gerardcarey
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CFx2, CPx1
Last year I purchased a popular 2.5 layer, DWR rain jacket.
I had decided this particular model would suit my needs adequately, both in terms of efficacy and price.
We have this 2022 summer, here in Australia, been subjected to the assault of a particularly wet weather pattern.
Where I live, that has meant has rain, rain and more rain, delightfully interspersed with Tropical deluges.
But what could be better to test out ones new wet weather jacket?
Great fun I had testing in these deluges, the temperature being tropically warm.
In the first deluge the water beaded delightfully and ran eagerly off my jacket.
During the second, tiny patches of "wetting out" appeared.
On the third, these "wetting out" patches enlarged somewhat concerningly, in particular places.
On the hood and a small amount on the shoulders.
On the side of the jackets body where the sleeves brush as the arms move back and forth.
On the sleeve cuffs and around the jacket bottom where the draw string is enclosed.
Remember, these were absolute deluges that lasted for at least 45 minutes. The park alongside the road I was walking was getting itself covered to a depth of six inches. Blimey did it come down. So a rilly rilly good test then.
With some trepidation I headed off on my fourth foray.
I reckon this time I was actually breathing water. That's how solid it came down.
Suffice to say my jacket was almost completely "wetted out" this time.
I was somewhat concerned by the results.
Until I inspected the interior lining of the jacket that is.
Not a drop of water had penetrated the interior. Dry as a bone it was.
Now that was a pleasant surprise, serving to restore my somewhat battered faith in the garment.
Whatever, I decided a further DWR coating was an essential prelude to setting out on my 2022 Camino adventures.
I off to my local outdoors shop to obtain the necessary. (I'd decided on Nikwax waterproofing fluid)
After damn near suffering a heart attack on being told the price, I was offered two alternatives.
1. Soak In - You bang the recommended quantity in the washing machine on gently setting, etc, etc.
2. Spray On - Just spray it on only the exterior of the garment.
It was recommended that I use the Spray On.
I never come across the Spray On before so I enquired as to why one would use it instead of the "Soak In."
The reason given was that the interior should not be coated as this would restrict the "breathability" of the jacket.
The breathability of the jacket was fine anyway. It's the first time I'd had pitzips, and let me tell you I wouldn't now buy a jacket without them. That's how good they are. I'd left them open thru all the testing and there was no sign of water entering. And they sure did keep the jacket noticeably cooler.
Whatever, I'm not totally convinced by the argument for Spray On, outside only.
So, the preceding is hopefully pertinent in obtaining your thoughts.
What do you reckon?
Soak or Spray?
Kind regards
Gerard
A review by a New York City Bicycle Courier said that the jacket's was leaking after a year of solid use. This being due to the jacket's lining failing after becoming completely crazed. Didn't say if he'd treated it.
I had decided this particular model would suit my needs adequately, both in terms of efficacy and price.
We have this 2022 summer, here in Australia, been subjected to the assault of a particularly wet weather pattern.
Where I live, that has meant has rain, rain and more rain, delightfully interspersed with Tropical deluges.
But what could be better to test out ones new wet weather jacket?
Great fun I had testing in these deluges, the temperature being tropically warm.
In the first deluge the water beaded delightfully and ran eagerly off my jacket.
During the second, tiny patches of "wetting out" appeared.
On the third, these "wetting out" patches enlarged somewhat concerningly, in particular places.
On the hood and a small amount on the shoulders.
On the side of the jackets body where the sleeves brush as the arms move back and forth.
On the sleeve cuffs and around the jacket bottom where the draw string is enclosed.
Remember, these were absolute deluges that lasted for at least 45 minutes. The park alongside the road I was walking was getting itself covered to a depth of six inches. Blimey did it come down. So a rilly rilly good test then.
With some trepidation I headed off on my fourth foray.
I reckon this time I was actually breathing water. That's how solid it came down.
Suffice to say my jacket was almost completely "wetted out" this time.
I was somewhat concerned by the results.
Until I inspected the interior lining of the jacket that is.
Not a drop of water had penetrated the interior. Dry as a bone it was.
Now that was a pleasant surprise, serving to restore my somewhat battered faith in the garment.
Whatever, I decided a further DWR coating was an essential prelude to setting out on my 2022 Camino adventures.
I off to my local outdoors shop to obtain the necessary. (I'd decided on Nikwax waterproofing fluid)
After damn near suffering a heart attack on being told the price, I was offered two alternatives.
1. Soak In - You bang the recommended quantity in the washing machine on gently setting, etc, etc.
2. Spray On - Just spray it on only the exterior of the garment.
It was recommended that I use the Spray On.
I never come across the Spray On before so I enquired as to why one would use it instead of the "Soak In."
The reason given was that the interior should not be coated as this would restrict the "breathability" of the jacket.
The breathability of the jacket was fine anyway. It's the first time I'd had pitzips, and let me tell you I wouldn't now buy a jacket without them. That's how good they are. I'd left them open thru all the testing and there was no sign of water entering. And they sure did keep the jacket noticeably cooler.
Whatever, I'm not totally convinced by the argument for Spray On, outside only.
So, the preceding is hopefully pertinent in obtaining your thoughts.
What do you reckon?
Soak or Spray?
Kind regards
Gerard
A review by a New York City Bicycle Courier said that the jacket's was leaking after a year of solid use. This being due to the jacket's lining failing after becoming completely crazed. Didn't say if he'd treated it.
