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Nikwax Hardshell Twin Pack
Apparel DetailsBrand: Nikwax Release Date: 2010-02-23 Model: 103 Product features: - Cleaning and waterproofing together in a twin pack for your technical outerwear
- A safe non-detergent cleaner for synthetic waterproof clothing, equipment, insulated garments and sleeping bags
- Restores the DWR- durable water repellency to all waterproof breathable laminates, coatings and microfibers
- Easy wash in application
- 100 percent water-based formula is biodegradeable; contains no flourocarbons/VOCs
- Suitable for use on all fabrics, including technical textiles
Apparel reviews of Nikwax Hardshell Twin PackCustomer Review: Works as advertised, but its not a miracle in a bottle Rating: 5 Stars
First of all, let me clear up a misconception among many people: It is not the Gore-Tex membrane that provides the water repellency of these types of garments. The initial repellency is provided by a "DWR Layer" or "Durable Water Repellent layer". This is typically a chemical coating which is applied to the fabric after it is manufactured (and probably applied to garments AFTER they are sewn). This DWR wears out over time, and without it, even the finest $300 Gore-tex rain jacket will leak in areas like the shoulders and nape of the neck.
That being said, this product does a really, really good job of restoring the water repellency of DWR treated fabrics. It WILL NOT however, make a garment water repellent that has broken down - e.g. the Gore-Tex layer is damaged, or was poor to begin with.
Some examples:
So far with my one set (two bottles) I have treated the following garments with the following results:
1. Patagonia kayak paddling anorak - it was FILTHY from many, many trips, and had begun to lose its water proofness. A treatment with this product not only made the jacket look great again, it sheds water amazingly well - as if it was new.
2. Two Marmot "shell" type Gore-tex rain jackets. Both were initially very water proof, but after a couple of seasons they both would absorb water at the shoulder seams and it would soak through in a down pour. A treatment with this Nikwax kit restored both jackets to "like new" performance. I can turn the hose on them and the water sheds off like they were new.
3. Isis "Torrent" rain jacket. This jacket, while stylish, NEVER repelled water worth a *@#$*&. Washing and treating it with the Nikwax improved it a bit, but it is still not water repellent. No miracle here, unfortunately
4. Orvis breathable fishing waders - old, flthy, stinky, and barely water repellent, I thought I'd give them a try. Washing them in the washing machine was a bit tricky - they would fill up with water/suds and not rinse completely. So I did two cycles - one on each side (inside out the second time). The results are amazing - much cleaner than before, and they bead water like when they were new 6 or 7 years ago.
Bottom line, if you have quality gear that used to be water repellent, and despite good treatment and care, has lost its water repellency, I think you can expect good results from this product. Do not, however, expect a miracle. It will not (based on my experience) take non water-repellent fabric and suddenly make it worthy of a rain storm
Description of Nikwax Hardshell Twin PackA convenient pack of just what you need to keep your favorite jacket clean and functioning like new, the Nikwax Tech Wash/ TX Direct Wash In Twin Pack contains a non-detergent soap which can be used regularly to clean clothing and equipment without damaging the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings and a wash-in waterproofing for wet weather clothing, adding water-repellency and reviving breathability to fabrics without wicking liners.. The Hardshell Twin Pack contains everything you need to keep your technical outerwear shells clean and functioning like new. The 10-ounce Tech Wash is a non-detergent soap which can be used regularly to clean clothing and gear without damaging the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings. Use this product instead of detergents or washing powder. After washing, use the TX Direct to renew water-repellency and revive breathability. Features: - Includes 10-ounce Tech Wash for DWR-friendly cleaning; TX Direct renews water-repellency and breathability
- Easy to apply - can be used in a washing machine
- Prolongs the life of gear and optimises outdoor performance
- Maintains breathability
- Maintains original water-repellency
- Suitable for use on all fabrics, including technical textiles
- Lifts out dirt that can attract water and mask water repellent finishes
- Unlike detergents, it does not leave behind water attractive residues which encourage 'wetting-out'
- Will not affect cosmetic appearance
- Water-based formula is biodegradable, non-flammable, non-hazardous
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