Waterproof jacket recommendations?

[BertR00t]

I washed an O Neill snowboarding shell jacket I have that was very waterproof until the last wash and tumbledried it last night to see how it bears up. It has a DWR finish. Didn't rain this morning though so no idea if it is behaving yet.

 

[azaro]

I use Nic Wax on my ski gear and it seems to work

 

[highlandsflyer]

I'm a big fan of eVent fabric. Breathes better than Gor-Tex Paclite, and is just as waterproof. Showers Pass makes some good eVent jackets.

I hear that a lot. When it comes to replacing my Paclite I may look at trying something with eVent, doubt that will be any day soon, as I am still using my ancient Marmot Mountain Works Gore Tex climbing shell as well as an ancient lined Gore Tex ski jacket.

 

[jamabikes]

fabric softener can eat older gortex stuff though so be careful.

 

[theredchili]

Fabric softener acts as a water proofing agent too btw. Dont ask how on earth I know that but I do.

Fabric conditioner can actually decrease the warterproofing on waterproofs.

Gor-tex certainly looses its waterproofness with age.The best way to Re-activate them is in a tumble dryer on a low heat.You can also cool iron them ( never been brave enough to try this !)

For biking, I currently use a OMM smock , which I brought for Mountain Marathons, very light and packable and keepse the wet stuff off, has thumb loops for sealing your arms in driving rain.Has taped seams which also is important

 

[shutterman]

Debenhams have Berghaus stuff around 50% off or better

http://www.debenhams.com/berghaus

 

[The Ken]

My Dhb eVent jacket tells you to iron it after washing to re-activate the water repellency - nervously did it for the first time this weekend - it was fine.

 

[WD Pro]

Fabric softener acts as a water proofing agent too btw. Dont ask how on earth I know that but I do.

Fabric conditioner can actually decrease the warterproofing on waterproofs.

I wouldn’t know if it does of if it doesn’t, but the first statement may have come from the fact that old (retro ) people will tell you that towels washed with fabric conditioner aren’t as absorbent on first use as one washed without

Keep fabric conditioner away from MF drying / polishing towels to

WD

 

[highlandsflyer]

My Dhb eVent jacket tells you to iron it after washing to re-activate the water repellency - nervously did it for the first time this weekend - it was fine.

That is SO counter-intuitive!

 

[The Ken]

Yes, first time I have used an iron in years, wife was stunned. I only ever bought irons for waxing my skis in the past.