CARE GUIDE
Here are some tips on how to care for your MIYAGEN products to ensure they last a long time. Proper care will maximize the performance and lifespan of your products.
APPAREL
Care for clothing
laundry
Wash freely.
To make it last, turn it inside out and put it in a wash bag before washing.
Use neutral detergent. If odor bothers you, add about a teaspoon of oxygen bleach (such as OxiClean) — it sanitizes and reduces smell.
dry
It's fine to put it in the dryer.
To make it last longer, dry it in the shade.
GEAR & PACKS
Care of Gear and Backpacks
Cleaning
Please hand wash in lukewarm water. Use a small amount of mild detergent, gently press and wash, rinse thoroughly, and then let it air dry in the sun.
storage
Store fully dry. Long-term storage inside a stuff sack accelerates material degradation. Mold is hard to remove, so always hang loose and open when storing for long periods.
PRO TIP
The best moment to care for gear is right when you get back, before the dirt dries. Shoulder straps and hip belts soak up sweat, so wash them well and dry fully.
SOCKS
Sock care
laundry
Please wash it as soon as possible after use. Washing it in a laundry net will make it easier to find.
Sweat and sebum remaining inside can cause deterioration.
dry
After shaping it, dry it in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.
Using a dryer can cause shrinkage, which can impair the fit, but even if they shrink in the dryer, they will return to their original size once you wear them.
Handling of separate structures
Be careful not to insert toes into the wrong opening.
Wearing them inverted can cause tearing or blisters.
Storage and lifespan guidelines
Please allow them to dry completely before storing. The lifespan of socks is approximately 100-150km with hard use on trails, and about 6-12 months with everyday use. It's time to replace them when the fabric at the heel or toe starts to thin. You can extend their lifespan by rotating between 2-3 pairs.
PRO TIP
How to choose socks: Tabi-type socks are a good match for trail running shoes and are characterized by their ability to easily feel the ground. Round-toe socks are suitable for general trekking shoes and can be used with a wide range of shoes. For multi-day hikes, bring a change of socks and hang them to dry when you arrive at the campsite so you can wear them comfortably the next day.
WHISTLE
Whistle maintenance
cleaning
It can be washed with water. Please rinse it gently with lukewarm water. Dirt and sand that have gotten inside can be removed by rinsing it with water and shaking it. Avoid cleaning with strong solvents or alcohol, as this may damage the resin.
Please make sure to drain all the water. If water freezes while the container is still full, it may cause damage.
Heat and environmental precautions
The GLOW (luminescent) model absorbs light and glows in the dark. The luminescence lasts almost indefinitely, but regular exposure to light will maximize its brightness.
Leaving it on a car's dashboard or in direct sunlight for extended periods can cause deformation and deterioration.
Inspection
As this is a safety device, please check for cracks or damage before use. Minor cracks caused by impact may result in changes in sound quality. If the sound when you play it is different from before, we recommend replacing it with a new one.
PRO TIP
The best place to carry a whistle is on the shoulder strap, or on a zipper or other strap.
Three consecutive blows in an emergency is the internationally recognized distress signal. The GLOW model allows you to locate your position even in complete darkness.
FOOD CANISTER 500
Cleaning food canisters
Cleaning
After each use, wash thoroughly with food-grade mild detergent and a sponge. Remove and wash the gasket. Leaving food residue in the product can cause spoilage and mold, so rinse it immediately after use, even on the trail.
It is also dishwasher safe.
dry
After washing, remove the lid and gasket and allow it to dry completely. Sealing it while water droplets remain can cause mold and unpleasant odors. It is best to let it air dry upside down.
You can use a dishwasher, but please avoid using the high-temperature drying mode that exceeds 90 degrees Celsius.
Storage and gasket replacement
Please store the product with the lid slightly ajar or removed. Long-term storage in a sealed container can cause moisture to build up inside. Replace the gasket when it hardens or cracks. Replacement gaskets can be purchased from our online store.
PRO TIP
Food canister tip: Using it with an insulated pouch will improve its heat retention. However, avoid high temperatures when it is sealed. If food odors persist, soaking it in baking soda solution overnight before washing will be effective. It's a good idea to check the seal of the gasket with water before heading out on the trail.
SELF REPAIR
Self-repair guide
Fabric repair and patching
Small holes and tears can be temporarily repaired with repair patches. Apply tape to the back and then place a patch with rounded corners on the front to prevent it from peeling off. For major damage or structural breakage, please use our repair service .
Repairing frayed seams
If you find any loose threads, it's important to repair them as soon as possible. Use a sewing needle and thread to backstitch along the original seam. You can easily do this by hand even without a sewing machine.
The belt portion may be difficult to sew by hand.
For major damage, please use our repair service.
Buckle cord replacement
Buckle damage and cord wear can be replaced with parts of the same specifications. Please check the buckle size (tape width) and purchase a similar type at an outdoor shop, or contact us for support and repair.
PRO TIP
A repair kit to take on the trail: duct tape, a few safety pins, 1 meter of thin cord, and a few cable ties. A sewing kit is also included. With just these items, you can handle many problems as a first aid. It's lightweight and compact, so keep it with your first-aid kit at all times.
MYOG — MAKE YOUR OWN GEAR
The option to make it yourself
The First Step
The ultralight culture began with "making it yourself." In the 1990s, Ray Jardine, dissatisfied with ready-made gear, began sewing his own, which is the origin of MYOG (Make Your Own Gear). It doesn't have to be perfect. Making your own gear with your own hands—that process itself is the essence of MYOG.
MIYAGEN MYOG kit
MIYAGEN's MYOG kit is a pouch-making kit that can be made with just a sewing machine and thread. Because it reuses leftover fabric scraps from product manufacturing, no two kits are exactly alike. The 16-page instruction manual includes everything you need for your first MYOG project, from basic material knowledge and pattern explanations to customization tips.
Care for the gear you made
For caring for your DIY gear, please follow the care instructions for the materials you used. For the fabric included in the kit, refer to the care instructions in the GEAR & PACKS section above. If you're concerned about frayed seams, be sure to check the SELF REPAIR section as well. Because you made it yourself, you know how to repair it. That's the strength of MYOG (Make Your Own Gear).
MOD — Modification of existing gear
The appeal of MYOG isn't just about creating something from scratch. Modifying existing gear to suit your own style—known as "MOD"—is also a crucial aspect of ultralight culture. Removing unnecessary parts to reduce weight, adding pockets, changing strap placement—optimizing what doesn't suit your hiking style with your own hands—that's the fun of MOD.
Understanding the properties of the materials before starting will make a difference in the final result. Checking the care methods for each material in each section of this page will help you make informed decisions when making modifications.
⚠ Important notice regarding MYOG/MOD
MYOG (DIY) and MOD (modification) are entirely at the customer's own discretion and responsibility. If you modify a product, MIYAGEN's warranty will be void. MIYAGEN will not be held liable for any malfunctions, damage, or accidents resulting from modifications. The same applies to injuries or damages sustained during the MYOG kit assembly process. Please handle tools with extreme care.
PRO TIP
The first step in MYOG (Make Your Own Things) is "observing things." Turn your existing pouches and bags inside out and see the order in which they are sewn. Understanding the structure will give you the power to bring your own ideas to life. You'd be surprised how many things you can make by hand sewing, even without a sewing machine.