waterproofing

I like Granger's better than Nikwax.

I also use Atsko Sports Wash because it's cheaper than any other non-detergent stuff, and it works fine.

I'm assuming none of your fabrics are silnylon. If they are, use a silicone waterproofer.

Actually, my tents are all silnylon. Interesting, I do not recall the Nikwax saying it was not good for that type of material… does it damage the silnylon?

Any suggestions on a silicone waterproofer?

spray on for things with insulation or stuff you dont want to reduce the breathability like rain jackets

wash in version for stuf like softshells

grangers will last longer than nikwax generally, but since its fluro-somethingmajig, treat the spray on as you would paint … ie in a well ventilated area and dont breath it in

sil as said requires a sil waterproofer

I use Atsko Water-Guard on WPB garments, and the company offers a separate Water Guard for silnylon. You wash first with Sport Wash, then spray. Has worked quite well and much cheaper than Nikwax.

I found the Jim Wood's article about waterproofing referencing silnylon. I will give that process a shot come spring on my tent floor.

If anyone is interested ~ here is a link: http://jwbasecamp.com/Articles/Silnylon1/index.html

Anyone else have other suggestions?

If anyone out there is interested in an update: The Nikwax worked well on the sleeping bags in the kitchen sink. Not so well on the tents… I will need to use an aerosol spray-on waterproofing like the Atsko brand.

Welcome to living in WA….now if we could just get some of that warm weather apparently everyone else in the good old USA is experiencing ~