How do you look after your waterproof jacket?

philcubed

Hi, I seem to go through waterproof jackets pretty quick (they last a couple of years before starting to leak). Just wondering if this is normal, and how everyone looks after their jackets. After a muddy ride I put the jacket in a cold rinse in the washing machine to get rid of the mud (I do have 'guards on, but still get some splattering) then let it drip dry. I only buy the cheap ones from mountain warehouse, as I figure if I buy an expensive one and this only lasts a couple of years, it's a waste of money. I've tried re-proofing the jacket with Nikwax in the washing machine but, though it improves it, it still leaks in places. Any thoughts?

Briggo

What do you mean 'leak'

Water physically gets through the material or the water isn't beading on the jacket anymore and is being 'soaked' into your jacket (like when you have a nicely waxed car, the water beads on it your jacket should do the same-ish) thus inhibiting its breathability and slowly either soaking through or soaked the material up so much it's like a bin bag and you're sweat is going nowhere and so feels like a leak?

Manc33

Every waterproof jacket and pants I have ever had have had all the rubber stuff peeling off inside. Maybe if you spend some insane amount like £500 on a jacket, they aren't like that. I used to have a really warm one "North Sails" but I lost it, pretty funny considering it was one shade paler than luminous yellow. The rubberized parts weren't another layer on that but more a part of the inside of the external fabric, it can't peel because it is pressed hard into the weave, kinda "vacuumed" onto it. I think it was a knock off version of one though lol. Still really warm and 100% waterproof. Thing is it was literally for sailing and was a bit too big and fluffy for cycling.

paul.skibum

Some waterproofing is restored by tumble drying - Goretex in particular can be re-proofed by tumbling.

Personally I find expensive cycle related waterproofs too expensive for what you get - better to by cheaper and replace unfortunately as they get washed too often to not screw up the waterproofing.

philcubed

Yes, leak like this - 'the water isn't beading on the jacket anymore and is being 'soaked' into your jacket (like when you have a nicely waxed car, the water beads on it your jacket should do the same-ish) thus inhibiting its breathability and slowly soaking through'. Is it inevitable this gives up after a couple of years? (Obviously not using the jacket every ride either as it doesn't rain every time!). Would rinsing it off with a hosepipe instead of in the washing machine help extend the life?

batmo

No waterproof jacket is going to respond well to getting muddy (that section where the base of your rucsac rubs the dirt in is the worst).
Cheap jackets will fail quickly but expensive jackets will still be knackered before you've had your moneys worth.
I try to find mid-level lightweight jackets (RRP around £150) for about half original price in TK Maxx.
I wash the mud off with the hose and light sponge first and if further cleansing is required I hand wash in soap flakes, which is kinder to the coatings than detergent.

Long_Time_Lurker

I try not to wash mine if i don't have to.
Which is why there is a dirty jacket in the garage which my wife refuses to allow in the house.

Once a year it goes to the dry-cleaners. They do a specialist water-proofing treatment for £25. And then it is like new for another year.

thelonegroover

philcubed wrote:

Hi, I seem to go through waterproof jackets pretty quick (they last a couple of years before starting to leak). Just wondering if this is normal, and how everyone looks after their jackets. After a muddy ride I put the jacket in a cold rinse in the washing machine to get rid of the mud (I do have 'guards on, but still get some splattering) then let it drip dry. I only buy the cheap ones from mountain warehouse, as I figure if I buy an expensive one and this only lasts a couple of years, it's a waste of money. I've tried re-proofing the jacket with Nikwax in the washing machine but, though it improves it, it still leaks in places. Any thoughts?

Buying budget jackets will nearly always result in lower performance. I invested in an Arc'teryx jacket and it's been brilliant. I think it must have a better quality DWR and it's more breathable. Always wash in pure soap and reproof with a wash in or spray on solution.

ilovedirt

I'd rather have something windproof than waterproof. You're never going to completely avoid water getting in. I'd rather be wet and warm than dry but freezing cold.