Removing that "old nylon smell"

I have found that more and more of my gear is taking on that "old nylon" smell. It seems that most of it is around 10-15 years old and it is all in fine shape, carefully dried and then stored in cool, dry basements.
Any ideas on how to remove this bad smell. It seems to be on most everything, but partifularly stuff sacks, tents and packs?
Has anyone else had good gear go sour? Any remedies shy of the trashcan?

I think the smell is caused by the breakdown of the waterproof coating. I've heard that uric acid is one of the byproducts. Uric acid is also in urine, which may explain why old nylon smells somewhat like piss.

I'm no chemist, so I could be full of beans. But in my experience, once that old nylon smell sets in, there's no getting rid of it.

You could try rinsing in vinegar. I do that with all my gear (especially neoprene).

How about the stinky helmet smell. My Briko Alpine has gotten sweaty one to many times. I tried the fabrezze spray stuff and now after a day of play not only does the helmet stink but so does what little hair I've got left as well. BTW if any one drops down the backside of the Throne at CM and recovers a Black Briko Helmet I would gladly sponsor apre at the elk.

Doug,

My old nylon smells OK as long as I wash it once in a while, let it dry out every single time I use it and leave it hanging in airy places when I am not. Ski boots that you dry overnight on the heat registers always smell sweeter.

I have been keeping my gloves in a basket with climbing skins and gogles and unwashed hats and the whole lot is starting to stink like an immature compost.

But none of my stuff smells like urine, hmmmm....