I have quite a bit of outdoor kit from various brands, and the type of product recommended for care varies depending on the brand. That being said, I tend to stick with Nikwax. Washing with Tech Wash keeps waterproofs functioning, removing dirt and debris from the technical fibres and refreshing the DWR finish. Tech Wash can also be used on other mid and outer layers, though not baselayers (Base Wash is brilliant for these items). To get the most out of these products, it is important to follow the instructions to the letter. Once I have a few items, I take the opportunity to clean my washing machine first. This ensures there is no detergent or conditioner residue prior to treating my kit (conditioner, in particular, kills the effectiveness of outdoor gear).
Once rain fails to bead on your waterproofs, it's time for TX Direct. So, wash with Tech Wash first, then do a second wash with TX Direct. I tend to use discretion when determining how many items to pop in the washer at any one time but as a general rule, I can adequately reproof three lightweight jackets. If I were to shove the Paramo in there, I'd probably only chuck one more item in, as per the directions.
Give them a good shake when done to try and get as much water as possible off them before popping in the dryer on a low setting. I've never owned a dryer until recently, and I have found that trying to air dry treated waterproofs near (never on) a heat source, more times than not, fails to produce the desired results.
The final stage in my reproofing process is to check the integrity of the taped seems, and to use a patch to secure any that have started to lift. This seems to be inevitable in areas of high motion (hoods, where they cinch, the crotch area in trousers, arm pits etc.).
The dry bag in this bundle is a bonus, though it's quite heavy and not very packable. It's great for chucking in a drop-bag for keeping wet, mucky gear separate from clean kit, or as a rucksack liner when out on a leisurely trip, though I wouldn't use it as a running pack liner. It fits nicely in my 25L day pack.
I have used Nikwax Tech Wash and TX Direct to good effect on Mountain Equipment, Montane, and OMM waterproof kit as well as an Alpkit bivvy bag; and Tech Wash on Paramo, ME, Montane, OMM, Dexshell, and Inov8, alongside cheaper brands with good results.
| Color | Neutral |
|---|---|
| Batteries included? | No |
| Brand | Nikwax |
| Manufacturer | Nikwax |
| Package Dimensions | 27.1 x 25.1 x 9.8 cm; 1.83 kg |
| ASIN | B085TMF4ZS |
