Soapbox

This is already in the shops. Leisurequest in Swansea sell it.

Anyone else wondering how this differes from Tech Wash, or am I just being too cynical?

It costs more?

Now you've got me at it!

From what I understand from "training" given in an outdoor shop, all the different washes are exactly the same, just different concentrations.

Yes, it's like M&S food.
A giant underground factory with compound X in a vat, it gets pressed into pasta, salad, casual sweaters etc

I grabbed some of the wool wash after being sung the praises of it while i was buying a new icebreaker top recently.

Impressions are that it's not worth the spend. It's not the same as tech wash as it has detergents in it and a warnng not to wash your waterproofs in it. That aside it has a fairly icky smell to it (flower overload) and completely failed to clen an older rohan merino top that i wear for rugby. I think that if you have to wash some thing again in a cheaper product (sainsburys own wool detergent) to get the result it's a bad review.

I'm sure Jason from Nikwax will be along on Monday to explain all/ :)

delete duplicate

Is there really a market for this, I find my ordinary non-bio washing powder works fine for both. Seems like a waste of money to me.

Ben - They told me not even the concentration is varied. They simply put a different label on to make it easier for folks to pick the right product (or possibly to make people buy a tech wash, down wash, AND wool wash for each garment they own)

Even better is the Superfeet scam...

agree with you 100% about that ptc*

I've used it on my 'smelly helly' to good effect not only did it smell good and dry quicker,it also took longer for me to start smelling like a ferret. Not bad i reckon cansidering its only 33p per wash.

I don't see the point of this new product. I always use pure soap flakes on my outdoor gear - it works and it's a damn site cheaper as well.

Wool wash and Base Wash is clearly a different product from Techwash and Downwash, the smell gives it away. I think that we are all taken in by marketing but it is down to the individual to make their own minds up. Sometimes I buy super unleaded, other times normal unleaded. Do i think the super unleaded is the same or does it give 10%better performance I dont know but i still pay out. I own a lot of merino wool and synthetic and can say that after using wool wash my garments seem to feel and perform slightly better. Is it worth the extra expense only those who are going to buy it can answer that. If you are loaded with cash go for it, if monies tight your priorities lie elsewhere, maybe the rent. whats right for one is not right for another. Also Nikwax does not try to pull the wool over anyones eyes, pardon the pun, but we do try to constantly invent and evolve and also try to satisfy consumer demand with the best products possible in as safe and environmentally friendly way possible.

Hope this helps.

Nikwax does not try to pull the wool over anyones eyes, pardon the pun, but we do try to...

Are you speaking as a representative of Nikwax?
Please be lucid about this; people may wish to ask your advice.

I am speaking as a representative of nikwax. I would be quite happy to give people advice . Sorry but i thought I set my email up to show. I will rectify this now.

I have never been one to hide away and will always try to put across a balanced view. Bear in mind though who pays my wages!!

OK --- here IS a representative from Nikwax --

This is Nick - man behind Nikwax!

Wool Wash and Base Wash

I assure you that we have worked on getting these products right for Outdor consumers and we have researched what is already available.

Tech Wash is designed to wash without affecting, indeed restoring, water-repellency. This is VERY important for waterproofs.

The new Nikwax Wash 'n Wick products (Base Wash and Wool Wash) are designed to do the exact opposite of that -- they enhance the wicking effect, that is, the wetting effect on next-to-the skin clothes. This is a new category of Outdoor wash product. Wicking is VERY important in next-to-the-skin garments because it enhances cooling and breathability by spreading sweat over a big surface area.

But also -- the two products have additonal features.

Wool Wash softens, increases bounce, and inhibits smells, and is throughly wool compatible. Makes your Merino baselayer feel great.

Base Wash focuses more on odour inhibition and polyester compatibility. Hits the stink factor and keeps you cooler -- although it is an alternative to personal hygiene ...

These are technical products and will appeal to people who can appreciate the difference, they are certainly not for everyone.

Both Base Wash and Wool Wash wash a lot of clothes -- up to 60 garments for a 300ml bottle. Not a lot of money for a bit more than the price of a pint ... but can you afford a pint???

i thought I set my email up to show. I will rectify this now.
Matthew, no-one can see your email address. You would need to put the details in your forum profile which is 'open access' if folk click on your name.

Nick - thanks for offering Cascadas in grey but can we please have them in black? And black as the neutral 'foil' on all garments on i.e. plackets instead of the not-neutral and looks-like-school-uniform blue?

Thanks :)

Aye, Cascadas in Black would be high on my "must-have" list if they were available. (In Medium Long, please).

I've been banging on about this for ages. Don't make me start a petition :o)