How do I re-waterproof eVent MLD Rain Mitts ?

I'd love to know this, too. Despite limited use, mine have moved from waterproof to "somewhat water resistant."

Contact MLD directly. If you seam-sealed the seams as directed and have not damaged the eVent, they should not be leaking.

Personally, I'd do what the eVent website recommends. http://eventfabrics.com/care/

Nikwax is not a waterproofing treatment. It is only a water repellent finish (DWR). Even if the DWR completely failed the Event fabric will still be waterproof due to the plastic Event membrane glued to the back of the fabric. Any wash in or spray on DWR will work to restore the water repellent finish.

However if they are new and not factory seam sealed the stitches will leak. According to the MLD website they supply seam sealer with the mits. So you do need to apply it to prevent water from getting through the stitching. In most cases seam sealing only needs to be done once.

These mitts have been carefully seam-sealed by me, but they have also tagged along in my pack for around 4,500 miles of backpacking trips. While they show no actual signs of damage, they just don't seem to keep out the rain like they used to…could be maybe I just need to re-apply the DWR so they breath better and maybe I don't sweat them out? Or perhaps the long use has worn down the palms of the mitts and there is some actual material abrasion that I can't see..

The material no longer beads water – so as suggested by eVent website, perhaps I should try washing them in some TechWash and reapplying a DWR…

Thanks for all the input and I'll check out what MLD suggests and look at the eVent website

Is the DWR coating on the nylon failing? Or is the membrane failing? A lot of people say their garments aren't waterproof anymore because they misunderstand the difference, and thus declare their garment not waterproof when they see water soaking into the outer nylon. When the DWR fails you lose breathability, when the membrane fails you actually have water getting inside. The membrane is under the face fabric.

Seth,
My Integral Designs eVent jacket failed simply from abrasion while being jostled in my pack.

And The MLD mitts don't have any protective scrim on the membrane.

But, as Dan mentions, be sure to verify if it is actually leaking, or if it is not breathing. I wear very light fleece mitts inside my MLD shells, and my hands get pretty damp if the shell isn't breathing.

I think a good wash is what the mitts need. I wash everything, including my eVent jacket (Packa) in Atsko Sport Wash and double-rinse.

http://www.atsko.com/hunting/laundry/1338.html

Thanks for all the insight – looks like I best just give them a quick wash in TechWash and then check to ensure that the fabric is still watertight. Cheers to all!

"4,500 miles of backpacking trips"

They could be toast.

From the MLD Web site:
"At less than an ounce for the pair, they won�t last as long as a 6oz winter overmitt. Keep away from campfires and heat sources to prevent the eVent 2 layer membranne from delaminating. Not warranted against fabric wear out; but they have lasted many thru-hikers one full trip, your mileage may vary. Going over 3,000miles? Get two pairs…"

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=51

Billy