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As the winter approaches and the shooting season now in full swing, many outdoor enthusiasts are excited but also aware of potential weather challenges during the unpredictable British winters. A beautiful day can quickly turn miserable if you find yourself caught out in rain or snow. Whether you're standing on peg, picking up, in the beating line or out stalking deer, fortunately, the right waterproofing sprays can protect your gear and keep you comfortable, no matter the elements. In this article, we will explore six top waterproofing sprays and wash ins designed to keep your gear dry all season long, allowing you to focus on enjoying all country pursuits regardless of the weather. We will run you through some of the best waterproof spray to protect you from the elements and which waterproof spray is best suited to the material of clothes you wear, whether it be outdoor clothing, leather and boots, down clothing or softshell, there is a waterproof spray out there for all.
Breathability
To maintain the waterproof capabilities of your shooting garments you have to ensure that they remain breathable. Breathable waterproof clothing will get sweaty and wet inside when used in damp or wet conditions. When the outer fabric absorbs water, the garment can lose up to 70% of its breathability. Therefore, the Durable Water Repellency on the outer fabric of your clothing must be maintained to ensure comfort. It will eventually wear off and need to be renewed.
If you find yourself working hard whilst partaking in your chosen country pursuit it is inevitable that you will find yourself sweating even on a wet day. When it rains we want to avoid getting wet, so we put on waterproof outerwear to keep us dry. The waterproof fabric must allow moisture vapour to pass through it, or 'breathe' otherwise our sweat cannot evaporate, which will cause you to overheat and get wet from condensation.
Your shooting gear could be soaking up water just because it is dirty. You can use a product like Nikwax Tech Wash to clean it, and if it is fairly new, or has been recently re-waterproofed, the durable water repellency will be revitalised just from cleaning. But, once the garment has been thoroughly worn, you will need to add durable water repellency, using a product like Nikwax TX Direct, always ensuring you clean the clothing first with Nikwax Tech Wash.
Cleaning
Using the right cleaning product is as important as using the right waterproof spray product. Conventional detergents leave behind a thin water-absorbent film on materials, which masks their durable water repellency. Therefore, always clean your waterproof shooting clothes with a product like Nikwax Tech Wash. Remember that dirt itself works AGAINST durable water repellency, so regular cleaning will enhance performance.
Waterproof Spray for your technical outerwear
We have chosen 6 waterproof spray products from the brand, Nikwax. Nikwax was founded in 1977 and have been producing high quality waterproof spray for over 40 years with innovative technology and chemistry.
1. Nikwax TECH WASH and TX DIRECT Wash-In
When considering waterproofing products, Nikwax stands out for its quality and effectiveness. The Tech wash and TX direct wash-in is suitable for both breathable and non-breathable fabrics, making it a versatile choice for various shooting gear.
Nikwax have put together two of their best performing products as a package that can be purchased over on their Amazon store here https://amzn.to/3Ynipdt. Tech Wash cleans, restores water repellency and revives breathability of your outdoor clothing and synthetic sleeping bags. TX Direct wash-in is an easy to use, high performance waterproofer which adds water repellency and revives breathability. Together they enhance the performance of your gear, keeping you warmer and drier.
Nikwax Tech Wash is a highly effective cleaner. Additionally it will revitalise existing durable water repellency and revive breathability. It is the safe way to thoroughly clean your waterproof clothing and equipment.
Nikwax TX Direct wash-In has been specifically designed and optimised for breathable waterproof garments that leaves a flexible water repellent treatment on individual fibres allowing moisture vapour to pass through, maintaining breathability. Also, as the need for tumble drying is removed, this saves energy and protects more vulnerable, older, garments from heat.
Application in a washing machine is quick, easy, and ensures that the whole garment is thoroughly cleaned and waterproofed.
2. Nikwax Down Wash Direct and Down Proof
This twin pack from Nikwax's Amazon store
https://amzn.to/3YDvqAF includes the Nikwax Down Wash Direct and Down Proof wash-in waterproofer for down filled clothing and gear. Nikwax Down Wash Direct has been specifically designed and optimised for down filled gear. It is a highly effective cleaner which removes body oils and dirt from both the fabric and the down fill.
Through use, dirt and body oils build up on down items which can affect both the fabric and the down fill. If the fabric absorbs water, rain and condensation can easily transfer into the down. If down gets wet it clumps together which causes it to lose loft and insulation as it can’t trap air effectively. When wet, down loses its insulating properties, as water conducts heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air. It will also gain weight and its breathability will be significantly reduced leaving you feeling cold, wet and uncomfortable.
Nikwax Down Wash Direct revitalises insulation and restores the durable water repellency of both the outer fabric and down fill. This prevents water absorption and maintains breathability.
Your down gear could be soaking up water just because it is dirty. First, try cleaning it with Nikwax Down Wash Direct, and if it is fairly new, or recently re-waterproofed, the durable water repellency will be revitalised just from cleaning. But, once the gear has been thoroughly used, you will need to add durable water repellency, using Nikwax Down Proof, after cleaning first with Nikwax Down Wash Direct. This will add durable water repellency to the outer fabric of the gear and also the down fill.
3. Nikwax Softshell Proof Wash-In
Nikwax Softshell Proof is a high performance waterproofer designed to enhance performance and revitalise breathability of softshell garments. Nikwax Softshell Proof is available as a twin pack over on their Amazon store https://amzn.to/40qIICd.
Softshell fabrics combine desirable properties of hardshells and fleeces to improve user comfort while providing protection in most conditions. Softshells are breathable and stretchy whilst also being highly water and wind repellent. They fit the shape of the wearer, allow the movement of moisture away from the body and at the same time they shed water and protect against wind chill. Softshells provide a versatile outer layer that can cope with most conditions.
To maintain their water repellency and breathability it is essential that the durable water repellent coating is maintained. Nikwax SoftShell Proof has been specifically formulated to maintain optimum performance of softshell fabrics.
4. Nikwax TX DIRECT Spray-On Waterproof Spray
Nikwax TX Direct spray-on waterproof spray is a high performance waterproofer designed to enhance performance and revitalise the breathability of waterproof clothing with wicking liners, recommended for Gore-Tex, Sympatex, eVent, Nikwax Analogy and all other waterproof fabrics.
Nikwax TX Direct spray-on can be found over at Amazon on Nikwax's storefront here https://amzn.to/3CaiNUW where all the details of their product can be found.
Using the right waterproofing product is important. Nikwax TX Direct spray-on is fantastic for raingear with wicking linings, as it provides durable water repellency without impairing wicking properties. However, if wicking linings aren’t present, using Nikwax TX Direct wash-in ensures you won’t miss any areas and it’s easy to apply in a washing machine.
Nikwax TX Direct spray-on has been specifically designed and optimised for breathable waterproof garments. It leaves a flexible water repellent treatment on individual fibres allowing moisture vapour to pass through, maintaining breathability. The spray-on application allows for direct treatment of areas which require it most such as elbows and seams on jackets, and will not compromise the properties of internal wicking liners.
5. Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel/Fabric & Leather Proof Waterproof Spray
The complete care system for thoroughly cleaning, revitalising breathability and adding water repellency to all combination fabric and leather footwear. This twin pack is available on the Nikwax Amazon store here https://amzn.to/3C1943q.
Your waterproof shooting boots could be soaking up water just because they are dirty. The outer surface of footwear will pick up contaminants, such as dirt, which attract water. This masks the effect of any durable water repellent coating, leading to footwear 'wetting out' in wet or damp conditions.
Cleaning waterproof footwear with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Ge will not only remove contaminants, such as dirt, but also revitalize durable water repellence, causing water to bead on the outer surface. Once the footwear has been thoroughly worn, you will need to add durable water repellence, using Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof, after cleaning first with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel.
6. Nikwax Outdoor Complete Protection Kit
The Nikwax outdoor complete protection kit which can be found over on their Amazon front store https://amzn.to/4eZD12q, includes all you need to ensure that your wet weather shooting clothing and boots remain clean and waterproof during your country pursuits, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying your days in the field regardless of the weather conditions.
Preparing for the shooting season means more than just selecting the right gear. Prior to heading out:
Select Your Spray: Choose one of the six waterproofing sprays that meet your requirements.
Prepare Your Gear: Clean your items thoroughly before application to maximize effectiveness.
With the right preparation, you can ensure your shooting adventures are enjoyable!
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