Water/Stain Proofing?

[fishhound2013]

Hey ya'll I am having an issue with rain gear and ruined apparel, does anyone have any experience with textile proofing and how to properly use it. I spend a lot of money on outdoor apparel and would like to maximize its use and keep it in good standing for as long as possible. Cause it is expensive.

[magnum mike]

If it is already waterproof, wash it only when needed and do so gently. Never put in the dryer. Always line / air dry. Do not apply additional waterproofing.

If it is not waterproof, it isn't meant to be. Products Like Camp Dry or other silicone based sprays help but are no match for Gore-tex or similar products.

[delcecchi]

Most gore-tex garments are also coated with a water repellent film. Putting the garment in the dryer is the recommended way to rejuvenate that coating.

Check the care tag or the instructions from the manufacturer.

[slipperybob]

As much as I love my Gore-Tex and polyester waterproof fabrics, I've been most satisfied with the continuous performance of the good old oiled-skin stuff. Well it's more like oiled canvas clothing stuff. Just apply some oiled to the fabric after you wash it and it will be waterproof.

[fishhound2013]

Bob I have heard of that stuff but it is certainly not easy to find. Have a few hats like that but thats about it.

[Ufatz]

Look for the Barbour line. Been using it for many,, many years. Takes a while to re-treat it every five years but you are dry.

[delcecchi]

Is it breathable? The waxed/oiled cotton stuff?

[Ufatz]

Not so much. But all the jackets etc. that I own/have owned, had plenty of ventelation "ports" in the armpits, under the flaps of pockets etc. Pretty well thought out stuff. It is not as breathable as some of the new generation stuff, no question. But it is DRY....unlike some fancy new stuff I have owned and junked. And some spendy stuff too. Have always thought Gore Tex highly overrated, especially back when it first hit the market.

[delcecchi]

Yes, I have heard that first generation goretex had some problems, but I have been extremely happy with mine (later stuff. I was too cheap or poor to buy the first generation stuff), and don't miss sweating heavily while canoeing and portaging in the rain.

I can wear a light gore-tex jacket as a windbreaker and be perfectly comfortable just walking around as well.

It has been so long since I wore any rain gear besides gore tex that I can't comment on the ventilation effectiveness of vents and pit zips and all that.

I do know that my guidewear has done the job on several pretty wet canoe trips, including one to cirrus lake the first week of walleye season a few years ago that happened to be a few days after ice out, and cold and rainy. I only took it off to sleep.