How to Extend the Waterproofness of Your Huakai Travel Jacket

Taking care of your Huakai Travel Rain Jacket properly will ensure your jacket will maintain it's waterproofness so you can be assured you'll stay dry in any storm for years to come. Here are a few tips we recommend that will extend the life of your jacket.

#1. Don’t be afraid to wash it (and aften)

Most of the time, when someone says, ‘My jacket’s not waterproof anymore,’ it just needs to be washed,” Dirt, body oil, sunscreen, and especially campfire smoke degrade DWR, allowing water to penetrate the fabric. Washing off the contaminants can bring it back. A lot of people think cleaning a jacket strips away the DWR, but that’s not true. More washing can be better. That doesn’t mean wash it every time you use it. Instead, treat it like a good pair of jeans and wash your jacket when it starts to smell or gets dirty.  We recommend washing your Huakai Travel Rain  Jacket at least once every season and after big trips, and more often if you’re sweating a lot in them.

#2. Use a Technical Fabric Wash

Household detergents can leave a residue behind that can act like oils and dirt, attracting water. Instead, Gear Aid and Nikwax both have biodegradable soaps, which are gentler on fabrics and the environment than detergents

Avoid High Heat:

It is important to avoid exposing your DWR coated jacket to high heat, as this can also break down the coating. Instead, opt for air drying or tumble drying on a low heat setting.

#3. Test the DWR

Dry the jacket according to the care label, and then test the DWR by sprinkling or spraying water on the shoulders, waist, and back. If the water beads up and rolls away, your jacket’s good for another round. If any water absorbs into the jacket or the color of the fabric changes, the DWR needs reapplying. You can also tell by wearing your clean jacket in the rain. If the rain doesn’t bead or the fabric starts to look soggy, it’s time to reapply.

#4. Re-apply the DWR

DWRs come in aerosol and liquid sprays or a wash-in treatment. Aerosols tend to use chemicals that are hard on the environment, so we don’t recommend them. The wash-in works like laundry soap, soaking the garment in the DWR treatment. It’s best for shell-style jackets.  The liquid spray is applied with a squirt bottle just to the exterior of the jacket. We recommend Nikwax or 

Spray Application

After washing (drying is optional), hang up the jacket and spray all over, including the hood and under the arms. Give a few extra shots to the shoulders, chest, and waist, where the most abrasion occurs and DWR is most likely to wear off quicker. Wipe off any extra liquid.

Wash-In Application

Read the DWR label to see how much to add for the number of garments and for your type of washing machine. Most bottles can reapply two or three jackets at a time. Add the DWR and the clothing to a washing machine cycle according to the directions, typically a warm-water wash and slow spin.

Store Properly

When not in use, store your DWR coated jacket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help prevent the coating from degrading and extend the life of your jacket.