Maintain your airtight and watertight zips. Perfect for Cargo Fly T-Zips and or any other zipper.

Use Zipper Lubricant Stick to ensure the zippers in high-tech gear are doing their job. Previously known as Zip Tech, this high-performance lubricant works on air tight T-Zips on your packraft, waterproof zippers in wetsuits, drysuits and more. Plus, it protects against corrosion and repels dirt, sand and organic residues — so zippers last a lot longer. When faced with a stuck zipper, count on Zipper Lubricant Stick to unstick it fast.

• Lubricates – Quickly releases stuck zippers and helps prolong zipper life
• Protects – Fights against salt, chlorine, rust and corrosion of nylon, metal and plastic zippers
• Powerful – High performing soft wax formula that’s ideal for use on waterproof zippers
• Non-toxic – Contains no silicone for worry-free application every time
• Multipurpose – Use to maintain cargo fly T-Zips, zippers on wetsuits, drysuits, B.C.D.s, gear bags and luggage
• Twin Pack: 2x 4.5gram Zipper Sticks

Cargo fly care & maintenance:

You must clean, dry, and lubricate your Cargo Fly Zipper after every trip and often while in the field! 

Maintenance kit: You will need a small (about 3×3″) clean rag, zipper lubricant, and a small brush. You can use old t-shirts to make new rags. Old toothbrushes make great cargo fly brushes. Keep your kit with you in the field and maintain often.

Cleaning: If you are having trouble getting your zipper to close, it is most likely due to an obstruction in the chain (i.e. the teeth). Therefore, you need to keep your zipper chain clean and free of sand, dirt, and debris. Because lubricant attracts sand, we do not recommend applying lubricant direct to the chain. If your zipper needs cleaning, start with a small brush and use warm soap and water for more difficult cleaning.

Lubrication steps: Your zipper should always run smooth and easy. If your zipper is difficult to move or feels sticky, it needs lubrication. Always make sure the zipper chain is clean before lubricating.

1. With the zipper CLOSED apply a lube to the rag and use the rag to work the lube into the urethane laminated exterior of the zipper. Do not apply lubricant directly to the zipper teeth!
2. Continue to use the rag to until all exterior surfaces of the closed zipper are coated. 
3. Wipe down the zipper until all excess lubricant is removed. Excess lubricant will attract dirt and sand.
4. Open the zipper and use the rag to lightly lube the chain and sealing edges.
5. Apply a small amount of lube to the docking end. 
6. Open and close the zipper several times, it should slide smoothly and close easily. Repeat the above steps if necessary. 

The goal is to regularly maintain a very thin coat of lube along the length of the zipper allowing the head to slide freely and dock easily. 

Storage: After each use, leave the zipper open and allow to dry thoroughly. Failure to dry will cause the zipper to rot and crack, which is not covered by warranty! If you need to travel home with a wet packraft, leave the zipper on the outside where it can breathe 

Troubleshootng: 

• Separating Behind Zipper Head: If the zipper separates behind the head, it will self heal by pulling the zipper head behind the separation and reclosing. You may need to follow the cleaning and lubrication steps to make it reseal. If necessary, close the zipper by hand through the problem area.
• Separating at Zipper Base: If the zipper separates at the base, you will need to clean the area and manually close the first 3cm of the zipper by hand and then back the head over the closed area to reset.  
•  Leak at Zipper Base: Sometimes the zipper will close, but leave a small gap at the zipper base due to an obstruction in the teeth. You will need to separate the zipper by hand at the base, clean the area, and then reclose following the steps above.

Warranty and replacement: Only the installation, not the Ti-Zip zipper, of the Cargo Fly is covered by Alpacka Warranty Policy. We offer replacement of Cargo Fly zippers through our Repair & Retrofit Services.