[pct-l] Durability of Rainwear

[GARY HEBERT]

Zelda's advice is right on. Nothing is forever.

The pores of materials clog over time due to dirt, dust, gunk, whateva. This
impares both the breathability and rain/wind repellency (fix by thoroughly
rinsing and occasionally washing with soap)

Also tiny pinholes form, DWR coatings wear out, etc.

Warning: Not all materials are equal. Follow the manufacturer's
suggestions.
I repeat: Not all materials are equal. Follow the manufacturer's
suggestions.

Often it's the bonding of two different materials (laminating) that changes
how to clean or rewaterproof the finished product. A little knowledge can be
dangerous. Don't assume you have nothing to lose. It may still be possible
to renew the effective repellency. You may just ruin the product by trying
somebody's well intended idea.

For some materials, consider spray on or wash-in DWR coatings (available at
most Gear Stores, "Revive", "Renew", Techtron DWR, etc) These may help renew
the rain repellency. My experience is it's never like new. But much better
than before reviving. And better than throwing it away or using something
that just doesn't work anymore!  It's a very cheap option worth trying vs.
replacing worn gear. (The sleeves of my windshirt, rain shell, and other
jackets seem to lose their water repellency sooner, perhaps due to repeated
mild abrasions while wearing them???  I've seen great improvement in these
areas after using these products)

Avoid causing premature wear. Repeated washings in washing machines,
especially with rougher soap detergents (NEVER POWDER!) accelerate this
wearing of material/coatings. I try NOT to wash my rain shell or sleeping
bag - hardly ever. [using a silk sleeping bag liner and clean "sleeping
clothes" (which also are my backup poly or wool layers, top, bottoms, socks,
balaclava) help keep my sleeping bag as new as possible (limiting body &
hair odor, oils, crud being transferred nightly to my sleeping bag. Don't
underestimate how damaging this cumulative effect and the necessary frequent
cleaning can be. I wash the heck outta my liner whenever in town to get rid
of the funk while keeping my DWR & material integrity as new as possible.] I
rinse my rain shell or wipe it off with a wet sponge/rag if it gets mud on
it, etc.  I wash my windshirt far more frequently as it absorbs far more
sweat. I don't mind the smell on the trail, but when in town or home I
usually wash it. And washing it definitely has worn it's repellency
effectiveness, particularly the water repellency in the arms.

I've also read that medium heat in the dryer or using a steam iron may
revive DWR coatings. Again, if you have a $20 item, no big risk. If you have
something worth some $$$ I'd contact the manufacturer before ruining it.
It's more about how it's manufactured (lamination or not, which materials,
etc).

I've used the DWR renewal products liberally with "around town" clothing,
jackets, etc. where    poor results is more forgiving as I simply take it
off when I get wet. Hiking clothing I treat like gold and act with caution
and skepticism, as I need it to work as designed. Breathability is just as
important as rain and wind repellency. Again, all materials and construction
are not alike. Adding the wrong coating may significantly impair the
original design. Think about it: spraying paint or silicone on your worn
jacket would greatly improve the repellency too, but obviously this would be
like wearing a rubber jacket - great if you're growing your own pot plants
inside your rainforest ecosystem!

I'm no expert.

I highly recommend consulting the gurus on the backpackinglight.com forums
for specific materials/laminates or precise jackets.

Good luck!

FedEx

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