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Whether you ride on two wheels with pedals or with an engine, the right kit makes changeable weather something to ride through, not hide from. But if your waterproof jacket has started to feel damp and clammy, it might not be the jacket that has failed - it is the water repellency on the outside.
Here is why it happens and how to get your gear performing again.
Why waterproof gear stops working
Most waterproof and breathable technical fabrics rely on a water-repellent finish on the outer face. When it is working, rain beads up and rolls straight off. Over time that finish wears down through dirt, sweat, body oils, abrasion from pack straps and repeated washing.
Once it goes, the outer fabric starts to soak up water - known as "wetting out". The membrane underneath may still be doing its job, but a saturated outer layer stops moisture escaping from the inside, so you end up feeling wet from your own sweat. That is when riders often decide their jacket has had it, when really it just needs some care.
Signs your kit needs re-proofing
- Water spreads across the fabric instead of beading.
- Patches of the outer fabric look darker when wet, especially on shoulders, arms and seat areas.
- You feel clammy or damp inside even though no water is getting through the seams.
- Mud and grime cling to the fabric more than they used to.
1. Keep it clean
Dirt and oils are a big reason water repellency fails, so wash your technical kit regularly. Use a wash designed for technical fabrics and avoid standard detergents and fabric softeners, which can leave residues that attract water. Always check the care label first.
2. Re-proof once it's clean
Once your jacket is clean and damp, reach for our Rain Shield Re-proofer. Spray it over the garment, wipe away any excess and let it air-dry overnight before wearing it in the wet. Rain Shield helps restore water repellency without sacrificing breathability.
3. Test it
Once the treatment has cured, sprinkle a little water on the fabric. If it beads and rolls off, the finish is doing its job. If water soaks in, follow the bottle's guidance on refreshing the treatment.
4. Store it properly
After a wet ride, hang your kit up to dry rather than leaving it balled up in a bag or on the garage floor. Store it clean, dry and loosely hung so the fabric and finish stay in good shape.
5. Little and often
Do not wait until your kit is completely wetting out. Refresh it with Rain Shield Re-proofer when water no longer beads; depending on wear and washing, that might be around every three months. It helps keep the gear you already own performing all season.
Rain Shield Re-proofer
When the weather turns, keep your riding kit ready. Rain Shield Re-proofer helps water bead and roll off waterproof and breathable technical fabrics, while keeping them breathable. A quick spray helps restore water repellency so you can get more from your gear.
- Stay drier - water beads and rolls off.
- Ride comfortably - fabric stays breathable.
- Get more from your kit - refresh water repellency.
- Stay cleaner - helps repel mud, grime and stains.
From road and gravel jackets to MTB shells and powersports riding gear, it helps keep your kit ready for whatever the weather throws at you.
