Water repelling

Hey Guys,
I just got some old kilamajara riding gear and was looking to try and waterproof it? Anyone had any luck with some good spray on stuff?

I've been using Kiwi Performance Fabric Protector Camp Dry...

First Gear typically has "Hypertex" that is a thin breathable and waterproof membrane. The material is just the outer layer of sandwiched materials. My Firstgear HT 2.0 overpants have been used as riding gear and winter gear for two winters now. The outer cloth is just starting to look like it absorbs water but in a couple downpours riding to work this spring they don't leak past the Hypertex.

The Camp Dry just helps the outer material repel water droplets really well. I've used it on my 1994 Eddie Bauer Down Parka made out of original Gortex - after treatment have washed my hair in a forest downpour while wearing the jacket. Not afraid of getting the down wet, the water repellant works so well. 2011 I still grab that parka when the temps drop and freezing rain is in the forecast...

I started using the Fabric Protector Camp Dry because the Hypertex membrane is made out of some thin micro-perforated polyester or something. I was worried the solvent based old Camp Dry would harm the new membrane.

I use Camp Dry on my Joe Rocket endurance jacket as well (similar to a Kilimanjaro 4.0) Works great!

Whatever you do - Don't put your garments in the dryer after washing in cold water on gentle cycle! Hot heat of the dryer will melt the Hypertex membrane. High performance weather garments need to follow wash instructions such as gentle wash or soak and hang dry.

By the way congrats on the FirstGear stuff Good stuff!

Great post thanks

griz901 wrote:

I've been using Kiwi Performance Fabric Protector Camp Dry...

First Gear typically has "Hypertex" that is a thin breathable and waterproof membrane. The material is just the outer layer of sandwiched materials. My Firstgear HT 2.0 overpants have been used as riding gear and winter gear for two winters now. The outer cloth is just starting to look like it absorbs water but in a couple downpours riding to work this spring they don't leak past the Hypertex.

The Camp Dry just helps the outer material repel water droplets really well. I've used it on my 1994 Eddie Bauer Down Parka made out of original Gortex - after treatment have washed my hair in a forest downpour while wearing the jacket. Not afraid of getting the down wet, the water repellant works so well. 2011 I still grab that parka when the temps drop and freezing rain is in the forecast...

I started using the Fabric Protector Camp Dry because the Hypertex membrane is made out of some thin micro-perforated polyester or something. I was worried the solvent based old Camp Dry would harm the new membrane.

I use Camp Dry on my Joe Rocket endurance jacket as well (similar to a Kilimanjaro 4.0) Works great!

Whatever you do - Don't put your garments in the dryer after washing in cold water on gentle cycle! Hot heat of the dryer will melt the Hypertex membrane. High performance weather garments need to follow wash instructions such as gentle wash or soak and hang dry.

By the way congrats on the FirstGear stuff Good stuff!

I think you can also take your things to the dry cleaners to be waterproofed. I vaguely remember my dad doing this to one of his and my brother's old ski jackets.

I wash my Kili in Tech Wash for Nicwax, then use their restore soultion. Do this once a year and it lasts until the next time. Been through some horrible rains and never leaked.

Phil

I have used the 3m waterproofing spray from Walmart with good results. I did my old Transition jacket and pants along with my soft saddle bags before I took a trip to California. They still repel water after 2 1/2 years. So well, that I am not afraid to use all of it in the rain even today. Everything in the saddle bags stays dry even in a downpour sitting in a parking lot or going down the highway at 60. People think that I am getting soaked, but I stay perfectly dry on the inside.

I sprayed them on the side walk out in front of the house. The concrete still repels water too in the outline of my gear. Sorta looks like a chalk outline on the grey concrete when it rains.