Reviving Your Old Outdoors Outerwear
Key Points:
- Hardsell rain jackets don’t retain their water resistance indefinitely
- Washing and reproofing can restore the water-resistant ability of your jacket
- Specialized reproofing products are often required
- Regular maintenance can prolong the functionality of the jacket
- Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach to wash hardshell jackets
- Recycling is an option if your jacket is beyond repair
It’s Raining, It’s Pouring, Your Old Jacket is Boring
There’s nothing quite like the sound of rain hitting a hardshell rain jacket, knowing that you are safely shielded from the downpour. But alas, like all good things in life, this too comes with an expiry date. If you’re finding that your trusty rain jacket isn’t repelling the water like it used to and instead soaking it up like a sad sponge, then read on. It turns out our hardshell rain jackets have a knack for performance art—they don’t stay water-resistant forever. Instead, they demonstrate a slow, subtle decline, building towards a grand finale of letting you get absolutely drenched mid-hike.
Cue panicked disbelief, futile attempts at air drying, then resignation. But wait! Pack away that resignation for another day because there’s light—of the non-drenched variety—at the end of the tunnel. You can, indeed, give new life to your water-thirsty hardshell jacket with a bit of TLC. You see, the decline in performance is often caused by dirt and oils accumulating, disturbing the water-repelling surface of the jacket. Ergo, a good wash can work miracles.
Yes, yes, I hear the naysayers already. “Wash my expensive hardshell jacket? You must be out of your mind!” Fret not, for this is not heresy. But remember, no fabric softeners or bleach allowed. They’re about as good for your jacket as a cheese grater is for your face. Use specialized cleaning products instead, made for waterproof materials.
Once clean, the jacket might need a touch of re-proofing to make it shy away from water again. It’s like a touch-up for your jacket, a bit like makeup for your face (but for rain, not Instagram). Again, specialized products are needed for this step, specifically made for hard shell reproofing.
Regular maintenance, like regular visits to the gym, can keep your jacket performing at its peak for longer. If, however, despite all your efforts, your jacket is destined for retirement, consider recycling it instead of sending it to a landfill.
The End is Inevitable, but Maybe Not Today
So, my dear rain-venture enthusiasts, it seems that our hardshell jackets are as sentient as we are. They need washing, pampering, and sometimes, resuscitation. In my humble opinion, there’s something endearing about this—a reminder of our own mortality, if you will.
But enough with the philosophical musings. Here’s my hot take: caring for your hardshell jacket is a skill just as necessary as knowing how to set up a tent in the dark or filter rainwater for drinking. These jackets, tireless in their quest to keep us dry, deserve a second chance. Give them the spa day they deserve, then strut down your next hiking trail, confident in the knowledge that your renewed rain shield is ready for action.
Who knows, with enough TLC, even the rain might stop to admire the water beading up beautifully on your proudly worn, revived hardshell jacket. And if it doesn’t, it might at least, in its disappointment, decide to rain a tad less on your parade.
So, continue playing pied piper to the storm clouds, my glorious adventurers! Just remember to extend some love to your trusty hardshell jackets too.