Suited Systems Product Care
Suited Systems gear and clothing are built for harsh conditions, but proper care is essential to keep their performance and durability for years to come.
1. Carrying Systems(plate carriers, packs, pouches)
Daily care
Empty your gear completely after every use. Check all pockets, Velcro panels and MOLLE webbing. Shake out sand and dirt.
After use in rain, mud or heavy sweat, let the gear air out. Never store it damp - mold and odor develop very quickly.
Brush off dry dirt with a soft brush before washing.
Deep cleaning
Fill a bowl, tub or sink with lukewarm water and mild soap. Submerge the gear and wash it gently by hand. Scrub the dirtiest areas with a soft brush.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all soap is gone. Soap residue attracts dirt and reduces the material's water resistance.
As an alternative, machine wash on a gentle, low-spin cycle, strictly following the care label of the specific product.
Spot cleaning
Use lukewarm water and a little mild soap. Clean with a sponge, cloth or soft brush.
For stubborn stains, let the soapy water work for a few minutes, then scrub lightly. Do not use alcohol, solvents or other harsh chemicals.
Zippers and hardware
After dusty or muddy conditions, rinse or brush the zippers clean. Dirt in the teeth causes snagging and damage.
If a zipper runs stiff, use a dedicated zipper lubricant, wax or paraffin. Avoid oily lubricants - they attract sand and dirt.
Regularly inspect buckles, straps, seams and MOLLE webbing. Trim loose threads carefully, never pull them.
Drying
Hang the bag or vest with the openings facing down in a well-ventilated place. Leave all compartments open.
Avoid drying in direct heat - dryers, radiators, hair dryers and prolonged direct sunlight. Heat can warp plastic hardware, damage coatings and weaken glues.
Make sure everything is completely dry before storing.
Storage
- Store your gear clean, dry and uncompressed.
- Keep it away from damp or humid conditions, heat and direct sunlight.
- For long-term storage, leave the compartments slightly open for air circulation.
Washing cycles, important notes and exceptions
- The standard washing cycle for all bags, plate carriers and pouches is up to 40°C.
- Exception: the LONE TIGER 40L BACKPACK may only be washed on a delicate cycle up to 30°C.
2. Base Layers(synthetic and Merino wool)
Storage
Store completely dry and folded, never on a hanger. Wash before seasonal storage - sweat residue attracts moths. Use cedar wood or lavender to repel moths.
Care tip
Merino fiber has natural antimicrobial properties, so between wears it is often enough to simply air the garment out.
Washing cycles, important notes and exceptions
- Snow Shield GEN 1: wash up to 40°C, may be tumble dried and ironed on low.
- Snow Shield GEN 2: wash up to 30°C, do not tumble dry, do not iron.
- Thermo Shield Merino: gentle cycle up to 40°C, do not tumble dry, iron on low.
Synthetic base layers (Snow Shield):
Stain treatment
Treat stains early by applying a mild detergent directly to the fabric. Lightly rub the areas around the waistband, cuffs and armpits before washing. Do not scrub aggressively, to avoid damaging the knit.
Washing
Turn inside out before washing. Use a mild detergent, ideally one made for sportswear. Never use fabric softener - it coats synthetic fibers and destroys the material's ability to wick moisture.
Drying
Synthetics dry fast. Air dry, hung up or laid flat. Keep away from radiators, do not iron and do not dry on strong heat sources that can damage the elastic fibers.
Extra tips
Wash separately from towels, jeans and rough fabrics to prevent pilling. Close the zippers and Velcro on other garments before washing so they do not snag the knit.
Merino wool base layers (Thermo Shield):
Stain treatment
Treat stains early. Gently blot the stain with cool water and a wool detergent. Do not scrub aggressively. Use cool water only - hot water sets protein stains (blood, sweat) into the fibers.
Washing
Turn inside out. Use cool or lukewarm water and a wool-safe detergent. Avoid detergents with enzymes - over time they break down wool fibers. Use the gentle or wool cycle. Do not wring or spin hard. Wash together with similar soft garments; if washing with heavier items, put the merino in a laundry bag.
Drying
Air dry only. Lay flat on a towel or drying rack, reshape to its full form while damp (do not leave it crumpled or folded). Hanging wet merino will stretch it. Keep away from direct heat, radiators and sun.
3. Apparel and Accessories(combat shirts, flame resistant apparel etc.)
Ironing
Iron only if the label specifically allows it (low or medium temperature).
Never iron over Velcro panels, reflective elements, prints, logos, glued labels or synthetic mesh.
Care tips
Lightly worn garments: just air them out, spot clean and wash only when it is really needed.
Wash sweaty combat shirts right after use.
Muddy trousers and jackets: let them dry, brush off the mud, then wash.
Combat shirts
Combat shirts usually have durable fabric sleeves and a soft, breathable torso knit. Treat them like technical sportswear.
Wash inside out in cool or lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Pay attention to the armpits, collar, chest and back.
After washing, do not wring the shirt forcefully, to protect the stretch panels and seams.
Washing cycles, important notes and exceptions
- Up to 60°C: All-rounder, Smart Flex Polo (may be ironed on high, but must not be tumble dried).
- Up to 40°C: Versatility, All-rounder NYCO, Hardcore, Soft Power, Weather Wick, Arctic Assault, Second Skin, Boonie Hat, Thunderstorm and others.
- Up to 30°C: Jeans, Smart Flex Wool-blend Polo.
Exceptions in this group:
Second Skin GEN. II (MC) and Pit-Stop Dress must not be ironed; Atlas GEN. II must not be tumble dried.
Flame resistant apparel (FR - Flame Resistant)
Follow the care label strictly.
Never use bleach, fabric softeners, starch or strong laundry additives. They can completely destroy or reduce the fabric's flame resistant properties.
Wash FR garments separately from clothes contaminated with oil, fuel or grease.
If an FR garment is torn, heavily worn or contaminated with chemicals, it must be replaced.
4. Care Symbols
The exact care instructions for every product are on its inner label.
Maximum permitted washing temperature.
Gentle washing cycle.
Tumble dry on low.
If crossed out, do not tumble dry.
Do not bleach.
Professional dry cleaning in tetrachloroethylene and all solvents listed for symbol F. If underlined, a gentle process is required.
Professional wet cleaning.
If underlined, a gentle process is required.
Dry cleaning.
If crossed out, do not dry clean.
Ironing temperature
(1 dot = low, 2 dots = medium, 3 dots = high).
If crossed out, do not iron.