It was time this week to reproof the trusty (much much loved) Mammut Alto Guide waterproof jacket. I always find that a good time to make sure all my waterproof gear is performing at peak is as we head into the winter hiking season. We definitely don’t want to be wet on long winter hiking days.
Reproofing used to make me incredibly nervous because we know that washing a waterproof with the wrong stuff can ruin them entirely.
But after several years of trial (and sometimes error) with reproofing, this is my absolute favourite way and the best way to reproof a jacket. So let’s do it?!
What You’ll Need
So for me, the go to reproofing is this just on the basis of effectiveness and ease of use.
There’s a Mountain Warehouse equivalent in these two products which I have also used (but personally I found the Nikwax the more effective).
So my little guide here is based on the Nikwax option but there are alternative brands out there as well.
How to Reproof a Waterproof Jacket Step by Step
Ok, so let’s go – quickest :
- Prep the washing machine. Remove the detergent drawer and clean it out to make sure there’s no residue of detergents which can damage waterproof fabrics lft in there
- Make sure all your jacket pockets are empty!
- Close all of the zips on the jacket
- Put your waterproof jacket in the washing machine
- Pour the Tech Wash into the detergent drawer
- Wash according to the instructions on your waterproof jacket (in my case I prefer to do short washes)
- Once our of the washing machine (before any drying) lay it down flat somewhere
- Spray the TX Direct all over the jacket front (ensuring you don’t miss any spots)
- Leave for 2 minutes
- Wipe residue off
- Turn over and repeat with the back
- Dry according to the jacket’s care instructions (personally I prefer tumble drying if the care label permits)
And then you’re done. It’s that simple.
Let me share some photos with you from my process and the finished result.
Waterproof Jacket Before Reproofing
So by no means is my waterproof leaking all over. But I had noticed after a heavy heavy rain hike this week that it is beginning to absorb more water (though not to the point I am getting wet thanks to the lining).
So as you can see in the image above, when I pour water on it, some part of the jacket bead. Other absorb.
I’ve had it almost a year and haven’t reproofed it yet. So it’s a good time!
Clean the Washing Machine Drawer and Drum
You don’t want to end up with detergent residue on your waterproof. So clean the detergent drawer out and give the drum a clean too. My washing machine has a drum clean cycle so I just used this.
Prep the Jacket
Wipe off any loose dirt, zip up all the taped zips (front, pockets and others).
Pop it in the Machine and Add The Techwash to the Drawer
With the Nikwax products I use, it suggests washing a maximum of two items at the same time. I just did one in this case though.
You use 100ml of Nikwax Techwash or 150ml if you live in a hard water area. I don’t so it’s 100ml for me.
If you’re not sure whether you live in a hard or soft water area, this website will tell you.
My machine has a specific cycle for this type of thing. But essentially follow the case instructions for your jacket and stick to a 30 degree wash.
After the Wash, Spray While Wet
Once you take your jacket out of the washing machine, you need to spray it with the TX Direct while it is still wet.
So, lay out out flat immediately and spray it all ensuring you don’t miss parts.
Leave it for 2 minutes.
You’ll undoudtedly have residue like this on it:
Once you’ve left it for 2 minutes, you can wipe this residue off with a cloth and then turn the jacket over and repeat on the other side.
Drying
If the case instructions for your jacket allow it, you can tumble dry gently. Otherwise simply air dry your waterproof.
And that’s it! You’re done!
Reproofing Result
Back to top performance for my Mammut waterproof!
It’s beading again consistently.
So this, I imagine, will see me through the winter! I can’t recommend the Nikwax stuff enough (and no, it wasn’t gifted or anything – I buy it cos it’s great).
Jacket Reproofing FAQs
Generally you should reproof every 3 to 4 months but this will vary depending on wear and how often you’ve been caught out in very wet weather.
If you’re wearing it all the time in wet conditions and find it’s not as effective as it was after even a couple of months, just reproof it!
Lots of things can cause the water repellant finish on the outside of your jacket to wear away. Anything from dust to the constant rub of your hiking bag straps can degrade the finish. So regular reproofing is important.
Well I guess the first thing is, does it keep you dry? If you’re getting wet while wearing it and there’s no visible sign of damage, then definitely reproof.
But you can actually see the need for a reproof before you get soaked to the bone on a hill!
Water on jackets should bead and simply slide off the fabric in a bead. If the fabric is soaking the water in, even if it’s not making it through to your skin, it’s a good time to reproof.
