25 POOR MAN'S Rain-Camping Tricks That Make Pricey Waterproof Gear Look Ridiculous, by The Old Skillset on YouTube. 19 min 48 s.
- Video length
- 19 min 48 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour plus drying time
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check the care label on your jacket first. Most waterproof shells tolerate a warm wash, but some fabrics and membranes have their own rules.
Empty the pockets, close the zips and fasten the hood and cuffs. Brush off mud and grit so it does not clog the fabric.
Wash the jacket on its own with a small amount of technical wash or pure soap. Skip normal detergent, fabric softener and bleach, which strip the water repellent coating.
Rinse twice to clear all soap residue. Leftover detergent stops the new water repellent from bonding.
Let the jacket drip dry, then tumble it on low heat for about 20 minutes if the label allows. Gentle heat reactivates the existing coating.
Test the surface by sprinkling a little water on the shoulder. If it beads and rolls off, the coating is fine. If it soaks in, you need to reapply.
Hang the jacket and spray an even coat of water repellent over the outside, paying extra attention to shoulders, arms and the hood.
Let the spray dry, then tumble on low heat or iron on the lowest setting through a cloth to set the coating.
Tips and common mistakes
Wash your jacket a few times a season. Dirt and body oils are the main reason coatings fail.
Never use fabric softener or regular detergent, as both leave a film that kills water repellency.
Test any new waterproofing method close to home before you rely on it on a wet trip.
A jacket that still wets out after treatment may have a worn membrane, not just a tired coating.
Questions
Can I re-waterproof a jacket without a tumble dryer?
Yes. Use a hair dryer on low heat or iron on the lowest setting through a cloth to set the coating. Gentle heat helps the repellent bond.
How often should I re-waterproof a rain jacket?
When water stops beading and the fabric starts to look dark and wet. For most campers that is once or twice a year with regular use.
Will washing ruin my jacket's waterproofing?
No. A proper wash with technical cleaner actually helps. It is regular detergent and fabric softener that damage the coating.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
