NIK WAX Down Proof

I asked Feathered Friends and somebody else (WM??) about this product years ago when I was moving from synthetic to down. I thought this would be a good "best of both worlds" solution. FF for sure was adamant that this product was not good for down. I can't remember the effect, but I think it decreased loft over the long term. The other company said they'd never use it either, but didn't get into the reasons why.

Down can last for decades if it is taken care of and washed correctly. It's hard to imagine saturating it in a wax product like this could improve on its own inherent qualities. Much easier and wiser to focus on not getting it wet in the first place in my opinion.

The 'WAX' in NIKWAX can be misleading. The name of the company comes from their initial product, which was a wax treatment for leather boots. Not all their products are wax based. ;)

"The 'WAX' in NIKWAX can be misleading"

Exactly. The NikWax down wash is just a mild detergent, no wax at all. I've used it for over a decade on all our WM bags with great results.

There are two different Nikwax products. There is the "Down Wash" and the "Down Proof". Nikwax recommends using both for items such as sleeping bags in series, but I don't recommend using the "Down Proof".

I would, however, recommend the "Down Wash" which you need to start with either way as step 1. It will simply clean the bag and strip oils and dirt from both the down and shell material. After you use the wash and dry the bag you'll find that your bag has regained much of it's loft and that the DWR coating on your bag should work better.

If… After you wash your bag the shell still doesn't repel water very well then it means the DWR coating (assuming the shell had one to start with) is probably worn out.

That is when Nikwax recommends the "Down Proof" wash in water repellent product, but I feel it does more harm to the down, especially if you've got 850fp or greater. I've done lots of testing and find more clumped plumules after using the Down Proof wash and even a reduced loft after the Nikwax Wash.

What I would recommend instead is to use either the Nikwax "Down Wash" or ReviveX Down Cleaner and then follow up with the "Spray On" Water Repellent. You need to wash the bag and completely dry it. Then with the spray on you can focus the repellency on areas around your face and top of the bag where moisture collects.

I feel the spray on is better since it more or less never works it's way into the down. It is, however, very important to follow the instruction and dry the bag after spraying it on. I do up to 3 applications and dry cycles as well, but I guarantee if you clean your bag with the wash, then dry it and follow up with the spray on treatment your bag will look and feel like new.

I also find for very dirty bags I do two washes with a full dry cycle in between.

Thanks for the input. I was suspicious about how Down Proof could do its job and STILL let the plumules loft back to their original size.

You're correct about treatment. I have used Revivex DWR on my WM Megalite bag shell when new. At the end of this 3rd season I may wash it in Revivex down wash and DWR spray it after drying.

Evan's advice is spot on. One other benefit of using the Down Wash – every time I've done it my bag drops 1-3 ounces. Must be accumulated dirt or oils or something, but better loft and lighter? Hard to argue with that!

Down Wash = Good stuff
Down Proof = Wouldn't use it

Since all Nikwax products are water based, many of them you dont need to wait for the product to dry. Especially with clothing and boots. The proofing solution actually follows water, so having the item wet gives you a more efficient DWR.

The TX wash and proofing tends to be more efficient with items that don't have liners or multiple layers. Like goretex, hyvent and other related fabrics.