Tizip Zipper Lube

Tizip is a zipper lubricant/conditioner from the German zipper maker that can be applied to clothing or gear zippers to keep them working smoothly without attracting dirt.

The best way to prolong the life of zippers as found in lightweight tents, hammocks with bugnet, and backpacks is to handle them with awareness and care, particularly the #3 and smaller. Second is to keep them clean and functioning as freely as possible.

I try my best to handle my equipment in a way to reduce the stress put on the parts, but admittedly, that’s not always possible during a trip. I also try to keep them clean, whenever I return from a trip I use an old toothbrush to wipe off debris, sand, dust, or whatever made its way into the runners. I may brush or wipe them clean while traveling, if they get too dirty.

Then I‘ll run a soft damp sponge or microfiber cloth and let it dry. Alternatively, I may wash the item in the washing machine but that depends on the instructions and material, some stuff just won’t take that well so I´ll hand wash instead. Sometimes I´d lube them but not often, I admit. 

TiZip is a German maker of high-end zippers so they should know something about how to care for them as well. They even include TiZip Lubricant with some of their zippers, particularly those used for sea applications. 

TiZip is silicon based and comes in 8g tube. Similar products from Gear Aid, Star Brite, ZipperEase, and others often come in lipstick format which is more convenient to apply to the runners. But TiZip is OK to use and can be stored or taken along in a trip without problem.

You may want to avoid lithium, graphite and also petroleum based lubes as these could damage the TPU coating and interfere with waterproof coatings, or maybe stain the fabrics. They also could attract dust and debris which would have an adverse effect and shorten the lifespan of zippers.

I use TiZip mostly on my lightweight tent zippers because most are small and work more stretched out than, say, a sleeping bag zipper. External zippers take a lot of sun, wind, dirt and water, tree sap and other stuff. The cleaner and smoother they run, the longer they should last. I’ve noticed TiZip makes them a bit more repellent which is a bonus. 

Two 8oz. blisters should last a long time, even if the equipment has too many zippers and they get a lot of use and mistreatment from the elements.

Disclaimer: Try it before using it on your UL gear. I did and had no issues but each case may be different. 

Background

I used to put a tad of petroleum jelly on the runners of tent and jacket zippers every now and then, to keep them lubricated and working smoothly. Candlewax also works and doesn’t attract dirt. Then I ran into Tizip during a trip and it’s so cheap that decided to try it.