The Paddler ezine Issue 53 Late Spring 2020 | Page 103
Spending time off the
water is the perfect
opportunity to show your
kit some due care and
attention, making sure
it’s ready for wherever
your next adventure
takes you.
19
03. 04.
Waterproofs
Most waterproofs are treated with
a DWR finish to keep the outer fabric
from becoming soaked or ‘wetting out’,
but it’s essential to wash your
waterproof kit to maintain its performance.
You can use a sponge or put it in the
washing machine using a tech wash or
non-detergent cleaning agent. If washing
alone doesn’t do the job and your kit
is still absorbing water after washing,
you will need to reproof and use heat
to reactivate the DWR treatment.
Storing your kit
Storing your kit when you’re not using
it is crucial to maintaining optimal
performance on and off the water.
Footwear should be clean, reproofed
and completely dry, before being stored
in a well-aired, dry place away from
direct heat and sunlight, to avoid
damage and keep them in great condition.
An insulated jacket’s performance
relies on its filling and compressing
it can cause it to lose its insulating
effectiveness, so these should be hung
rather than folded or stuffed. Finally,
you’ll probably need your waterproofs
year-round, so keep these hung up in
a dry place away from direct sunlight.
COTSWOLD
Water droplets should
bead and roll off but
if your kit has become
clingy, saggy and water
sinks into the outer
fabric, it’s time to
reproof and refresh
the DWR coating.
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