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09-04-13 | 12:56 PM

#22

jates2000

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Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 2

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@Thrasymachus thank you for the kind words. To answer your question, yes, I do work in the industry insofar as I work at a retailer that sells these products. I have received training one these products as well as talked to factory reps about these things...but this doesn't mean I know much about them. I'm learning just like everyone else.

As for the DWR coatings...not all DWR coatings can be renewed via the dryer method described, so if the dryer method doesn't work, it's because the manufacturer of the jacket didn't use the type of DWR that can be renewed in the dryer. Typically, high end jackets that use Gore-Tex or eVent will use a DWR that can be renewed with the dryer method.

A high end jacket can lose its 'waterproofness' in many ways. Oils from your body, dirt and grime will affect waterproofness of Gore-Tex, eVent or similar membranes. There is an excellent video on how to wash a hi-tech jacket on the Arc-Teryx website as well as how to re-apply the DWR coating. (I am not trying to promote any product...I just want to help expand everyone's knowledge base.) If your jacket is clean and you have renewed your DWR coating and it is still letting water through, then there is a problem with the jacket. Packing and unpacking a jacket can cause weak spots in the waterproof membrane. The waterproof membrane is very thin, so keep this in mind when packing your jacket. It can be repaired but it won't look pretty. Nonetheless, with proper care a waterproof jacket will last a very long time.

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