Lightly insulated garments: Hang dry or lay flat to air dry.
Heavily insulated garments (such as Technolight): Tumble dry on low heat until the insulation is completely dry. Clean dryer balls or tennis balls can be added to help restore the loft.
Flexlight Hood, Technolight Hood, Free Padded Hood/Shirt/Pants/Shorts/Skirt
Empty pockets and zip up: Close all zippers. Make sure all pockets are empty.
Use a mesh bag: Place the garments in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging against the drum or other clothing.
Wash with similar colors: Wash the garment separately or only with similar colors to protect the fabric and finish.
Note: Merino does not need to be washed after every wear, as the wool is naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant. Hang garments outside to air between wears instead.
Machine cycle: Select a wool, or hand-wash cycle.
Temperature: Wash in cold water, maximum 30°C.
Detergent: Use a detergent specific for wool products. Do not use powder detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners.
Do not wring: Never twist or wring your Merino wool, as this will stretch out and warp the fabric. Gently squeeze out excess water.
Dry flat: Lay the garments flat to dry on a clean, dry towel. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat sources (like radiators).
Avoid hangers: Never hang soaking wet Merino layers on a hanger, as the weight of the water will stretch the fabric and ruin the fit
Guide Merino Mid hood/Pants, Merino Base Top/Tights, Guide Aerogel Hybrid Hood/Vest/Pants, Stellar Merino Beanie
Empty all pockets and zip up: Close all zippers, velcro and buttons. Make sure all pockets are empty.
Wash with similar colors: Wash the garment separately or only with similar colors to protect the fabric and finish
Machine cycle: Select a delicate, or hand-wash cycle.
Temperature: Wash in cold water, maximum 30°C.
Detergent: Use a mild liquid detergent. Do not use fabric softener or bleach.
Hang dry: Hang dry out of direct sunlight. Avoid tumble drying if possible. If used, tumble dry on low heat only.
Note: Seamless Base Layer and Stellar Tech Tee/LS/tank should not be tumble dried.
Stellar Mid Hood/Jacket/Vest/Pants, Stellar Light Mid T-neck/Sweater/Vest/Pants, Stellar Ultralight Mid T-neck, Free Light Mid Hood, Seamless Base Layer, Stellar Tech Tee/LS/tank, Free Tech Tee/LS, Running Shorts, Stellar Tights, Stellar Short Tights
Empty all pockets and zip up: Close all zippers, velcro and buttons. Make sure all pockets are empty.
Wash with similar colors: Wash the garment separately or only with similar colors to protect the fabric and finish
Machine cycle: Select a delicate, synthetic cycle.
Temperature: Wash in cold water, maximum 30°C.
Detergent: Use a mild liquid detergent. Do not use fabric softener or bleach.
Hang dry: Hang dry out of direct sunlight, or tumble dry on a low heat setting. A gentle tumble dry actually helps reactivate the DWR coating.
Check DWR: If water no longer beads up on the surface, the DWR has worn off. You can restore it using a spray-on waterproofing treatment.
Stellar Softshell Pants/Shorts, Stellar Light Softshell Pants/Shorts, Guide Softshell Pants, Free Pants/Shorts
Empty all pockets and zip up: Close all zippers, velcro and buttons. Make sure all pockets are empty.
Wash with similar colors: Wash the garment separately or only with similar colors to protect the fabric and finish.
Machine cycle: Use a delicate or cold wash cycle.
Temperature: Wash in cold water, maximum 30°C.
Detergent: Use a mild liquid detergent. Do not use fabric softener or bleach.
Hang dry: Hang dry out of direct sunlight. Do not tumble dry.
Check DWR: If water no longer beads up on the surface, the DWR has worn off. You can restore it using a spray-on waterproofing treatment.
Aerolight Wind Jacket, Stellar Wind Jacket, Stellar Hybrid Jacket/Vest
The middle layer of a 3-layer shell is the breathable membrane, and the innermost layer is a protective barrier. Keeping these layers clean ensures they can perform their functions effectively, keeping water out and allowing sweat vapor to escape.
Shell garments are built to protect you in harsh conditions, and frequent washing is key to maintaining their performance. Regular washing removes dirt and oils that can affect breathability, durability, and water repellency. Proper care means your gear will be ready for the elements every time you are.
Most of our outer layer products are treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, which helps water bead up and roll off the surface. Dirt, oil, and grime can clog the fabric’s pores, reducing its breathability and causing moisture to become trapped inside. Regular washing helps remove these contaminants and maintain the fabric’s breathability.
Dirt and oils can also degrade the DWR finish over time, reducing the product’s water repellency. While washing won’t directly restore the DWR finish, it cleans the surface and prepares it for reapplication of a DWR spray or treatment if needed.
Dirt particles can be abrasive. If left unwashed, they can wear down the membrane, the fabric, taping and seams of the garment, leading to tears or holes. Regular cleaning removes these particles and helps extend the life of the product.
Sweat, body oils, and external environmental smells can get absorbed into the garment, leading to unpleasant odors. Washing the jacket helps remove these odors, keeping it fresh.
Our warranties, however generous, require you to care for the garment according to our guidelines, which include regular washing.
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