Waterproofing Windproofs

6 messages
01/08/2006 at 10:44
Our household has accumulated several windproofs including Montane Krypton,Featherlite and Lite-speeds and a Paramo Fuera smock.
I've seen threads about treating these with Nikwax TX Direct but a search hasn't come up with the info.(Capt. P?)
Is it worthwhile doing this to improve DWR?
Is there a loss of breathability?
01/08/2006 at 11:21
Never done it with either of my 2 Kryptons but I have with the other 3 you've mentioned.

Never noticed any breathability probs.

I'm sure the good Capt will be along soon enough with a more in-depth response :o)

Trouble no one about their religion;

respect others in their view and demand that they respect yours.

~Chief Tecumseh~

01/08/2006 at 11:30
I've done it to a Montane Featherlite and a Paramo Fuera - it definitely improves the weather resistance and I haven't noticed any problem with breathability.
01/08/2006 at 11:30
There's nothing to stop you treating windproofs with a DWR, many have a factory-applied treatment anyway to increase their versatility. Just check care instructions carefully before you heat treat etc.

There was a thread a while back started by someone who'd treated a Montane windproof shell with an aftermarket DWR and complained that it had compromised breathability, but I've never had that problem myself and since most DWRs simply bond to the fibres of the fabric, I can't see why it would be a problem.


OutdoorsMagic Editor | jon@outdoorsmagic.com 

01/08/2006 at 16:24
I've re-proofed my Litespeed with TxDirect wash-in, as I was originally unimpressed with the DWR as supplied; I got very wet on a cycle ride. I found the result to be sufficiently water resistant that it was enough to keep out rain that made my mates resort to Gore-Tex and Paramo. It seems to retain this property fairly well.

I can't say that I've noticed a problem with breathability.

The thread you were thinking of may have been Applying Nikwax treaments - what's the secret?. Ah, after a closer look, I think it must have been Windproof suggestions (women's), since you posted on it.

For the Krypton, I would recommend the spray-on version. A wash-in treatment will proof the micropile lining, which will make it behave like the Paramo pump liner, only in reverse...
Edited: 01/08/2006 at 17:48
03/08/2006 at 14:57
Thanks all!
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