Gear

Hello,

I have a Stretch Element Jacket which I really, really like and unfortunately some of the waterproof lining is coming off at a crease point in the hood, a bit like sunburn. They are above the microfleece lining at the back of the neck and the areas are each about 7cm long and probably about . I tested the waterproofness of the area with a shower and water visibly leaked through in about 30 seconds. To me, it appears to be where the holds folds when it is "down"

I contacted Patagonia and sent them some photos. They came back, saying it is not repairable i.e. an ex-waterproof (cue Monty Python jokes) and, to their credit, advised me to return it for recycling and offered a credit note for the value of the last known price.

I know returning it is the correct thing to do, as a leaky jacket is as much use as a chocolate fireguard, however...well, I'm sure I'm not the first person who doesn't want to get rid of a favourite jacket.

Has anyone else tried repairing a stretch element (H2NO) jacket by the method shown in the excellent article by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/hill-skills/how-to-repair-torn-waterproofs/6509.html">Captain Paranoia</a> ?

I do not doubt Patagonia when they say they cannot repair it, however I am wondering whether there is "another way" and if it can be effectively repaired to its previous waterproof fantasticness and if so, how?

It's frustrating when things like this only seem to happen to things you really like!

Thanks,

I see my link creating skills are up to their usual levels.

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/hill-skills/how-to-repair-torn-waterproofs/6509.html

At least I can insert photos!

Si,

TBH, I just used the email address on the patagonia website.

euro_hotline@patagonia.com

I'd certainly be tempted to try ironing a strip of seam seal tape over the delaminating area; it looks like it's failed at the edge of the original seam seal tape between the fleecy panel and the non-fleecy panel.

I also note the discolouration around this area, which is probably due to body oil from the neck; quite possibly what's caused the problem in the first place, and an example of why cleanliness is next to Godliness in outdoor clothing... I'd wash it first before you try the seam seal.

Since this might only give a short respite before further delamination occurs, I'd tell Patagonia what you're doing, and why; given their 'green credentials', they ought to congratulate you for trying to extend the lifetime of an otherwise perfectly good jacket.  i.e. if further delamination occurs that cannot be repaired, they ought to still honour the offer they've made.

Those are excellent suggestions, Captain!

I hadn't noticed it was close to the tape edge - I just thought it was on the crease of a fold when the hood is down.

That's a good idea about discussing this course of action with Patagonia before I do it, especially the idea they should /could appreciate it as being in line with their philosophy and possibly still honour the offer of the refund.

I posted here for advice on whether it could be repaired however you've gone beyond that.

Thank you for replying and for the good advice, especially when it means I could get to repair and keep my jacket!

> I just thought it was on the crease of a fold when the hood is down.

Thinking about it, thecoating has probably failed for two reasons:

i) body oil contamination damaging the PU coating

ii) compounded by a sharp fold caused by folding along the edge of the seam seal tape, which has stiffened the fabric.

The bit about washing it first was to ensure that there's no oil left behind that might prevent the seam tape sticking.  A detergent wash would probably be recommended, but I know that some examples of Patagonia's Deluge DWR doesn't like detergent, and doesn't recover with a soap wash.  So, maybe a local application of a bit of liquid clothes detergent and gentle manual cleaning, with a good manual rinsing afterwards; don't let the detergent reach the outer face.

Of course, adding another layer of seam might raise another stiff edge, and move the problem up the hood...

Hi,

It did take a while, over a week, if I remember correctly.