Washington Fishing

The Online Source for Washington Fishing Information

Cleaning and Restoring the Water Repellency of Your Rain Gear

I love inclement weather days.  A strong low pressure system with rain and a steady breeze; those are my confidence conditions for big fish.  Almost all of us have made long, wet boat rides on the Columbia, Lake Washington, Banks Lake, etc. in heavy chop, rollers and large waves, taking spray for miles and getting absolutely drenched.  In these scenarios, you want to remain warm, dry and comfortable.  You need to be able to concentrate 100% on your fishing, not on being damp, cold and miserable.   

 

All rain wear is factory treated on the outside with a special water repellent formula called "DWR" (Durable Water Repellent).  Over time, through use and abrasion, this treatment wears off causing the outer fabric of your garment to "wet out".  Rain isn't leaking all the way through, but breathability is reduced, creating excess interior condensation.  This leaves you damp and cold.  Standard household detergents strip away the factory DWR and leave behind residue, causing the outer fabric to absorb water rather than repel it.  

 

For years I have been using ReviveX Cleaners and Water Repellent Formulas to clean as well as restore the DWR and breathabilty of my expensive rain gear.  The ReviveX formulas were developed with GORE over a decade ago and continue to be the best performing, highest concentrated formulas on the market.  The formulas are based on the exact same DWR that is applied and heat set at the factory.  On top of that, these products are 100% Made in the USA, right here in Bellingham, Washington.  The two major competitors in this category are manufactured overseas. 

 

I was fortunate enough to be hired on with the company that manufactures ReviveX over a year ago.  Quite often, we receive emails from ReviveX users around the country that thank us over and over for bringing the performance of their outerwear back to new, saving them hundreds of dollars on new rain gear.

 

If your rain gear is over a season or two old, I highly recommend properly cleaning and retreating with a DWR formula.  You will be thrilled with the results.  You can pick up ReviveX products locally at Wholesale Sports and online at Tackle Warehouse.

 

ReviveX @ Tackle Warehouse

 

Please contact me anytime with questions or comments.  Thank you for reading and for your support of local, Made in the USA manufacturers. 

 

Hook 'em hard,

 

Tag

Views: 1140

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Randall J DeFreese on March 25, 2011 at 7:52am
Good info as always.  Thanks Tag
Permalink Reply by Mike Buse on March 25, 2011 at 8:43am
I treated mine over the winter and can't wait to see the results. Oh, but I don't fish in the rain, maybe I can let someone borrow it to try.
Permalink Reply by Chris Blandi on March 25, 2011 at 8:57pm
Thanks for passing on that info Tag.  Would of never known that product is good stuff.
Permalink Reply by John Mark Minica on March 25, 2011 at 9:19pm
I never realized that goretex rain gear also had a waterproof treatment on the fabric. Good thing to know. Mine could really use some maintenance.
Permalink Reply by Tag Watson on March 26, 2011 at 7:24am

Hello Cris,

 

Thank you for your questions.  Yes, ReviveX will work on all waterproof, breathable outerwear, including the Cabela's Dry-Plus garments. 

 

As it relates to the ReviveX formulas, the terms "water repellent" and "waterproofer" are often used interchangeably.  Please see the below links as an example.  ReviveX Air Dry Waterproofing Spray is also referred to as the Air Dry Water Repellent Spray in some copy.  One link is from the McNett Outdoor site and the other link is from the McNett Sporting Goods site. 

 

http://www.mcnett.com/ReviveX-Air-Dry-Waterproofing-Spray-P177.aspx

To elaborate a bit further, the Wash-In and Spray-On products are both "heat set" formulas.  The heat setting process essentially "bakes" the DWR into the fibers of the outer fabric, providing maximum durability.  This is similar to the process used at the factory. 
Please note: When you are drying your garments after applying the "heat set" products, make sure you allow them to dry for the full hour at the appropriate heat setting (based on the instructions on the bottle and the garment manufacturer's specifications).  Although your garment will likely be plenty dry after 30-45 minutes, the final 15 minutes of the drying cycle is the most important in ensuring durability and performance.
The Air Dry Waterproofing Spray is currently the closest product on the market to a factory DWR formula without having to be heat set.  Air Dry took over two years to develop and is a phenomenal product.
Thanks again for the questions. 
Permalink Reply by Jim Pennel on March 26, 2011 at 7:43am
Tag, thanks for posting. I'll give it a try.
Permalink Reply by Tag Watson on March 26, 2011 at 11:31am

Hey Mike,

 

You can definitey have the confidence fishing in the elements now, knowing you are going to stay warm and dry.  As far as battling strong winds with the trolling motor, you're on your own there, my friend.

Mike Buse said:

I treated mine over the winter and can't wait to see the results. Oh, but I don't fish in the rain, maybe I can let someone borrow it to try.
Permalink Reply by Marc Marcantonio on March 26, 2011 at 12:04pm

Tag, that is just what I need!  I'm going to get some.

 

ciao,
Marc Marcantonio

Permalink Reply by John Mark Minica on March 26, 2011 at 6:49pm
Should the cleaner be used regarless of whether you use the air dry or the heat set waterproofing?
Permalink Reply by Tag Watson on March 26, 2011 at 7:22pm

Thank you for the question, John.  The Synthetic Fabric Cleaner should absolutely be used prior to using the heat set formulas.  It is extremely important to get rid of all dirt, grime and residues.  Dirt and residues attract water and promote wet out.   

 

Cleaning the garment prior to waterproofing will also restore breathability as well as enhance water repellency and wicking properties.  Cleaning the garment alone will help rejuvenate some of the factory DWR.  The ReviveX waterproofers are specially formulated to bond to the existing factory DWR.  Therefore, washing with Synthetic Fabric Cleaner first ensures maximum performance of the system.

 

The Air Dry formula makes a great waterproofing touch up since it does not need to be heat set.  However, it is always recommended to wash any garments prior to applying if possible.  Air Dry is also great on items that cannot be ironed or dried in the dryer, such as footwear, tackle bags, boat covers and more.  It is also great for adding instant water repellency to hats, fleece, sweatshirts, etc.  Washing prior is not necessary in these instances, but clean is always best.     

 

Marc, thanks for your support.  Please let us know what you think!   

John Mark Minica said:

Should the cleaner be used regarless of whether you use the air dry or the heat set waterproofing?
Permalink Reply by Ronald Hobbs, Jr. on March 27, 2011 at 9:50am
Great thread Tag, I think everyone including myself can definetely use some rain gear maintenence 101.
Permalink Reply by Harold Erickson on March 27, 2011 at 3:26pm
Will it work on nylon jackets and windbreakers just for those days when you have a lite drizzle and don't want to break out rain gear?

RSS

Blog Posts

Old Farts Tournament on Potholes

Posted by Tom Melowitz on September 7, 2019 at 2:45pm

New Group Added!

Posted by Eric Urstad on April 3, 2019 at 7:38pm

© 2024   Created by Jordan Doucet.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

Sign in to chat!