How to care for your waterproof gear

Our durably waterproof gear is built to last a lifetime of adventure, but it does require proper care to maintain performance over time. Here, we cover some of the care and repair basics for waterproof gear, including how to wash it, reproof it, repair holes, and replace zippers.

A note on PFAS-free waterproof gear

We are proud to report that our FW25 shell collection, and future collections, are free from intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated substances), which have been shown to pose concerning environmental impacts and health risks.

A shell with a PFAS-free membrane and/or PFAS-free DWR will still do the job of helping you stay dry and comfortable in the rain, wind, and snow. However, do keep in mind that, since a PFAS-free DWR is not as durable and resistant to oil and water, it may require more frequent care to maintain its water-repelling performance over the long run. This means you will need to wash and reactivate your PFAS-free shell more frequently, and reapply DWR as needed, which you can find guidance on here.

Cleaning your waterproof gear

Visible or not, dirt, oil, sweat, campfire smoke, and stains compromise the performance of waterproof membranes and durable waterproof (DWR) treatments. For this reason, you should always wash your waterproof gear at least once a year, as well as anytime it is visibly dirty or smelly.

How to wash
Start by manually removing any excess dirt and mud with a dry cloth. Empty the pockets, close all zippers, and fasten any loose flaps or straps, then place your garment in the washing machine. Do not combine with other heavily soiled clothes in the same cycle.

Add a small amount of liquid detergent. We recommend you use a technical detergent specifically designed for outdoor gear – this can be found at specialized outdoor stores—and follow the dosing instructions on the product label. Do not use powder detergent, fabric softener, stain remover, or bleach.

Unless the garment label advises differently, wash the garment at 40°C, selecting a wash cycle with a slower spin speed and low agitation, and choose an extra rinse option. Then run the cycle.

How to dry

Once the wash cycle is complete, tumble dry your waterproof garment using a warm/medium heat, gentle cycle.

Once the garment is dry, tumble for an additional 20 minutes to reactivate the DWR.

Unable to tumble-dry?
Line-dry the garment instead. Once dry, use a clothing iron to iron it on low temperature, placing a towel between the iron and the garment. Do not use steam.

Reproofing your waterproof gear

Over time, a water-repellent finish may lose its effectiveness, even after reactivation. You might notice a decrease in breathability, or that the outer surface becomes saturated with rain, preventing moisture from effectively escaping or causing the cold fabric to stick to your skin, giving the impression that it’s leaking. If any of these things happen, it’s likely time to reproof your garment.

What’s DWR?

A Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment is a coating applied to the outer fabric of a waterproof garment to enhance breathability and comfort in wet conditions by causing water to bead up and roll off instead of absorbing.

Not sure if it’s time to reproof your waterproof gear?

If it's been a while since your last outing, it's wise to check the waterproofing of your gear before embarking on your next adventure following these steps:

Lay your shell jacket or pants flat on a table or other smooth surface.
Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the garment with water.
If the water beads up and rolls off the fabric, the garment's waterproofing is still effective and ready for use.
If the water soaks into the fabric, it’s time to reactivate or reproof the water-repellent finish.

How to reproof

Follow our washing instructions for waterproof garments.
Before tumble drying, start a second washing cycle. This time, instead of adding a technical detergent, add a waterproofing product—found at specialized outdoor stores—following the product’s dosage and cycle setting instructions. Then run the cycle.
Tumble dry using a warm/medium heat, gentle cycle.
Once the garment is dry, tumble for an additional 20 minutes to reactivate the DWR.

Unable to tumble-dry?

Line-dry the garment instead, and, once dry, use a clothing iron to iron it on low temperature, placing a towel between the iron and the garment. Do not use steam.

Repairing holes

Our waterproof gear is built to be durable, but accidents can and do happen outdoors. If you manage to get a hole in the shell fabric, acquire some self-adhesive, pressure sensitive repair tape or patches which can be found at most specialist outdoor stores. If your product has a GORE-TEX membrane, ask for a GORE-TEX repair kit with patches made from GORE-TEX fabric to match your jacket more closely. Then, follow these steps to patch it up and prevent water from seeping through.

Cut away any loose threads from around the hole, and gently remove any excess dirt or debris
Clean and dry the area to be repaired using a cloth. Avoid machine washing to prevent the hole from getting bigger.
Prepare your repair patch or tape. If it needs to be cut to size, then draw an oval (or any shape, but make sure it has round edges) on the backside. Make sure it is big enough to leave approximately one centimeter of margin around the hole. Using scissors, cut out the shape, ensuring any corners are well-rounded.
Peel the backing off the patch without touching the sticky side and lay it on top of the hole, pressing it tightly against the fabric.
Use either your fingernail or for example, a credit card (no sharp edges of course) to work out any air trapped between the patch and the fabric.
Apply pressure for a little while longer, and you’re all done.

Changing a zipper

Replacing a broken or malfunctioning zip slider is simpler than you may think. All you need is a pair of pliers, as well as a new zip slider and stopper which you can order from our Customer Service department.

Unzip the garment and lay it on a flat surface.
Use the pliers to remove the stopper at the top of the zipper, and then remove the zip slider.
Replace the zip slider, making sure the narrow end points downwards.
Zip up the zip slider to confirm it is working.
Replace the stopper with the new one, fastening it with the pliers.