can ponchos be re-waterproofed?

[kamah289]

I have a decathlon waterproof poncho that I've used in previous caminos and has done very well. But on my most recent Camino stint, I got caught in a thunderstorm and the water went right through my poncho and I was soaked on the inside almost immediately.
Anyone have insights about whether this poncho just wasn't up to the heaviness of the rain, or if it's a problem that could be fixed with re-waterproofing?

This is the model ---> https://www.decathlon.es/es/r/ponch...-40l-talla-l-xl/_/R-p-5387?mc=8302449&c=NEGRO

 

[auburnfive]

I bought some waterproof spar from Mountain Warehouse and treated an IKEA poncho that seemed to have lost some ability. Was easy to do, but I haven’t tried it yet in heavy rain

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Another webpage for your jacket says (Google translation):

The water-repellent effect of a fabric is its ability to let water slide off its surface without absorbing it. Thus the fabric does not soak up water and remains light, breathable and warm.
The water-repellent effect is obtained by means of a treatment applied to the external face of the fabric. This treatment must be renewed throughout the useful life of the garment (we recommend every 3 washes).
All Quechua ponchos and capes have a water repellent treatment.

Watch out​

We recommend using a machine re-waterproofing spray or liquid to reactivate the water-repellent effect of the fabric and optimize performance throughout the garment's useful life.

Here is a discussion and demonstration:

 

[Pathfinder075]

Nikwax TX Direct spray is what you want. If not you can use a can of waterproofing spray on the garment to add a layer of water resistance, same stuff you use on modern tents to reproof them. I admittedly use both. TX Direct, then after it dries, I spray it with the spray can stuff. Works fine on my motorcycle gear and my rucksack, so should fine on a poncho.

Waterproofing Solution for Clothing 500ml NIKWAX | Decathlon

Easy to use water-based waterproofing for all textile garments and equipment including laminated, PU coated and breathable fabrics with…

www.decathlon.co.uk

or

Textile Repair & Maintenance | Decathlon UK

Welcome to Decathlon, we stock a wide range of Textile Repair & Maintenance. Enjoy low prices every day. Get what you need now !

www.decathlon.co.uk

 

[MikeyC]

It might be that it wasn't up to the volume of rain you experienced.
My Decathlon poncho has a rating of 5,000 Schmerbers. The one you refer to is only 2000. Decathlon state:
"But beware, a jacket designed with a waterproof fabric to the level of 2000mm Schmerber will protect you from the rain, but maybe not a downpour or a long storm."

 

[kamah289]

It might be that it wasn't up to the volume of rain you experienced.
My Decathlon poncho has a rating of 5,000 Schmerbers. The one you refer to is only 2000. Decathlon state:
"But beware, a jacket designed with a waterproof fabric to the level of 2000mm Schmerber will protect you from the rain, but maybe not a downpour or a long storm."

Thanks so much! I hadn't noticed the ponchos had different levels, that's good to know

 

[kamah289]

Nikwax TX Direct spray is what you want. If not you can use a can of waterproofing spray on the garment to add a layer of water resistance, same stuff you use on modern tents to reproof them. I admittedly use both. TX Direct, then after it dries, I spray it with the spray can stuff. Works fine on my motorcycle gear and my rucksack, so should fine on a poncho.

Waterproofing Solution for Clothing 500ml NIKWAX | Decathlon

Easy to use water-based waterproofing for all textile garments and equipment including laminated, PU coated and breathable fabrics with…

www.decathlon.co.uk

or

Textile Repair & Maintenance | Decathlon UK

Welcome to Decathlon, we stock a wide range of Textile Repair & Maintenance. Enjoy low prices every day. Get what you need now !

www.decathlon.co.uk

Thanks for the rec! I'll look into this spray

 

[kamah289]

Another webpage for your jacket says (Google translation):


Here is a discussion and demonstration:

Thanks a lot! The video will be really helpful

 

[Yoyo]

It might be that it wasn't up to the volume of rain you experienced.
My Decathlon poncho has a rating of 5,000 Schmerbers. The one you refer to is only 2000. Decathlon state:
"But beware, a jacket designed with a waterproof fabric to the level of 2000mm Schmerber will protect you from the rain, but maybe not a downpour or a long storm."

I have been looking into the Altus Atmospheric rain poncho so many forum members seem to love, but they also only have 2000 mm waterproofing.
Could those who own an Altus please comment on its performance in heavy downpours?

 

[Helen8453]

My Altus was fantastic - no wet out or leakage in 2017. It was new. In 2019 I got it out and noticed that the waterproofing layer had broken down. This may have been my fault because I had packed it away in its bag without washing it. Maybe I should have stored it on a clothes hanger.
I’ve rewaterproofed it using a mix of white spirits and silicone after researching online and finding others had successfully used this method. I tested under the bathroom shower and happy with outcome.

 

[StuartM]

Re-proofing fabric is notoriously fickle. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Depends on a lot of factors. I usually pay for mine to be done professionally now. It's not that much more than doing it yourself, I think I paid about £35 last time, and the results are more consistent.

Also depends on the fabric itself and the build quality. I've been really unimpressed with modern lightweight fabrics/jackets. They might have great performance figures but just no longevity. My 25 year old Berghaus Goretex is still going, I got 3 years out my last Rab before it literally fell apart. You can only reproof so much. Fabric wears and no amount of Nikwax can fix it long term. Areas around your pack harness straps, shoulders, back. Folds and rub points. Inner arms. Anywhere like this are weaknesses. Might not be visible but if there's wear then you're fighting a losing battle with waterproofing.

 

[Tali]

I have been looking into the Altus Atmospheric rain poncho so many forum members seem to love, but they also only have 2000 mm waterproofing.
Could those who own an Altus please comment on its performance in heavy downpours?

My Altus provided absolutely NO rain protection from the first day I wore it. I was drenched and cold! Gave it away as soon as I arrived in Santiago.