When it comes to maintaining the water-repellency of your outdoor gear, it’s essential to pay attention to any signs of wetting out. Wetting out occurs when water starts to soak through the fabric, creating dark, wet patches on your jacket or pants. To determine if your gear needs a new application of Durable Water Repellent (DWR), you can feel around on the inside of the fabric behind the dark patches. If it feels wet and you’re sure it’s not just sweat, it’s time for a re-waterproofing treatment.
However, it’s important to note that even new and high-quality hardshell jackets can wet out after prolonged and heavy rain. So, if you’re seeing dark, wet patches after spending a long time in a storm, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to reapply DWR. To be sure, you can do some detective work. Take the clothing home and let it dry, then squirt it with a spray bottle filled with water. If the moisture does not bead up and the fabric wets out again, it’s a clear indication that you need to reapply DWR.
Before re-waterproofing your garments, it’s crucial to clean them first. Washing your gear will help remove body oils and old dirt, allowing the new DWR coating to adhere better to the fabric. While outdoor retailers may suggest using specialized detergents made for technical clothing, you can save money by using a regular laundry detergent. Many outdoor enthusiasts, including myself, have had success using regular detergent such as Tide Free & Gentle on our outdoor clothing.
Once your garments are washed, you can choose between two options for applying DWR: wash-in or spray-on treatments.
If you opt for a wash-in DWR, popular options include Gear Aid ReviveX Wash-In, Grangers Repel Wash-In, and Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In. The instructions typically advise washing these treatments separately from your regular clothes in a top or front-loading washing machine set to a warm water, gentle cycle. You can also fill a bucket with lukewarm water, add the detergent to it, and let the clothes soak overnight. To prevent the garments from floating, place a suitable weight on top. The next morning, either toss the clothes into the washing machine or hand-wash them. Follow the instructions on the bottle regarding additional steps, such as using a low-heat dryer cycle to seal in the coating.
Using wash-in DWR treatments has proven effective in maintaining water-resistance even in extreme conditions. For example, during a 12-hour day in Alaska’s Denali National Park, my re-waterproofed jacket successfully repelled meltwater from ice crystals. Two months later, while climbing Mount Baker in Washington, the water resistance held up just as well. Generally, a single re-treatment will keep your gear water-resistant for an entire season. It’s important to note that while the soak-and-wash method can significantly restore the water resistance of your gear, it may not bring it back to its original performance.
Alternatively, if you prefer a spray-on DWR treatment, options like Gear Aid ReviveX Spray, Grangers Performance Repel Plus Spray, and Nikwax TX.Direct Spray are available. Applying spray-on treatments is relatively straightforward. Simply spray the product onto the garment while holding it several inches away. Ensure even coverage, paying attention to any high-wear areas. After applying the spray, follow the instructions on the bottle to determine if any additional steps are necessary.
Whichever method you choose, maintaining the water-repellency of your outdoor gear is crucial for staying dry and comfortable in wet conditions. Regularly assessing the effectiveness of your gear’s water resistance and reapplying DWR as needed will prolong the lifespan of your garments and enhance your outdoor experiences.
