What should I use to Waterproof my bibs?

[Admin]

I can't speak for DWR, but I can say that I both backcountry ski and snowmobile and at times I exert and sweat more sledding than skiing. Sometimes more skiing, just depends.

I have always followed the instructions for Gortex that comes from the maker Gore. They say to wash the item in warm water with a limited amount of liquid detergent, never use powdered detergent and then either tumble dry low or air dry. You can wash as many times as you want as you cannot wash the waterproofing out of Gortex because it's waterproof ability comes from it's structure and not a chemical repellent like most other "water proof" materials.

Following these instructions, I have never had any problems with the functionality of any of my Gortex stuff. Going on 8 years with some of the stuff.

I trust that the information about DWR is valid, but I also know that using traditional water proofing compounds can actually clog the pores in the Gortex and thus render it's breathability useless.

-John

 

[Admin]

I just got done checking out the Gore Tex website and they do mention that you can use DWR to restore the water repelling ability for the outer shell, but this is not where the true "magic" of Gore Tex happens, which is the membrane. I have noticed that after time and use, the outer shell will no longer repel moisture, but the Gore Tex membrane still works and keeps me dry and allows my skin to breathe. So I guess that is why I have not had problems staying dry both from outside moisture and my own perspiration in the 8 years I have been using it.

It also said that using mild head in the drier can restore some of the outer shells DWR.

Thanks for the info on DWR beakjones. I had never heard of it before now.

-John

 

[beakjones]

I just got done checking out the Gore Tex website and they do mention that you can use DWR to restore the water repelling ability for the outer shell, but this is not where the true "magic" of Gore Tex happens, which is the membrane. I have noticed that after time and use, the outer shell will no longer repel moisture, but the Gore Tex membrane still works and keeps me dry and allows my skin to breathe. So I guess that is why I have not had problems staying dry both from outside moisture and my own perspiration in the 8 years I have been using it.

It also said that using mild head in the drier can restore some of the outer shells DWR.

Thanks for the info on DWR beakjones. I had never heard of it before now.

-John

I was just about to say almost the exact same thing. It's only the outermost layer that the DWR is used on. I'm a bit of a weight weenie, so water weight really gets to me when hucking jumps on the skis. I've got some Burton pants (AK 3L) that are pro-shell. It's really cool watching water simply fall off at the slightest angle.

Goretex FAQ, some mention of DWR in there.
http://www.gore-tex.com/remote/Satellite/content/customer-service/faq/4

 

[t_man]

DWR is important

It is correct that the waterproof - breathable aspect of Goretex is built in and cannot be washed out. However, that Goretex membrane is covered by the shell of the jacket/pants/bibs, etc.

The outer shell has the DWR. If the DWR wears out the shell fabric can start absorbing water. After it is saturated it effectively becomes a solid layer and blocks the breathability of the Goretex membrane.

If you notice the outer layer of your Goretex items starting to get wet instead of water beading up and rolling off the surface it is time to treat it with a DWR.

My experience is that the DWR wears off in areas that get a lot of wear. The seat of bib/pants would be an obvious place it would happen. I have experienced this more in my backpacking gear than sledding gear, and have had to treat a shell because it wore off the shoulders where my backpack shoulder straps ride as well as the inside of my gaiters.

As John said, if you take care of it like the manufacturer suggests Goretex items will perform well for a good long time.

 

[mjkaliszak]

Big fan of the Gore Company, their approval process for products is stringent from materials to seams ect... I'm still wearing the Dec 1994 X-mas AC bibs my wife bought me. I want to say back then the over inflated AC MSRP was $379. I believe the suit jacket & bibs was close to $800 with tax at the time ( less our 20% dealer discount ). I believe that if any of your Gore treated items fail the company will take them back and repair ??? I had the butt seam repaired once. Ever since my wife has called me " butt Head ".....