@ Craig, there seems to be a lot of confusion regarding washing water proof jackets, with fabric manufacturers and jacket manufacturers recommended different techniques, I did have a good read on many forums regarding the washing, and the method I used seemed to be the most recommended. When my new jacket arrives (assuming it fits well) I will probably only be washing it with Nikwax tech wash (or graingers alternative), but I will be emailing Haglofs and Gore tex to see what they recommend, and I will post up the responses.
@ Jim, I havent been impressed with the Sprayway hydro dry, but it hasnt been looked after that well to be honest.
Thanks for the welcome Pete, I have looked at that Rab jacket, but stumbled across the Haglofs Cirque on Cotswolds website for 1/2 price at £190, really liked it as went to look at one today, will be ordering an XL tonight
Yeah I know the Baltoro guide is a softshell, I'm looking at getting that to save me having to wear a hard shell when its windy or there are drops of rain.
Think I found the problem with my spray way, I gave it an iron and it seemed to work a bit better, but found the membrane is flaking off on the shoulders, so the new jacket is definitely coming at the right time.
Thanks for the reply Serriadh, that was a mistake on my part, but only a typo, I did actually wash in the detergent first now that you mention it, but its been a long week and I'm not functioning correctly .
It kept the rain out so far, but I've not been in really heavy rain or out in it for a long period of time. Hopefully it will keep me dry (while looking like a homeless guy with my wrinkled jacket and re-grownbeard).
I've been mainly looking at sale items, as you can usually get a bit more for your money. Its a bit hard to try some on as we don't have a great deal of outdoor shops here in sunny Warrington that have a decent selection of jackets, I had tried the berghaus and was fairly happy with fit, but need to try it again with and without a fleece layer. Quite fancy the Rab jackets as looking at getting the baltoro guide (which the XL fitted very nicely), so would hope that the hard shells had a similar fit, need to find a decent rab stockist near by I think.
I am a new member, but have been looking at the forums and website for a while now.
I have a Sprayway TL Orbit jacket (hydro/dry) which is a few years old, which I have just washed and re-proofed (following tips from a thread on here), which involved cleaning the washer, then washing the jacket with soap flakes, then with a liquid detergent (ecover delicate) and then used TX direct wash in, then drip dried and put on the radiator (I don't have a tumble drier), and now my Sprayway jacket wrinkles (looks more like little craters on the surface fabric) when it rains.
What is causing this to happen, has the re-proofing not worked correctly? Or does it require better heat treatment to activate the DWR? I did wash another jacket at the same time (foreign jacket, assumed 3 layer as it has no drop lining) and that seems fine as the water just runs of that one with ease, doesn't wrinkle and feels brand new.
As a side question, I am looking at getting a new waterproof jacket soon anyway, and have my eye on a Berghaus Mera Peak. What are peoples thoughts on this jacket, or can you recommend some others (I have looked at / considered Rab Latok or Mountain Dru, Mountain Equipment Tupilak II (if I can find cheap enough)) which might be worth looking at. The fit for me is important as I'm 6'6" and slim / athletic build so I'm after a fitted / slim jacket (as I hate baggy coats) and need long sleeves. I'm looking at a budget of around £200, at a max £250.
Jep_uk
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