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Nikwax Tech Wash - The Expert Camper
"Nikwax Tech Wash is an essential item if you want to keep your outdoor gear looking its best for as long as possible. Visit: https://theexpertcamper.co.uk/accessories/nikwax-tech-wash/
Outdoor clothing needs special care and attention, and this product is specially-formulated to do just that.
It can remove any dirt and detergent residue, while leaving the water-repellence of your garments intact. Whether the item is fleece or synthetic insulation, it can help to improve the performance of any fabric.
Nikwax tech wash can be used for hand washing or garments or in a washing machine, and there is no tumble drying required.
It can also be applied directly to the garment in question if you need to remove stains or grease spots.
With 300ml of product in a bottle, this is something that you will want to ensure that you have to hand as you never know when you might need to wash your wet weather equipment or clothing.
Removes dirt and detergent residue leaving water-repellence intact.
Improves the performance of any fabric, fleece or synthetic insulation.
Use as a pre-wash for Nikwax treatments for best results.
Can be applied directly to remove grease spots or stains.
Ideal for protecting the water-repellence on new garments.
The No.1 easy to use, safe, high performance cleaner for wet weather clothing and equipment."
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can i ask how you're waterproofing your suede boots?
nikwax suede proofing spray
#it doesnt make them completely waterproof but it reduces the chances of water damage#ive always sprayed all my suede boots with it and its made them last much longer
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A Real Good Pair of Magnums for 15 Years!Still going strong?I Liked Magnum Classics.
They key to keeping those magnum boots in good order is using Nikwax (and the occasional spit polish).
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Keeping up the Frame and Fit of Skiwear
Find our beat thoughts for caring for your ski articles of clothing, such as how to wash your skiwear, the best strategy to store your adapt, and normal upkeep to guarantee they final a long time. Master may make a enormous distinction in protecting the quality of your clothing for a brilliant skiing encounter. Skiwear Dry Cleaning near me gives a few tips from A&Z Dry Cleaners Pros at conspicuous ski attire producers for protecting your skis. Examine Your Ski Suits in Advance. If you returned final year with a pack full of bulky, grimy objects that you did not have time to totally clean and review, it is a great thought to check them ahead of time. Any wear or harm may regularly be repaired. Reviewing everything a few weeks some time recently your trip permits for encourage cleaning if basic, as well as looking for splits in calfskin merchandise that may flag that your skiwear needs to be supplanted or reproofed. How to Wash Ski Pants, Suits, and Softshells Always check the care name some time recently washing your ski pants or equip. Regularly, machine wash at 30°C, interior out, with zippers and velcro affixed and any belts evacuated. Utilize other than natural. cleanser without Softening specialists, phosphates, or optical brighteners. If your ski pants are multicolored or have sharp contrasts, utilize a color-fast wipe or cloth. Skiwear Dry Cleaning Bedfordshire proposes an additional wash to dispense with any remaining cleanser that may compromise water repellency. Evacuate your ski adapt from the dryer quickly taking after the cycle to dodge smelly odors, and discuss dry concurring to the garment's informational. To maintain a strategic distance from color blurring, do not dry products exterior. If passable, smooth the cloth with a cold press. How to Clean a Ski Jacket Read the care name on your ski coat to learn how to take great care of it. Take off any hide, veritable or fake, and, if your coat has one, the belt. Apply a colorfast wipe to coats with numerous colors. After washing, take the coat out of the machine right absent to dodge smelly odors. To protect the color of the clothing, discuss dry it agreeing to the manufacturer's headings; do not dry it exterior. To bring back the jacket's totality whereas it dries, shake it. Shake it out each day some time recently skiing and some time recently your another ski excursion. If allowed, smooth it with a cold press. Keep your coat out of coordinate daylight by putting away it on a wide-shouldered holder. To keep it working, utilize a reproofing operator such as Nikwax; for ideal comes about, take after the directions. Summing up!! We utilize common cleaning strategies and cleansers or maybe than unforgiving chemical showers seen somewhere else. Whereas solid cleansers can be noxious and damaging, our strategy ensures the strands and coatings of your skiwear. We'd cherish to listen your ski equip care tips—send them to us, and we'll highlight the best ones! Appreciate the slants, adore the snow, and be secure. Believe Skiwear dry cleaning to provide speedy, high-quality comes about with your skiwear. Permit A&Z Dry Cleaners to do it, sparing you time and bother
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How to Choose a Rain Suit & Raincoat
How to Choose a Rain Suit & Raincoat | RAINBOWRAINCOAT
When the skies open up and rain pours down, a quality rain suit or raincoat is essential to stay dry and comfortable. Whether you're a hiker, commuter, or just preparing for unexpected weather, knowing how to choose the right gear can make a big difference. This guide from RAINBOWRAINCOAT will walk you through everything you need to consider when selecting a rain suit or raincoat.
How to Choose a Rain Suit & Raincoat
Finding the perfect rain protection involves evaluating various factors such as material, design, and functionality. Here’s what you need to know.
Types of Rain Gear
Rain gear comes in several forms, each suitable for different activities and preferences. The main types include:
Rain Suits
Rain suits typically consist of a jacket and pants, offering full-body protection. They are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or working in wet environments. Look for suits with:
Adjustable cuffs and hems: To keep water out and provide a snug fit.
Breathable fabrics: Such as GORE-TEX or eVent, to prevent overheating.
Durable materials: Like ripstop nylon or polyester for long-lasting use.
Raincoats
Raincoats are standalone jackets designed for quick and easy wear. They are perfect for urban settings or light outdoor activities. Key features to consider include:
Length: Choose between hip-length for mobility or knee-length for better coverage.
Hood design: A well-fitted hood with adjustable cords can shield you from wind and rain.
Packability: Lightweight and packable options are great for travelers and commuters.
Material and Waterproofing
The material of your rain gear is crucial for keeping dry and comfortable. Here’s what to look for:
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
Waterproof: Provides full protection against water ingress. Ideal for heavy rain or prolonged exposure. Look for ratings like 5,000 mm or higher.
Water-Resistant: Offers limited protection and is suitable for light rain or drizzle. Not suitable for heavy or sustained rain.
Breathability
Breathable fabrics allow moisture from sweat to escape, preventing dampness inside your rain gear. High-end materials like GORE-TEX or eVent offer excellent breathability while maintaining waterproofing.
Seam Sealing
Ensure your rain gear has taped or sealed seams. This prevents water from seeping through the stitching, which is a common point of leakage.
Fit and Comfort
Comfort and fit are as important as waterproofing. Here’s how to find the right fit:
Size
Choose a size that allows for layering. You might need to wear your rain gear over a jacket or sweater, so consider trying it on with different layers.
Mobility
Your rain suit or raincoat should allow for a full range of motion. Check for features like articulated elbows and knees, which enhance movement without restricting.
Adjustability
Look for adjustable features like cuffs, hems, and waistbands. These help you customize the fit and seal out the elements.
Additional Features
Extra features can enhance the functionality of your rain gear. Consider the following:
Ventilation
Pit zips or mesh-lined pockets provide additional ventilation, reducing the risk of overheating during strenuous activities.
Storage Options
Pockets are useful for storing essentials like maps, snacks, or your phone. Waterproof or zippered pockets are best to keep contents dry.
Reflective Elements
If you’ll be using your rain gear in low-light conditions, reflective strips or logos can improve visibility and safety.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance will extend the life of your rain gear. Here’s how to keep it in top condition:
Cleaning
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Typically, you’ll want to use a gentle detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can damage waterproof coatings.
Reproofing
Over time, the waterproof coating on your rain gear may wear off. Products like Nikwax or Granger’s can restore water repellency.
Choosing RAINBOWRAINCOAT
At RAINBOWRAINCOAT, we offer a range of high-quality rain suits and raincoats designed to keep you dry and comfortable in any weather. Our products combine innovative materials, ergonomic designs, and practical features to meet your rainwear needs.
Why RAINBOWRAINCOAT?
Quality Materials: We use advanced waterproof and breathable fabrics.
Durable Construction: Our gear is built to withstand tough conditions.
Comfortable Fit: Designed with your comfort and mobility in mind.
Conclusion
Choosing the right rain suit or raincoat involves considering your needs, activities, and preferences. By focusing on material, fit, and features, you can find rain gear that keeps you dry and comfortable no matter the weather. Trust RAINBOWRAINCOAT for all your rainwear needs and stay protected in style.
For more information on our products, visit the RAINBOWRAINCOAT website.
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How to Wash a Sleeping Bag
Whether it's a kid's sleepover or a week-long camping trip, a clean sleeping bag always makes it more comfortable. Almost all sleeping bags (check the care tag) are machine-washable or you can wash them by hand in the bathtub with laundry detergent and lukewarm water. If you have a down-filled bag, use a specialty down-cleaning solution like Nikwax. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to wash a sleeping bag.
To know more: https://www.realsimple.com/how-to-wash-a-sleeping-bag-8647675
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[ad_1] Really feel round at the within the material in the back of the darkish patches. Does it really feel rainy? Whether it is (and you are positive it isn't simply sweat), it might be that water is soaking thru and your jacket or pants desire a new utility of DWR.A notice about wetting out after heavy rain: Even new, hardshell jackets can rainy out after extended, very heavy rain. So if you are seeing darkish, rainy patches after a very long time in a hurricane, it does not essentially imply you wish to have a brand new coating of DWR. Perform a little detective paintings to determine evidently. As soon as you're taking the clothes house and it has a possibility to dry, squirt it with a sprig bottle filled with water to peer if moisture beads up. If it wets out once more, it is time for extra DWR.Blank the Garments FirstWash your clothes earlier than re-waterproofing them to take away frame oils and outdated dust. It is going to lend a hand the brand new DWR coating adhere higher to the material. Purchase a cleansing product made in particular for technical open air clothes, equivalent to Nikwax Tech Wash, even supposing you'll be able to as a substitute use a small quantity of standard laundry detergent. You will want to wash those one by one out of your common non-outdoor clothes. Later on, you are ready to use the DWR remedy. You have got two choices right here: spray or wash-in.How you can Follow Spray-On DWRPhotograph: Tools SupportFor spray-on choices, there may be Gear Aid ReviveX Spray, Grangers Performance Repel Plus Spray, and Nikwax TX.Direct Spray. Whichever you select, take it out of doors to use it—it isn't excellent to respire these items in. Simply grasp your garment on a hanger outdoor, zip up the entrance and shut the wallet, and spray the outside of the jacket or pants.One spray can is sufficient to re-waterproof one outfit—that means a jacket and pair of pants. In my revel in, there may be simply slightly sufficient despite the fact that, so do not waste it by way of spraying any explicit spot to your clothes for too lengthy. When you have any left over after you end, use it on spaces that see numerous abrasion, equivalent to shoulders, armpits, and the crotch/higher thigh space.How you can Follow Wash-In DWRGenerally, you will want to use DWR wash-in remedy in both a best or front-loading washer set to a warm-water, mild cycle, however seek the advice of the bottle of the product you are the usage of. Your very best choices are Gear Aid ReviveX Wash-In, Grangers Repel Wash-In, and Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In. When you should not have a washer to hand, you'll be able to practice the product by way of hand with a sink or bucketful of heat water and a few gloves. Some DWR remedies instruct you to apply up by way of tossing the clothes right into a dryer set to a low-heat cycle to seal within the coating. Simply test directions at the bottle of the stuff you are the usage of first.How Lengthy It is going to UltimateReapplications of DWR do not ultimate so long as the factory-applied remedy. There is no approach round it: You can simply need to get used to checking your rain tools earlier than journeys and reapplying DWR as wanted. Prime-impact spaces, equivalent to shoulders and armpits, are uncovered to extra abrasion, and those spaces generally tend to lose their water resistant coating quicker than others.DWR remedies, for a very long time, used long-chain perfluorocarbons (PFCs) that created poisonous byproducts all the way through production and disseminated into the surroundings because the product wore down. The DWR remedies we suggest—ReviveX, Grangers, and Nikwax—use flourocarbon-free formulation. Although it's possible you'll recoil on the thought of introducing extra artificial chemical substances in your tools, those remedies build up the lifestyles span of your garments a number of instances over, developing much less waste through the years.The extra you employ the garment, the extra temporarily the DWR coating will put on off.
However there is not any prohibit to how time and again you'll be able to reapply DWR. As so long as the clothes is in excellent form, you'll be able to stay re-waterproofing it time and again for future years and save your self from having to interchange a several-hundred-dollar rain outfit.Extra Nice WIRED Tales [ad_2] Source link #ReWaterproof #Rain #Jacket
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Tried and Tested: The Best Methods for Cleaning Your Bell Tent
Are you a proud owner of a luxurious bell tent? Then you know the joy that comes with camping in style. But as much as we love these spacious outdoor shelters, they are not immune to dirt and grime buildup. From bird poop stains to pesky mould growth, your bell tent needs regular cleaning and maintenance to stay fresh and hygienic. But don't fret! In this blog post, we will share tried and tested methods for cleaning your beloved bell tent. We'll cover everything from understanding why mould grows on bell tents to step-by-step instructions for removing dirt and debris. So grab your cleaning supplies and let's get started! Understanding Why Bell Tents Get Mouldy: The Essential First Step A neglected bell tent showing signs of mould and surrounded by long, overgrown grass Bell tents are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, but they are not immune to mould growth. Understanding why bell tents get mouldy is the essential first step in preventing and treating this problem. Mould loves warm and humid environments, so it's no surprise that bell tents provide an ideal breeding ground. Poor ventilation and moisture retention can cause fungal spores to thrive on the canvas material of your tent. Other factors that contribute to mould growth include improper storage, lack of sunlight exposure, and using damp or dirty camping gear inside the tent. But fear not! You can take preventative measures such as ensuring proper airflow by opening windows and doors when possible. Additionally, avoid pitching your tent in shaded areas with high humidity levels. If you do notice mould growth on your bell tent, it's important to act quickly before it spreads further. In the next section of this blog post, we'll share some effective cleaning products for tackling stubborn stains like bird poop and mould. "The Tried and Tested Cleaning Products for Your Bell Tent" When it comes to cleaning your beloved bell tent, it's important to use the right products that can effectively remove dirt and grime without damaging the fabric. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones are safe and effective for your specific needs. One tried and tested product is Fabsil Universal Cleaner, a gentle yet powerful cleaner that can be used on any type of fabric including cotton canvas. It effectively removes stubborn stains like bird droppings and mold while preserving the color integrity of your bell tent. Another reliable option is Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarproof Spray-On Waterproofing. This product not only cleans but also waterproofs your tent with ease, providing long-lasting protection against rain or moisture damage. For those who prefer eco-friendly options, Bio-D Multi Surface Sanitiser is an excellent choice. Made from plant-based ingredients, this non-toxic cleaner works wonders in removing dirt and bacteria while leaving behind a fresh scent. If you're dealing with tough mold or mildew buildup on your bell tent, Mould Master Concentrate by HG could do just the trick. This heavy-duty cleaner penetrates deep into fabrics to eliminate even the most persistent mold spores. Choosing the right cleaning products plays a crucial role in maintaining your bell tent's longevity and appearance. By considering these tried-and-tested options mentioned above alongside proper cleaning techniques will keep your investment protected for years to come! Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Dirt and Debris from Your Bell Tent The beginning stages of setting up a bell tent in an expansive, breezy meadow The first step to cleaning your bell tent is removing all the dirt and debris. This may seem like a daunting task, but following these simple steps will make it a breeze. Start by setting up your bell tent in an open area with enough space for you to walk around it comfortably. It's important to remove any stakes or guy lines that may be attached before starting. Using a soft-bristled brush or broom, gently sweep away any loose dirt or debris from the exterior of the tent. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this can damage the fabric. Once you've removed as much surface-level dirt and debris as possible, mix together warm water and mild soap in a bucket. Dip a sponge into the soapy solution and begin wiping down the entire exterior of the tent in circular motions. Be sure to pay extra attention to areas where there are stains or bird droppings. For tougher stains, try using a mixture of baking soda and water applied directly onto the stain before wiping with soap solution. After thoroughly washing down your bell tent, rinse off any remaining soap residue with clean water using either a hose or buckets of fresh water poured over it. Let your bell tent air dry completely before packing it away for storage until its next use. Remember never store damp tents as this can lead to mould growth which we'll discuss how to prevent later on! "The Slow and Steady Approach: Using Wet & Forget for Bell Tent Cleaning" When it comes to bell tent cleaning, sometimes a slow and steady approach is the way to go. That's where Wet & Forget comes in. This cleaning product is specifically formulated to gently remove dirt, algae, mold, and mildew from outdoor surfaces without damaging them. To use Wet & Forget for bell tent cleaning, mix one part of the solution with five parts water in a garden sprayer or watering can. Apply the solution evenly over the entire surface of your tent and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Wet & Forget works gradually, so you won't see immediate results. Instead, give it time to work its magic as it breaks down dirt and grime on your bell tent's surface. After a few weeks have passed, you'll start to notice that your bell tent looks cleaner and brighter than before. One of the biggest advantages of using Wet & Forget for bell tent cleaning is that it requires very little effort on your part. Unlike other cleaning products that require scrubbing or pressure washing, all you need to do is apply Wet & Forget and let nature take its course. If you're looking for a gentle yet effective way to clean your bell tent without causing damage to its fabric or waterproofing capabilities - Wet & Forget might be worth considering! "The Quick Solution: How Ultramar Power Cleaner Can Clean Your Bell Tent Fast" When it comes to cleaning your bell tent, sometimes you just need a quick solution. That's where Ultramar Power Cleaner comes in. This powerful cleaner is specifically designed for outdoor fabrics like canvas and polyester, making it the perfect choice for cleaning your bell tent. To use Ultramar Power Cleaner, simply dilute it with water according to the instructions on the bottle. Then apply the solution to your bell tent using a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Be sure to work in small sections and rinse each section thoroughly before moving on. One of the benefits of Ultramar Power Cleaner is that it's fast-acting. You don't have to spend hours scrubbing away at stubborn stains – this cleaner does most of the work for you. Another benefit is that it's safe for both synthetic and natural materials, so you can use it on any type of bell tent without worrying about damaging the fabric. If you're looking for a quick yet effective way to clean your bell tent, give Ultramar Power Cleaner a try. Just be sure to follow all instructions carefully and spot test an inconspicuous area first before applying it more broadly! Securing Your Bell Tent: The Importance of Waterproofing and Protection Securing your bell tent is crucial to ensure its longevity and durability. One of the most important steps you can take is waterproofing your tent. This will protect it from moisture, which can lead to mold growth and other issues. There are various products available that can help with waterproofing your tent, such as silicone-based sprays or wax coatings. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying these products to avoid any damage. In addition to waterproofing, you should also consider protecting your bell tent from UV rays by using a UV-resistant spray or treating it with a protective coating. This will help prevent fading and extend the life of your tent. To further secure your bell tent, consider investing in sturdy stakes or anchors that can withstand strong winds. It's also a good idea to use guylines or ropes for additional stability during windy weather conditions. By taking these steps to secure and protect your bell tent, you'll be able to enjoy camping trips for years without having to worry about costly repairs or replacements due to damage caused by weather elements. Bell Tent Repair: How to Handle Small Tears and Panel Replacements Repairing an aging beige canvas tent: Close-up of a weathered hand threading a needle through the torn fabric Maintaining your bell tent is essential to ensure that it lasts for years. From cleaning to waterproofing and repairing, taking care of your bell tent will save you time and money in the long run. Follow these tried and tested methods to clean your bell tent, remove mould, bird droppings, or any dirt and debris that might accumulate over time. Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Always take care when pitching your tent by ensuring you choose a suitable spot away from trees or overhanging branches. Additionally, regular cleaning with wet & forget products will prevent the build-up of mould on your bell tent. In case of small tears or panel replacements needed on your canvas, do not worry! With a little patience and some basic sewing skills, you can easily repair damages without having to replace the entire canvas. By following these tips shared above for maintaining and repairing your beloved bell tent properly, you'll be able to enjoy many more camping trips without worrying about potential damage or wear-and-tear issues! Happy camping! Read the full article
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The Best Waterproof For Suede Boots: more than 10,266 Reviews [UPDATE 02/2023]
With the support of 10,266 customer's reviews, we hope that this article can give you the most realistic view of these products. The list below contains some main brands as Nikwax, GEAR AID, RED MOOSE, JOB SITE, FootFitter
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from Bestkayaks.guide https://ift.tt/FqEJYBx
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Reproofing my Lowa Zepher GTX boots ready for the summer ahead using Nikwax perfect for Goretex .
#lowa#lowaboots#lowazepher#zephergtx#goretex#goretexboots#nikwax#bootcare#reproofing#outdoorkit#boots#militaryboots#bestboots
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Gave my newish boots (@salomon) their first reproofing today, (Thanks to Nikwax) I haven’t done this before, it’s still good fun discovering new technologies and technics. Visit @yompnotes blog type - TAP BIO LINK. ————————————————— #camelbak #camelbaktactical #camelbaktrainingclub #salomboots #salomanquest4d #hikingadventures #hiking #outdooradventures #walkingboots #yompingboots #yompnotes #greymantactical #conqueryourgear #nikwaxwaterproofing #nikwax (at Purbeck Hills) https://www.instagram.com/p/CM2_hmgr8Fo/?igshid=64flbp25un5y
#camelbak#camelbaktactical#camelbaktrainingclub#salomboots#salomanquest4d#hikingadventures#hiking#outdooradventures#walkingboots#yompingboots#yompnotes#greymantactical#conqueryourgear#nikwaxwaterproofing#nikwax
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Nikwax – protect your skin, protect your equipment
Nikwax Waterproofing and Cleaning is a great way to protect your gear and your skin. They know the importance and work to protect the environment.
Note: I am Ambassador for Nikwax. This means they send me free products every once in a while so I can promote them. However, all my thoughts and opinions here are my own.
Learn about them here.
Anyone who has spent time in the outdoors knows many things can make your adventure more comfortable. But one thing, in particular, can make or break an adventure. That particular thing is moisture…
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. #リサイクルショップ で子どもの#ウェア ゲットしたので 久しぶりに#ニクワックス ! . #NIKWAX #撥水 #撥水復活 #スキーウェア #スノーボードウェア #Amazon #amazonで購入 https://www.instagram.com/p/B8KW2LRAvF8/?igshid=1x1xdhpj5ymfv
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Rain Jackets, Reviewed (Part One)
Every year starts off with a few months of bad weather. First there’s snow, then snow turns into slush, and finally the slush gives way to showers. I’ve been looking forward to wearing linen suits and leather slip-ons this season, but before any of that happens, there are still a few weeks left of rain. Which means it’s good to have a reliable raincoat this time of year.
There are two things to look for when shopping for a raincoat: the style and material. Dressier styles, such as cotton gabardine trench coats, go well over tailored clothing, although I favor things that are intended to be worn more casually or can do double duty. A quick review of some styles I’ve found helpful, along with a description of how the materials perform in spring conditions.
Mackintosh Dunkeld (Bonded Cotton)
If you’re looking for something versatile, start with macs. The simple, single breasted design differs from trench coats in that it doesn’t have any militaristic details, such as D-rings, storm flaps, or epaulets. I also find it transitions better between tailored clothing and casualwear, whereas trench coats only feel right to me over suits and sport coats.
Mine is a bonded cotton model from Mackintosh, a British heritage company that’s known for their rain gear. Bonded cotton means that two pieces of tightly woven fabric are bonded together using a rubber adhesive. This makes the coats incredibly waterproof -- especially when the garment is further taped at the seams -- but it’s also not very breathable. Bonded cotton will rustle like a sail, which has a certain kind of charm, but it’ll hold hot air like one too.
I like Mackintosh’s bonded cotton coats for their unique feel (the stiffer material drapes and moves in an interesting way), but if you need something cooler wearing, you’ll want to turn elsewhere. Check the company’s poly-blend coats, American Trench, Aquascutum, and TM Lewin. They’ll wear a little more comfortable in those spring temperatures above 50 or so -- especially if you’re layering.
Brooks Criterion Jacket (British Ventile)
Brooks England is mostly known for their bicycle seats, but years ago, they had a short lived clothing line in conjunction with bespoke tailor Timothy Everest. The star of the collection was something they called their Criterion jacket -- a piece of cycling outerwear made with tons of unique pockets and top-end trims. Unfortunately, the line has been discontinued, save for some boring ponchos, so that Brooks can focus on PEdAL ED (that line is super cool, by the way). Every once in a while though, you can catch a Criterion jacket floating around on eBay.
I bought one before they closed the line and love using it on rainy days. It’s a shorter design, so not that great for heavy rain, but perfect for light showers. The body of the coat is made from Ventile -- a densely woven, pure cotton fabric that swells up when wet, which closes up the pores and doesn’t allow any water to seep through. That means the coat will soak up water, but it’ll still keep you bone dry.
The best thing about Ventile is that it has a soft, natural feel, and it won’t rustle or make much noise when you move (supposedly, the British used it in WWII for this reason -- today it’s mostly good for sneaking up on co-workers). Unlike many options on this list, it also doesn’t look like rain gear, which allows you to use it on cool, dry days. Of course, Brooks isn’t the only company that has used Ventile. You can find other options these days at companies such as American Trench, SEH Kelly, and Private White VC (the first is even having a sale).
Barbour Beaufort (Waxed Cotton)
Another great option if you value versatility. A waxed cotton Barbour can be worn with suits, sport coats, and almost any kind of casualwear. They’re also good year-round -- as comfortable on spring days as they are on autumn nights.
We have a full Barbour buying guide here, but most people will find themselves interested in two main models, the Bedale and Beaufort. They have small differences, but it’s mostly about the length. The Bedale is a shorter jacket that works well with casualwear; the Beaufort is a bit longer, which allows you to layer this over sport coats. I like both, but prefer the Beaufort.
The downside of waxed cotton? Aside from some quick wipe downs, the material isn’t that easy to clean -- especially when it comes to getting out gross smells. You also need to re-apply the wax every once in a while to maintain the water repellence. There are places that can help you with this, but they’re expensive.
Nanamica Cruiser (Gore-Tex)
Nanamica is a Japanese company that makes a bunch of great clothes for bad weather conditions. Their flagship outerwear is this Gore-Tex Cruiser parka, which they’ve done over the years in a ton of different colors. It has a bunch of great details -- such as taped seams for extra protection -- but I mostly like it for its silhouette. The high-stance collar and slightly boxy fit just looks really interesting when worn.
The coat is admittedly very expensive, partly because it’s a niche Japanese brand, but also partly because they use Gore-Tex -- a branded membrane that’s typically sandwiched between two materials to help with both breathability and water resistance. Gore-Tex is nice in that it helps keep water out, but also lets heat vapors escape. However, it’s as much about marketing these days as it is about performance. There are much better performing fabrics at this point, including softshells and advanced membranes such as eVent. Plus, Gore-Tex’s breathability will always be limited by the outermost layer.
Consider Gore-Tex if you want something a bit more breathable than waxed or bonded cotton, but look elsewhere if you think you might be doing some serious aerobic activity.
Vintage Smock (Durable Water Repellant Spray)
A lot of the options above are on the expensive side. We’ll cover some more affordable pieces on Wednesday, when our series continues, but here’s the most affordable option of all.
For easy rain gear that won’t cost you more than a few bucks, pick up a can of Nikwax or Revivex -- both popular brands for what’s known as durable water repellant sprays (or DWRs). They come in two forms. One is a wash-in solution, which you throw into your laundry machine along with the item you want to make water resistant. The other is a spray on, which allows you to be a bit more targeted (and what I prefer). Apply a few layers around high-wear areas, such as the shoulders, but keep it away from internal fleeces, where you want the material to wick moisture, rather than repel it.
I’ve used Nikwax on an old Army smock. The solution doesn’t do magic, but it gets pretty close. Since the seams aren’t taped, water can still seep through, but the body stays remarkably dry even in heavy rain. The only caveat is that the spray loses its effectiveness when the garment gets dirty, so you’ll want to only apply this to freshly washed clothing, and then re-apply every twenty to thirty wears. For about $15, you can’t do much better.
Come back Wednesday for more rain gear suggestions.
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The battering has yet to commence....I spent this afternoon lounging in the sun on my sister's patio having washed my nine year old down sleeping bag at a nearby launderette. In the past I've always had (more expensive) bags 'professionally' cleaned, with mixed results, but couldn't justify that for this cheap item bought when I lived in NW China.
The bag was getting so clumped and stinking, though, that its performance had badly dropped off. Given the amount of down leaking out through the stitching I decided to buy a Granger's Downwash kit and just do it on the cheap. I've generally had better results with Granger's products in recent years; while the sustainable ethos adopted by Nikwax is highly commendable, one unfortunate consequence is that their DWR products are now neither particularly durable nor water repellant, and I assume their cleaning products have also become less effective...
From a starting point with very low expectations, I'm actually rather pleased at how much better this old sleeping bag is lofting following 90 minutes in a tumble dryer and an afternoon outside in the sun and wind. There's been a certain amount of down migration between baffled chambers where some of the internal stitching has loosened up, but most of that'd happened before I washed it. It might even keep me warm over the next few days when I head off on the bike!
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