Talkback: Monday Tip - Soft Shell Care

Posted this in the forum, but thought it makes sense to add it here. NikWax will give you a sample pouch of their products for washing and reproofing soft shell clothes:

http://www.form-builder.co.uk/_userdata/27/Nikwax_NationalTrust.htm

Mine goes on a cotton 30c wash with normal powder along with everything else. No membrane in it, so not worried about a DWR. For me breathability is most important, closely followed by 'less time spent on washing the better'.

I'd argue that DWR is more important for a non-membraned garment as it's your only meaningful line of defence against rain getting in. Then again, I'm not sure my main softshell's been washed in a couple of years... and those around me can probably tell.

If breathability is a concern, then it's probably still important to preserve the DWR. If you're out in it and it rains, and it wets out, then the breathability will be gone. If you're out in it and it rains, and the DWR is working, then it's going to be able to cope a bit longer.

You don't necessary have to use expense Grangers and Nikwax products constantly, Dri Pak Liquid Soap Flakes (available in Tescos) is fine for machine washing, or hand wash with soap flakes. That will preserve the DWR that's already there, and you can update it with either a Nikwax spray proofer or Granger's XT Spray Proofer as necessary.

And I definitely wouldn't bother buying the Nikwax Softshell Proof, it's just the same as the standard stuff.

Nowt to do with expense - just not bothered about a DWR. I only need to wear a softshell for warmth when there's snow on the ground, they are far too hot for me otherwise. If it's raining heavy, then it's warm enough for a baselayer and just a shell. Otherwise I'll be in a tshirt and a windproof at most.
Not sure how often most of you wash your outdoor clothing but ALL of mine, except waterproof shells, get washed every time they are worn. Stale sweat stinks and I'd rather not thanks.
Why is everyone scared of getting a little wet? Puzzles me. There's plenty of us on building sites who are soaked to the skin everyday, wearing nowt but cotton tshirts and denim jeans, with not a problem to be told.

I try and destroy whatever DWR there is on my windshirts as soon as possible. Sweat is wet; I want my windshirt to absorb it. Like Kelvin, when it rains I put my shell on.

I'm pretty sure Mike is of the same opinion too when it comes to windshirts. Which are, I guess - the softshell to rule all softshells.