How to Treat Rain Gear

How to Treat Rain Gear

| 1 Comment

< Back to Blog Posts

Wait, I can wash my GORE-TEX® jacket?

Yes, you sure can! GORE-TEX®, and other waterproof fabrics, can be carefully washed to preserve their resistance to wetness. But make sure you follow the directions below, and read the care information on your garment’s tag.

Why should I worry about treating my rain gear?

If you have a waterproof  garment, like GORE-TEX®, most likely it has been treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent). Gradually, dirt clogs up the pores of your clothing, and the DWR finish declines in performance. To maintain its breathability, there has to be more moisture inside of your garment than in the outside air; otherwise, the moisture will not exit the inside of your clothes. But, if there is too much filth built up in the membrane, there will be nowhere for the moisture to escape, and it will pool on the inside causing you unpleasant clamminess. To ensure your waterproof items continue to ward off wetness, the following steps should be taken:

How do I wash my rain gear?

  • Always check the care tags first on your clothing for special wash instructions.
  • You will need to use a detergent created for outerwear, like Nikwax Tech Wash.  Other mild, powdered detergents can also work.
  • Wash in warm water, either by hand or in the washer on a gentle cycle.
  • You can air dry your garment or put it on a low-heat setting in the dryer, unless the tags on your clothing say otherwise.

DWR Treatment:

  • After washing your rain gear, use the Nikwax TX Spray. You can either spray it on directly or add it into a second washing of your product. Throwing your jacket into the dryer afterwards on medium to low heat will help activate the DWR coating.
  • You do not have to re-apply the DWR treatment after every wash as it should last through several.
  • Only wash your garment after extreme usage as frequent cleaning will affect the breathability and waterproof properties of the fabric over time.

Let the rainy adventures commence!

Newer post

1 Comment

How do I aquire Nik TX Spray?

GRegg

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

  • Arctic explorer cross country skiing while pulling a custom sled across the frozen Lake of the Woods, lake.

    Arctic Camping: Learn the Basics

    Learn the basics of Arctic Camping through the view of a novice. Product testing for the planet's best Extreme Cold Weather Clothing. Finding the right gear for -50 °F.

    Arctic Camping: Learn the Basics

    Learn the basics of Arctic Camping through the view of a novice. Product testing for the planet's best Extreme Cold Weather Clothing. Finding the right gear for -50 °F.

  • Women wearing the Alpha Aura Jacket, a backpack and carrying trekking poles while hiking the Enchantments.

    What's So Enchanting About the Enchantments?

    Learn how to thru-hike Washington State's Enchantments during larch season. Check out our suggested gear, clothing and snacks! Granite peaks, alpine lakes, and golden larch trees make the 3:45 am...

    What's So Enchanting About the Enchantments?

    Learn how to thru-hike Washington State's Enchantments during larch season. Check out our suggested gear, clothing and snacks! Granite peaks, alpine lakes, and golden larch trees make the 3:45 am...

  • Hiker using binoculars on a mountain side while wearing the Ultra Lochi Jacket in Woodland.

    Mountain First-Aid: 6 Concerns to Prepare For

    Here are 6 of the most common concerns that can happen and how you can treat them yourself. Written by guest blog writer and best selling author Kevin Estela.

    Mountain First-Aid: 6 Concerns to Prepare For

    Here are 6 of the most common concerns that can happen and how you can treat them yourself. Written by guest blog writer and best selling author Kevin Estela.

  • Overhead Photo of man and woman hiking a trail wearing the Geo-T L.S. Crew and Hooded shirts

    6 Reasons You Need a Sun Shirt this Summer

    In this post, we will explore the benefits of UPF shirts (also known as sun shirts or UV Shirts) and why incorporating them into your adventure gear is a necessity.

    6 Reasons You Need a Sun Shirt this Summer

    In this post, we will explore the benefits of UPF shirts (also known as sun shirts or UV Shirts) and why incorporating them into your adventure gear is a necessity.