Waterproofing your jacket: How to keep rain jackets waterproof in autumn and winter

Good waterproofing is important to keep the jacket dry and improve vapour transport. This is particularly relevant for cyclists who sweat a lot and need good ventilation. If the water no longer beads off the rain jacket but penetrates the fabric, the waterproofing should be renewed. To test this, the jacket can be stretched at a slight angle and sprayed with water. The material should then be shaken. The water droplets should dance on the outer skin and roll off. If this is not the case and the fabric gets visibly damp (dark) stains, the waterproofing has worn off and needs to be renewed.

Waterproofing your rain jacket: Wash or spray?

Two basic methods can be distinguished: The best-known method is spraying and ironing the waterproofing agent onto the outer material. A practical alternative is the wash-in method, in which the clothing is impregnated in the washing machine. However, it is important to note that not every laminate is suitable for this method. You should therefore obtain information on this from the manufacturer of the rain jacket or other items of clothing beforehand.

It is also important to know which waterproofing agent is recommended by the clothing manufacturer. This information can be found either directly on the label of the garment or on the manufacturer's website. Gore Wear and Vaude, for example, offer well-prepared information on this. The waterproofing specialist Nikwax also provides very detailed instructions with practical application examples on the subject.

>> You can find more background information about rainwear in our article: Stay dry: What mountain bikers need to know about rain jackets <<

How it works with waterproofing spray

• Choose products that contain as few PFCs, propellants and solvents as possible, such as Nikwax TX direct or Fibertec Textile Guard Eco.
• You should wash your clothes before applying the spray.
• Close the zips.
• Only spray the product in a well-ventilated area, ideally outdoors.
• Avoid inhalation of the spray and contact with the eyes and skin.
• Apply the spray from a distance of 20 to 30 centimetres.
• You should wash your hands after applying the product.
• Allow the impregnated clothing to dry in the open air, either hanging on hangers or lying flat.

How wash-in impregnation works

• Follow the care instructions for the impregnating agent.
• Remove detergent residues from the detergent compartment of the washing machine.
• Load the washing drum with a maximum of two kilograms of laundry (two to three items of clothing).
• Select the synthetic or delicate wash cycle at 30 degrees, unless otherwise stated.
• Spin at a low speed or do not spin at all.
• Allow impregnated clothing to dry in the open air.

>> Or would you prefer a new rain jacket - we have tested the latest models: Rain jacket test: nine models for trail and tour <<