Waterproof technical fabrics are designed to work hard at keeping you dry, while staying breathable. We stock a range of easy-use fabric waterproofing spray and waterproof wash products to keep your waterproof jackets and pants in optimum condition, and ready for your next adventure. Waterproof clothing comes with a DWR (Durable Water Repellency) from the factory, but it does need to be reapplied over its lifetime. Regular use, abrasion and washing your waterproof jacket and pants in regular laundry cleaner strips away the DWR, however it can easily be reapplied at home with a waterproof spray for clothes or a waterproof wash-in application. One of the primary ways to damage your trusty waterproof jacket, besides a rigorous Tassie South Coast hike, is to not wash it! Skin oils work at undermining the seam-sealing and clog the waterproof membranes in waterproof gear. This is okay while out on a trip, but stored this way after the season is over, is the quickest way to destroy a really good quality jacket. Which begs the question: what to wash your waterproofs in? Technical fabrics are constructed with a very tight weave, so a technical wash such as Storm Eco Proof Wash that is designed specifically for technical fabrics is the best choice, for cleaning thoroughly through the layers of waterproofing, and is safe for your waterproof membrane. If you notice water not beading off the outer fabric like new or you start to feel a bit damp inside the jacket - it’s time for a clean! Speak to our friendly, experienced staff at one of our stores today about restoring your waterproofs back to their glory with easy-use waterproof wash options.

FAQs

How often should I wash my waterproof jacket?

This is a very common question, and the answer is as often as you wash your jeans. Really! Well, if you’re wearing your waterproof jacket that often then, yes. During the wetter seasons when waterproof jackets and over-pants are getting more use, it’s best to waterproof wash your gear often. Especially if you’re using your waterproof jacket during high out-put activities, it’s important to wash off the skin oils and any skin products that have transferred to the inner fabric and have worked their way into the waterproof membrane. To get the best out of your waterproof gear make sure to waterproof wash your gear with a wash such as Storm Eco Wash, before storing them for the off-season. 

What product should I use to clean my waterproof jacket?

We stock tech wash products from a couple of industry leading brands. As your waterproof gear is only as good as your tech wash and DWR (Durable Water Repellency) spray, we choose Storm, Nikwax and Gear Aid products for waterproof wash and fabric waterproofing spray to best care for the high quality waterproof jackets and over-pants we stock. 

Can I re-waterproof my hiking boots?

Absolutely! Waterproof hiking shoes and boots come with a waterproof membrane like Gore tex or eVent, but they also have a DWR (Durable Water Repellency) which is a factory applied fabric waterproofing spray that is designed to be reapplied as the outer fabric of shoes and boots sustains abrasion from mud and rain and the occasional boot brush. There are several kinds of fabric waterproofing spray applications depending on the outer fabric of you hiking boots or shoes: full-grain leather can be proofed with a synthetic leather proofing agent (this is what comes from the factory) or as leather is a naturally breathable material, beeswax can be used - we stock Sno-Seal. For Nubuck and Suede fabrics Nikwax makes a waterproofing agent with an easy-to- use applicator included. For hiking boots and shoes with a technical synthetic upper we stock fabric waterproofing spray from Gear Aid that is just as simple to apply.

Is there something that will repair tears in waterproof fabrics?

In the outdoors sometimes a waterproof fabrics meet the immovable object and gets a snag or a tear. It’s part of exploring in the wild, but it doesn’t need to be the end of your quality gear - we stock a range of patches and seam sealants: from Gore tex patches with a waterproof membrane in them, to waterproof patches that stretch (perfect for elbows!), to seam-tapes such as Tenacious Tape, and seam glues with applicators for tricky corners and uneven joins. All very simple to use, and can be included in your field-kit for fixes on the go. All repair options are also designed to have fabric waterproofing spray applied when re-proofing your gear, for a high quality repair that keeps your waterproof gear working for you. Alternatively pop into a store and we can suggest a quality local outdoors repairer to get your trusty gear back in order, and you back into the outdoors!

Is there an at-home repair kit for seam sealing waterproof clothing?

There is! We stock Gear Aid Tenacious Tape, which is waterproof tape designed to seal a stitching seam or create a waterproof cover for small tears or nicks in waterproof fabrics. It’s easy to apply and designed to go through the washing machine - so your waterproof jacket and pants will perform as good as new! Tenacious Tape is also designed to have fabric waterproofing spray applied over it when used for outer fabric repairs.

Is there an environmentally friendly option?

Absolutely! At Paddy Pallin we love experiencing the outdoors, and we’re also passionate about protecting the environment we play in. We choose to stock industry leading brands that share our ethos for the natural world as we only have the one planet, and we understand fast fashion is a big issue for the environment at a global level - this is one of the reasons we endeavour to stock high quality outdoor gear that will last through the many adventures ahead of you. When it comes to cleaning your waterproof gear we stock two leading brands that develop high quality waterproof wash and fabric waterproofing spray that adhere and last well, and do not need to be reapplied as often as some other brands. Additionally we stock carbon neutral options from Nikwax. Ask our friendly staff to point out these options when next in-store.