Support

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Frost River Life

Product Care & Upkeep

Frost River gear is built to last, and a little care and maintenance can help keep it going for years to come. We use durable materials like waxed canvas and full-grain leather because they hold up well to regular use and can be cleaned, conditioned, and maintained as they age.


Taking care of your gear doesn’t have to be complicated. Occasional cleaning and maintenance can be done at home with the right products and a little time. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about cleaning and re-waxing our canvas, caring for leather, and keeping your gear in good shape.


Prefer to leave it to us? We also offer a cleaning and re-waxing service here at Frost River. Send your gear back to our Duluth shop and our team can clean it up and apply a fresh coat of wax for you.

Returning From a Trip

Once you’re in from a trip, empty out your bag (and all your gear!) and let it dry out.

Once you’re back from a trip, empty out your bag (and all your gear!) and give everything a chance to dry out. Even if your pack doesn’t feel wet, small amounts of moisture can build up inside. If it doesn’t have a chance to properly dry, that moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and some not-so-great smells.


If your pack does start to develop an odor, Otter Wax Odor Eliminator can help freshen things up by breaking down odor-causing bacteria. Because your bag should smell like waxed canvas and leather, not whatever you forgot in it after your last trip.

Sale Off
Waxed canvas odor eliminator in a 5 ounce spray bottle.
$10.00

Cleaning Instructions

Dirt and stains are part of a bag’s patina, and we think they should be worn like a badge of honor. But when your bag could use a good cleaning, here’s how to do it.

The Do Nots

• Don’t put your bag in a washing machine or dryer

• Don’t use chemical cleaners or solvents

• Don’t store in humid environments or prolonged direct sunlight


Loose Debris:

Use a soft brush to remove dust and dirt


Stubborn Dirt:

Use a stiff brush for dried mud


Interior:

Turn the bag inside out and clean the same way


Stains:

Some marks are part of the story, but if needed:

• Apply low heat to loosen wax

• Dab with a cloth

• Use a small amount of cleaner

• Let dry, then rewax


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Waxed canvas and leather spot cleaner in a three ounce spray bottle.
$12.50
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Wooden Otter Wax Tampico Cleaning Brush
$4.95
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Otter Wax Premium Leather and Canvas Care Brush
$14.95

Re-Waxing Canvas

Why bags should be re-waxed:

• Keeps water out

• Extends the life of the canvas

When to re-wax:

• Water no longer beads on the surface

• Canvas feels dry or loses structure

How often:

Depends on use, could be years or once a season.

Instructions

1. Clean and fully dry

2. Apply a thin, even layer of wax

3. Work into seams and details

4. Apply low heat to set

5. Repeat if needed


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While all of our packs and bags come pre-waxed it doesn't hurt to have a can of this wax to touch up the bag after some wear.
$8.00$8.00
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Wax Smoothing Tool
$5.00

Leather Conditioning

Over time, leather can start to dry out from regular use and exposure to the elements.

Apply leather cream sparingly to help condition the leather, restore moisture, and maintain its water resistance. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and work more in as needed.

Sale Off
A two ounce tin of Frost River's Leather Cream
$13.00$13.00

Pack Storage Recommendations

Damp basements are a tough place for a canvas and leather bag to live. 

This environment breeds mold and mildew and you don’t want either of those around your pack. Don’t store your canoe pack or waxed canvas bag in your basement if it’s prone to those issues. Same goes for concrete, keep ‘em up off the garage floor. Hanging the packs or storing them on a shelf is a good way to keep your pack in good shape between excursions.

Care & Repair Services

Prefer to leave it to us? We have you covered. 

Waxing Service: Starting at $10 plus the cost of wax, we can apply a fresh coat of wax to help restore your gear’s water resistance and keep the canvas protected.


Repairs: Well-used gear is bound to pick up some wear along the way. We offer repair services to help keep your Frost River gear in use for years to come.


Send us a message to get started. 

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Message:

Waxed Canvas is Tough, but like Anything Worth Holding onto, it Needs to be Cared for.

It’s guaranteed to last, and stand up to hard use outdoors, and, like anything worth keeping, it requires some care and cleaning to fulfill its potential and be with you for years of adventure… on and off the beaten path.


Happy trails and good paddling to you, we thank you for the support!