Get More Life Out of Your Waterproof Gear.
Most waterproof gear relies on several technical components. A waterproof coated external fabric, an inner membrane, seam tape, and water-tight zippers all work together to keep you dry. Each one of these layers is susceptible to breaking down over time, with DWR leading the pack.
DWR (Durable Water Repellent) is a treatment applied in-factory to the base fabrics in most waterproof products. This ultra-thin layer is essentially a wall made of tiny pillars, which are invisible to the naked eye. These pillars are close enough to help external water roll off it’s surface, but far enough apart to let the inner membrane breathe.
With normal wear and tear, these pillars break down, which over time crumbles that hydrophobic wall. Abrasion, dirt, bodily oils, harsh detergents, and sun exposure all add to this nearly inevitable corrosion. Now, breathability and performance are compromised, leaving our gear feeling wet, heavy, peeling, and even stinky.
Here are 3 easy steps to keep your gear dry, and out of the landfills.
Know the signs.
Check the outer fabric. If your gear is wetting out - getting wet, dark, heavy, and external water isn’t beading off, your DWR is cooked and needs to be treated.
Look closely for faulty zippers, holes, peeling membranes, and/or failing seam-tape. These issues completely separate problems with separate repairs, unaffected by DWR.
Wash.
DWR is easily broken down by dirt and bodily oils, therefore, washing your gear regularly is essential for longevity.However, everyday detergents use harsh chemicals to strip oils and waxes – exactly what DWR is made of. So, avoid these at all costs. Instead, use a trusted technical wash like NikWax, which we always have in-stock at EGT. Whichever brand you use, just make sure to closely follow the directions printed on the bottle.
Re-treat.
Don’t retreat, RE-TREAT! Reactivating your DWR can be as simple as a low-heat tumble dry. If your gear’s still wetting out, it’s time to reapply with spray-on or wash-in treatment. Once again, NikWax makes some great options, that we carry in-store. Whatever you go with, just make sure to follow the instructions thoroughly.
If the issue lies in faulty seam tape, a hole, or peeling membrane, bring it into the shop for advice on next steps.
The end of summer is a great time to review your waterproof gear. Spray it down, wash it off, and re-treat if needed so you’re ready to go when the rain comes!
