Keeping Dry in the Rain: Restoring the DWR of Rain Gear Fabric

Most of us have come to know and love our breathable rain gear.  I remember using GORE-TEX® equipment for the first time in 1985 on Kodiak Island, Alaska.  Staying warm, both then and know, is all about staying dry and being properly layered.

A GORE-TEX® membrane (or other manufactures’ waterproof membrane) in your clothing does not guarantee that you will stay dry.  Back when I first started using protective breathable rain wear I did not fully understand the importance of maintaining the water repellency of the fabric to which the waterproof membrane is bonded.  

Over time, outer fabric wear from abrasion, exposure to dirt, sweat and other contaminants reduces the performance of GORE-TEX® and other membranes.  This occurs as the Durable Water Repellant (DWR) treatment on the outer fabric surface degrades.   When this occurs, the outer fabric can easily become saturated and a condition known as “wet out” can occur making you feel damp.  This may make your garment appear as though it is leaking. 

If you want your raingear to work to its optimum potential a few easy maintenance steps are all that is required to avoid this condition.  Remember to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions that came with your garment.  In the case of GORE-TEX® products, you can get on the internet and visit their product care center for additional information about GORE-TEX® care. 

The first step is proper washing of your garment.  As mentioned above, it is absolutely necessary to keep your GORE-TEX® product clean to maintain performance.  GORE-TEX® recommends warm water (104 degrees) with a powder or liquid detergent.  No fabric softener or chlorine bleach should be used.  The garment must be thoroughly rinsed to remove all detergent residues.  Some people recommend using a performance wash specifically developed to clean water repellant membrane garments.

Next, you will want to dry your garment in the dryer on the warm setting.  Always follow the garment manufacturer’s care instructions.  The heat from the dryer will reactivate the DWR treatment on the fabric. You can test the DWR’s performance after drying by putting a few drops of water on the outside of the fabric.  You should see the water bead up and roll off the fabric.  This is an indication the DWR has been restored.  If the water does not bead off but soaks into the fabric, the DWR treatment of your garment must be restored.   Some also recommend using an iron to restore the DWR of the fabric.  I personally prefer to use the dryer.

 

The final step, if needed, is to apply a restorative DWR treatment to the fabric.  Gore recommends a topical treatment as opposed to a wash-in treatment as those could affect the breathability of the garment you are treating.   Follow directions on the DWR treatment product label.  These will likely require running the garment back through a warm dryer after application.

What happens if you damage your rain gear?  In the case of GORE-TEX®, if you puncture or tear your garment you can use a GORE-TEX® Fabric Repair Kit to restore temporary protection from leakage of water into the garment. Permanent repairs can be made through a certified GORE-TEX® product repair center.

Take care of your gear and it will take care of you!  Now go out there and start training in the rain.  I will see you out on the trail.  Happy hiking and hunting!

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YouTube Video About Coastal Black Bear Hunting (the book)

A YouTube video about our latest book. Coastal Black Bear Hunting Prince of Wales Island, Alaska

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Pre-hunt Preparation: Some Hidden Benefits of Fitness Preparation

As many of my close friends and hunting associates know, I tend to put a great deal of energy toward preparing for my hunts.  Some might call it an obsession but I like to think of it as working to eliminate some variables and being better prepared.  This includes general planning, research, scouting, equipment preparation, and fitness considerations.   After all, planning and preparing for the hunt is a very exciting component of the total experience!

Some hunts admittedly require very little preplanning while others require a bit more.  Recently, I have been mentally juggling plans for a few upcoming hunts that have been requiring some consideration and preparation beyond the routine.  These include a trip to Tanzania for buffalo in 2011, a do-it-yourself hunt for tahr and chamois in New Zealand during 2012, and some initial planning for elephant hunting in 2013.

A friend recently was commenting on my Tanzania preparation.   This has included copious amounts of bi-weekly double rifle practice over the past few months which will continue until July 2011.  I have also been working to break-in some lightweight boots and getting a second double rifle’s issues squared away with the help of my gunsmith for the same trip. 

During the same conversation a discussion about my anticipated mountain rifle build for the New Zealand South Island hunt and my day and night mountain hiking regime was on the menu.  The need for a light weight rifle on a DIY hunt in New Zealand is self-explanatory.  Fitness preparation such as hiking holds benefits that are not always immediately considered.

There are several added benefits to be gained through the pre-hunt fitness component besides strengthening overall fitness.  For me it is also a great opportunity to test items such as my general equipment, accessories, and clothing choices.   

A great deal of hunting is mental so the more prepared you are for the adventure the better!  I like to begin my preparations well in advance so I can utilize and test equipment in environmental conditions as close to what I might expect to experience at my destination.  Using New Zealand as an example, testing my equipment considerations and options in Northern California during November, December, and January is very helpful.

For me, there is no better test than to hike late afternoon and at night in the rain utilizing my headlamp, with a full pack load, supporting equipment, and selected clothing to see if my choices are close to the mark.  Having enough time to test and modify equipment selections is a component of my pre-hunt planning. 

Here are just a few things that you might want to wring-out during your pre-hunt fitness regime:

-Boot and Sock Selection

-Thermal Bottom Weight Preferences for both Ascent and Hunting

-Pant Selections for both Ascent and Hunting

-Thermal Top Weight and Style for both Ascent and Hunting (consider venting options)

-Shirt Considerations

-Vest Considerations

-Additional Insulation Layering Options

-Jacket Options

-Head Cover Considerations

-Glove Options

-Rain Gear Selection

-Headlamp Functionality and Effectiveness in Inclement Weather

-Backpack Selection

-Water Bladder Performance and Capacity

-Familiarization with Hiking Poles

-GPS and Satellite Phone Refresher

For those interested in testing additional equipment and skills during their fitness regime it is easy to throw in your tent or other items just for grins.  Taking the time to pitch your tent at the end of one of your mountain hikes at night in the rain with your headlamp is a great way to build confidence. 

You might discover the need to revise how you set-up your pack so you can get to that tent without your sleeping bag or other items possibly getting wet.  After setting up the tent perhaps throwing up the backpacking stove and making a hot cup of tea would be a consideration before breaking down the tent and heading home.

Testing equipment during your exercise regime could help to make you better prepared for those uncomfortable or unexpected situations that can and do occur.                  

Part 1-Skinning a Bear for a Rug

Learn how to properly skin a bear (Part I).  This information has been provided by our friends at Dick's Taxidermy.

You can view other videos from Dick’s Taxidermy on our Blog video Page or by searching YouTube.

Part 2-Skinning a Bear for a Rug

Learn how to properly skin a bear (Part II).  This information has been provided by our friends at Dick's Taxidermy.

You can view other videos from Dick’s Taxidermy on our Blog video Page or by searching YouTube.

DIY Book-Coastal Black Bear Hunting Prince of Wales Island, Alaska

Now Available Through Our Website!

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