Its also the producer of our favorite product on the listthe Camp Dryso you can be guaranteed that it is worth considering for your boots. EffortlessOutdoors.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The silicone used in the KIWI Camp Dry is treated to ensure it remains odor-free. It also uses a C02 propellant which is good news for those people who worry about aerosols. But it can easily be ruined when the wrong waterproofing agent is used. We spent hours researching the most-reviewed waterproofing sprays on Amazon, REI, and other e-commerce sites. Wash-ins are especially popular for down items since the waterproofing product is also meant for the feathers inside the item in addition to the outer layer., A wax will require application by hand then heating (by iron, hairdryer, or campfire) the product to seal it. The registered trademarked spray offers durable silicone protection for outdoor gear. Side-by-side theres not much between them. Waxes are generally only used on canvas, denim, and some cotton materials, so theyre not helpful for most technical gear.. I found that water rolled right off my treated boots and purse when testingbut do note your item wont be fully waterproof, as nature intendedand another application is necessary after several uses. They harden fabric, which is counter-intuitive, especially when you need to move around in a jacket or a pair of boots. Both are non-silicone and water-based. Whether youre going on a camping trip, walking to work, or, honestly, just doing anything outside, waterproof sprays are a must when it comes to protecting your items from the elements. You get great value for money when purchasing their products, and unlike items from lesser-known manufacturers, you can trust the performance specs you get from Nikwax. Use your waterproofing spray to protect it. This waterproof spray comes as a pack of three, with each canister containing 10.5 fluid ounces. Footwear matters. It was easy to use and it sprayed and applied fine. You can use it on all kinds of material, from the nubuck used on hiking boots to the suede of your favorite field jacket. We also loved how easy it was to use the spray out of the package. It was easy to use right out of the package and seemed to hold up on boots much better than other sprays we tested on the same boots., There was a bit of hesitancy going into this test because of a few Amazon commenters that complained about the spray discoloring their shoes. Leather naturally absorbs and releases moisture in the air through a breathing process, which helps it replenish and remove oils it no longer needs. The Fjallraven Greenland Wax is made from beeswax and paraffin, and its recommended specifically for the brands G-1000 fabric, found on its backpacks and some pants and jackets, which is naturally wind-resistant but not water-resistant without the aid of the wax. The product is packaged in a flat fan nozzle, which reduces the amount of spray wasted. This is a 10.5 fluid ounce silicon waterproofing spray. (The surfaces will get splotchy when wet instead of beading raindrops.) Both products are durable water repellent (DWR) sprays. We also tapped into our own experience using various waterproofing sprays. Designed specifically for outdoor items such as umbrellas and patio furniture, this spray is safe to use on virtually any outdoor fabric, even leather and suede. Many people buy waterproof or water-resistant gear and assume itll be that way forever, but the reality is that DWR (durable water-repellent) coatings wear down over time, and they start doing what industry experts call wetting outwhen the surface of the item starts absorbing water rather than repelling it. But it is one of the least expensive options and has good reviews on Amazon. There are a few exceptions, such as using a dual-purpose tent spray, like Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarproof, thatll protect against solar damage., The other thing would be items that arent waterproof and breathable, like a rubber rain jacket or bibs, like commercial fishermen wear, or like neoprene, rubber rain bootsyou dont need to use it on those types of things, Allen says.. When picking a waterproof spray, think about the following: To help narrow down your options, here are the five best waterproof sprays available on Amazon for every type of item. Even if youre just running errands on a rainy day, you still want to be dry and comfortable, and for your leather and suede items like purses, shoes, and jackets to have a long life.. The final results were impressive: Even a complete soaking had no impact on the material; it was ready to defend itself against all levels of wetting, and the breathability felt as good as new when hiking afterward. The older a jacket is, the more maintenance its going to require.. When youre using a waterproof spray, first start by laying out your fabric over a piece of cardboard. Then I sprayed the Nikwax all over the rainfly (taking care to avoid any straps), a time-consuming task as the sprayer doesnt cover a large area. Nikwax: If youre reading this, you know what to do!). When starting my testing I had some anxietythe sprayer on the bottle makes it difficult to achieve a consistent coating, and until the material dries, the color of the item is vastly altered. One such product from its celebrated range is the Revivex DWR, which is designed for use on jackets. Its tempting to look outside, see it raining, and then choose an indoor activity instead of something that involves traipsing around in a downpour. But, while it is an excellent all-purpose waterproofing spray, if you are looking for a non-silicone spray, you definitely shouldnt buy it! Nikwax and other manufacturers sell waterproofing products for cotton, fleece, and softshells, and you can use them on everything from your jeans to your Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T., Its not going to turn your fleece into a rain jacket, but it will make it not absorb water, Allen points out. A good spray like this prolongs or restores its original performance and returns your outdoor gear to its former glory. Ill add this product to my toolkit and make sure to apply at least once a seasonideally in the early spring before the first camping trips of the yearto help preserve some of my most expensive items. Once we had an idea of products we'd like to test based on our own knowledge and favorable online reviews, we made sure we'd test multiple products designed to waterproof different types of clothing and gear. But to be fair, the product is considerably larger than the other products on our list. All you do from there is rub the wax over the boots, let it dry for about an hour, and get moving. It just wasnt enough for us to put it into any of our superlative categories. It's also available in 22-ounce bottles for tents and awnings. I took the bar and firmly wiped it across my pants, watching as it deposited thick white streaks across the surface. A brilliantly performing waterproofing spray from a credible manufacturer. It does smell while it is curing, but after 72 hours you will find that it is odorless. But its even more important to consider the waterproofing agent used. As I applied it to my jacket, I could easily see the areas that hadnt received any product yet and the areas that had gotten too much (to the point where excess was running off), and I worked to even those out, applying extra spray where needed and wiping the areas that had too much with a damp towel. We didnt have issues with either, but we also werent brave enough to apply it onto our Gore-Tex gear. This creates a more comfortable environment when camping. Many items require at least 24 to 48 hours of time to dry before you can use them again, so planning ahead before a big trip is crucial., If youre concerned about changes to an items color or texture, spot-testing on a small area is always a good idea.. This battle isnt exactly Microsoft vs Apple but its still a question I get asked. After washing the pants, I sprayed them while they were still wet, blotted off areas where the excess product had pooled with a damp towel, then threw them in my machine dryer on low, though you can also let your items air-dry if needed. This products sprayer made it very difficult to apply evenly to the surface of my nubuck boots, and after drying the boots were no more water-resistant than theyd been before starting; the first drops of water that hit them soaking into the outer material immediately., I tested this spray on a backpack thatd lost all water repellency, and the backpack was essentially the same before and after the spray was applied. The protection from UV light offered by this product makes sure no unwanted chemical reactions take place. Apply a waterproofing spray like normal, or use the waxing method we talked about for leather boots. It does this while simultaneously repelling rain from the outer surface. The result of this performance is that your tent stays dry on both the inside and the outside. However some people report that Atsko can slightly decolorize some fabrics (especially white ones) and Scotchgard seems specially formulated to have greater coverage. The Crep Protect Spray-U literally has thousands of reviews on Amazon and most are very good. This lets the boots absorb the wax better. Jackets are often cleaned on a regular basis, and this can affect the waterproof treatment. Accidentally sitting down on soggy outdoor furniture? So far so good, next I'll be treating my backpack! These polymers then contract and expand with the fabric to ensure your tent remains as flexible and soft as it was before treatment. It has waterproofing, UV, and stain protection that we particularly liked on tents. Effective at both cleaning and waterproofing, Down isnt an effective insulator when its wet, so keeping these items dry is crucial to their functioning. This spray, like others from the same brand, is packaged with a flat fan nozzle. , I wont be commentingon the wash-in waterproofing options of either company. Also, this is probably one to avoid if you are looking to re-proof a white garment as there are several reports of discoloration. Does double-duty in terms of protection, against both water and sun, Can extend the life of gear even more than waterproofing alone, Sprayer doesnt cover large area, which makes it slow to apply on large items (like tents). Among other things, it was the first company to develop a non-softening wax for leather boots, which is still a popular product. The waterproofing sprays in this article will help you avoid any (and all) of these pitfalls. Chamberlains Leather Milk Water Protectant No. Then youre going to want to reapply a waterproofing product (after washing, of course) any time you notice an item wetting out again., DWR is the best, Nagode says. Its easy to use, and the nozzle provides an even spray. Whether you decide to use a waterproofing spray, wash-in, or wax comes down to the product youre waterproofing and personal preference., Sprays give you the most control over the finished product since youre applying the product yourself, and you can ensure it goes where you need it. This takes longer, but youll be able to see if you got all the spots. Like the Atsko above, it wasnt necessarily that we disliked this wax, it was just that we liked the one from Fjallraven a bit better. Standard waterproofing sprays are made from polymers that make your outdoor gear very difficult to use. Safe on most shoe and boot materials, including leather, suede, and canvas, this clear waterproof spray from Rust-Oleum will not change the look, breathability, or feel of your shoes. Well, nothing is completely waterproof. After that thorough spraying, I checked for dry spots or areas where there was too much liquid, wiping those off with a damp cloth.. Nikwax has two products featured on our list. Those two days were glorious. In most instances, youll need a well-ventilated outdoor workspace for application, and you should cover that workspace with something like a tarp to keep the product excess contained. Granger's Performance Repel Plus, Runner Up, Best Overall: If you look at the reviews on Amazon for each product (here for Revivex and here for Nikwax) then you would get the impression that Nikwax is significantly better than Reivex. The problem with some detergents on the market is that they can inhibit waterproofing or remove the water-repellent coating created by the spray. Its also available in 16.9 and 33.8 fluid ounce bottles. But youre not just limited to Fjallraven products; you can also use it on other canvas items. For her day job, shes the managing editor of an equestrian sports publication, but in her free time, she can be found trail running, hiking, Nordic skiing, cycling, camping, and backpacking around the Pacific Northwest. She spends most of her afternoons and weekends exploring often-muddy trails all over the Pacific Northwest, with the help of plenty of waterproof and water-resistant gear. So what do you do? This waterproofing, stain-repelling spray from 303 is a versatile pick that's safe to use on all fabrics, including natural fibers and synthetics. And Ive always found aerosols seem to run out of propellant before the can is empty. Are there items that cannot handle waterproofing or dont need it? How often should I reapply a waterproofing product to my clothes or gear? This is a term thats commonly associated with the technical outerwear found in stores today. If you own expensive suede shoes, purses, or clothing, youre accustomed to keeping a close eye on the weatherany hint of a sprinkle in the forecast, and those items stay safely tucked away at home since even a little water can damage the material beyond repair. I left the rainfly to dry for about 48 hours before testing it, and, voila, the treated item was vastly improved in terms of how well the water beaded off it. It requires relatively little application to be effective and protects from stains as well as waterproofing. (Because it can darken lighter-colored leather, spot-testing is recommended, and Protectant No. Both products really need more than one application in my experience. our process. The spray maintains the breathability and ventilation of your backpack. I did my testing in our well-ventilated breezeway, and I still had to step away for a few minutes after spraying the boots each time. If a fabric is made water-repellent, most stains arent able to damage it. But this isnt the case with Kiwi Camp Dry. It dries in 24 hours and is fully cured in 72 hours. (If you want that info feel free to ch, Kiwi Camp Dry the best all-purpose silicone waterproofing spray, Nikwax Solarproof the best tent waterproofing spray, Scotchgard Heavy Duty the best waterproofing spray for outdoor furniture, Kiwi Camp Dry Review Best Waterproofing Spray, Nikwax Solarproof Review Best Tent Waterproofing Spray, Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield Best Waterproofing Spray for Outdoor Fabric, Atsko Silicone Water-Guard Review Best Waterproof Spray for Shoes, Revivex DWR Best Waterproof Spray for Jackets, KIWI Boot Waterproofer Best Waterproofing Spray for Boots, Star Brite Waterproofing Review Best Waterproofing Spray for Backpacks, 5 Best Dog Carrier Backpacks for Traveling, Top 10 Tips for Comfortable, Fun Beach Camping, The Best Backpacking Axe for Limbing & Splitting (2022), When combined with their wash in product, Nikwax spray is really effective, It uses a trigger spray bottle not an aerosol, Nikwax has better coverage and is therefore offers better bang for buck. Worked well across many different hiking boots, Easy to apply and use right out of the package, Some Amazon commenters mentioned the spray causing discoloration, but we havent experienced that so far, We put a few waterproofing sprays on many different types of boots, particularly hiking boots, and were most impressed with the results of the Kiwi Boot Waterproofer. Star Brite Waterproofing Spray, Best Budget: Direct Spray-On Waterproofing, Best for Suede: And a good waterproofing spray will probably give it the refresh that it needs. productslearn more about For smaller or bigger projects, it's also available in a variety of sizes ranging from 2 to 128 ounces. This is usually a premium material that is meant to last a lifetime. While he's always appreciated highly-waterproof gear, he became particularly smitten with it after a self-supported bikepacking trip from Vancouver, British Columbia to his home in Berkeley, California when it rained on him all but two days. Both can be used on outerwear, tents, sleeping bags and footwear. Decolorization is prevented by the high-performance formula featured in this product. Its also one of the eco-friendlier options, and we especially liked that it was odorless. This is where products like the Nikwax TX Direct come in. My most adventurous trip to date is an epic trek through the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia! Whats the best way to apply a waterproofing spray? Unless given treatment to restore or enhance their previous performance, the garment will lose its water-repellency. Polyester clothing also has zippers and openings to let the water in. This spray is water-based, so it should be applied to wet clothing. It doesnt linger for long after an application, though, and its generally best to re-proof gear in a well-ventilated space anyway. This makes it an ideal spray to use on your patio furniture . The company has introduced a variety of innovations since its founding in 1977. Before you waterproof an item, any item, an important note is this: Make sure its clean first. If youre a person who loves the great outdoors, you most likely have purchased DWR clothing which could be breathing its last breath. This makes applying the wax easier. The Nikwax Solarproof maintains the breathable and versatile performance of your gear while ensuring moisture doesnt accumulate from the inside. Still, a strong and good product. That certainly seems to yield better results. Nikwax vs Revivex? Its very porous, so it wont ever be completely waterproof, but you can protect it from water by waterproofing it yourself. Wet feet? The Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield is one of the best waterproof sprays to protect your outdoor furniture. And aerosol sprayers, though they work well for consumers, also have a negative environmental impact. As with all waterproof coatings, their effectiveness depreciates over time. Nathan Allen is the Outdoor Gear Editor for TripSavvy. It also can be applied to dry or wet gear. And the waterproofing didnt really seem to work wellespecially when compared to others. This solidifies its reputation as a formidable manufacturer. Though the Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector doesnt create a waterproof finish such that I would take my fancy flats swimming. Just let them dry before you start applying your waterproof spray. (Dont use it on the day of a camping trip!). The company does also note the spray can darken some lighter-colored gear, so spot-testing is recommended. I particularly like that this spray is good on materials of boats and boat covers as well as outdoor gear materials like nylon, canvas, and polyester. So if you need something specifically for shoes, or DWR, or jackets, just hit one of the links below to find out more. You just rotate the cap of the lid to open, pump a few times, and youre on your waterproofing way. Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarproof, Best for Shoes: There are various reasons why we consider this the best tent waterproofing spray. After washing, you machine-dry the item on low heat, and Grangers recommends using dryer balls to help fluff the down inside.. We didnt have those results even though we were generous in our spraying of the bested boots., Worked well across a variety of typical shoe materials, Seemed super waterproof compared to others tested. Durable protection and water-repellency are made possible by just one application of the Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield. Start with clean leather shoes and use a hairdryer to heat the boots up. We also like that it is stain repellent and seems to do well with not reducing the breathability of the material. Scotchgard, by contrast, tends to be a much better waterproof spray for general outdoor fabrics like patio furniture and canvas covers. (It might take you back to high school chemistry with terms like surface tension and "molecular weight. But its still possible to get a general understanding of silicone versus non-silicone waterproofing. This product has the added benefit of both washing and waterproofing at once; its a one-step process that only requires running the washing machine once. Theres no point in using waterproof gear when it has an unpleasant odor. This will be taken care of every time you use the Nikwax. Allen has spent decades using and testing outdoor gear. When youre done, the water should roll right off rather than soaking in. One reviewer in particular wrote: I used it on my water-resistant jacket (which is several years old and no longer resisting water). I struggled with the coverage of the Revivex tbh. (Note: Do not use this on wood! Star Brites Waterproofing Spray is a solid all-around option for a diverse range of outdoor gear. Atsko Silicone Water-Guard spray works on a whole range of outdoor gear but is unbeatable for shoes and boots! The compounds in the spray have explicitly been made to bind homogeneously with leather and fabric to provide waterproof protection. This product has been made specifically for outerwear garments. Elastic water-repellent polymers bind to fibers in the tent fabric and leave little spaces between them open for breathability. Once you have it as even as possiblenot an easy task but a fun one, akin to an adult coloring bookyou apply heat from either an iron or a hairdryer. Nathan loves many outdoor activities but makes it a priority to run or bike on singletrack every day. The extensive range of materials you can use it on is impressive. A single can provides 60 square feet of water-repellency on nylon or 20 square feet on heavier materials like suede and nubuck. This worked so well! A useful waterproofing spray to have in your house. Silicone offers many advantages when compared to other sealants. This is a more labor-intensive option than using waterproofing sprays, but if you have the items, you can use this method instead. 3 at Amazon, Bickmore Gard-More Water and Stain Repellent at Amazon, Best Overall: It's best suited for items that were originally manufactured to be water-repellent or waterproof. Rust-Oleum NeverWet Boot And Shoe Spray (11 Fl. This is why its imperative to consider detergents used when cleaning your treated garments. In fact, the waterproofing on these pants was better after applying this spray than it was before.. ), Scotchgard Water And Sun Shield With UV Protector (10.5 Fl. So for me this isnt a big deal, but if you have a super-sensitive nose, it might be a big deal for you! Like our other top picks, it was easy to apply right out of the packaging. Dry the wax by aiming a hair dryer on high at the fabric, letting the wax melt into the fabric. We always like to say the greenest gear is the gear you already have. This does mean you need to plan in advance when to apply it. A great analogy we like to use is you wouldnt wax a dirty car so you wouldnt waterproof a dirty item, Allen explains. We spent hours and days researching and testing waterproofing sprays. (If you want that info feel free to check out the Amazon reviews ofRevivexs Wash In Fabric Cleanerand compare them against the reviews ofNikwaxs Tech Wash product). In some ways comparing waterproofing products is like comparing apples to oranges: Theyre made for a wide range of different products. Revivex wins this one as its virtually odorless. If you like dry socks, you will be satisfied with this water repellent. This product, in particular, is designed for boots and shoes. This 1-gallon product offers waterproofing, stain protection, and UV protection. Thats something. When I tried the pants again, water beaded off them instead of soaking through in the spots where it was previously wetting out, and the breathability was again excellent. So, the fabric should not be completely saturated with spray. But the waterproofing just seemed average. But thats a shame; you should be able to rock suede year-round. 3, you must first clean the leather; any particles of dust or dirt on the leathers surface will be sealed in once the protectant is applied. This does not change the breathability, color, or feel of the fabric, but it does, however, offer protection against the suns UV rays, which prevents the fabric colors from fading. Old gear can be given new life by this affordable and simple-to-use waterproofing spray. Lastly, we considered cost and environmental issues like aerosol and PFCs. But I trusted the products instructionsapplying two coats as evenly as I could within about five hours of each otherand was rewarded with the finished product; shoes that were almost exactly the color they were before the treatment. Its also super easy to apply simply spray it directly onto your shoes and let it dry for 24 hours. Scotchgard waterproof spray (10.5fl oz cans) is safe to use on polyester, cotton, nylon, and leathersuede and nubuck too. KIWI trusts their product to deliver water-repellency without any side-effects. It comes in a white plastic bottle that features a regular lid, though theres also 22 and 64 fluid ounce bottles with sprayers. Its odorless and provides UV protection to materials. For the best results, you'll want to reapply the spray seasonally. Usually, one can of spray isnt enough for all your gear. Its more valuable than the common materials found in outdoor gearcotton, wool, and nylonand requires a trusted system that wont harm them.