Foul Weather Gear Question

[mgphl52]

From user comments I saw at REI (http://rei.com), the wash-in seems to be more effective than the spray-on, but there were no comments regarding washing machine type...

-michael

[Patrick Harrison]

Just a thing on the top loaders and front loaders.
Top loaders agitate back and forth rubbing your garments against each other or themselves depending on size, prematurely wearing them out.
Front loader tumble your garments with the water and soap, less wear.
My proof is, my work clothes. I used to buy 6 pairs of jeans and 6 shirts a year, always in the fall so when summer came around they'd be worn and breath better. Every year I'd purchase them at the same time and they were in need of replacement.
After our old washer finally gave up the ghost, we purchased a new set washer/dryer, always wanting to try the front loader, nows the time. I'll leave the brand out it's not important.
I had been looking at them for a year or so and looking for something to replace our old ones in case they calved. So I was well informed when I went shopping and didn't get caught up in the hype.
It was mid-summer when we purchased the new units so when the clothing purchase went through that fall nothing was noted different about the old ones wearing out.
The next year when it came time to order clothes, they weren't wore out, they were in good shape. I was a little concerned about the timing due to the wear I always counted on for the summer, incase I needed to repurchase maybe in the spring. Well it worked out beatifully, I was able to get two years out the of the same garments as once only lasted a year. Most notable was less lint in the dryer. Lint is your clothes being taken away a little at a time.
So now when I'm working on the road and have to use a laundry mat/coin-op, I only use the front loaders even if I don't have enought to fill them.
So if you don't have one in your house and you're going to wash something you value, go rent one down town at the nearst coin-op, it'll only take 30 minutes.
Sorry so long, I know it's a little long winded on wash day.

[mgphl52]

Thanks Patrick! That makes a world of sense! And, I'm glad I haven't tried to treat our gear yet... Will definitely visit the nearby laundry mat.

-michael

[Cathy Monaghan]

I am down to my last few bottles of Henri Lloyd HL Renew (the wash and the reproofing) and decided I'd like to try the Nikwax TX Direct Wash-in and the Nikwax Tech Wash.

The Henri Lloyd products are available from marine suppliers like Defender and Landfall Navigation. Defender sells the twin-packs (wash and reproofing) for $8.99. Each bottle contains 100 ml (about 3.5 oz). One 3.5 oz (100 ml) bottle of each product cleans/reproofs 2 garments.

The Nikwax products are available from most camping suppliers like REI, Altrec and Campmor. Altrec sells twin-packs of Nikwax TX Direct Wash-in and Nikwax Tech Wash for $18.95. Each bottle contains 10 oz (about 300 ml). According to the Nikwax web site, use 1 capful (100 ml) per garment. For a pair of foulies (jacket and pants) I'd need to use 2 capfuls. So one 10 oz (300 ml) bottle of each product cleans/reproofs 3 garments.

As it turns out, the HL Renew system cleans and reproofs two garments for $8.99 while the Nikwax cleans and reproofs two garments for $12.63.

So now I don't know if I should still try the Nikwax or stick with the HL Renew. Has anybody tried both? Which do you think does a better job?

Cathy
CD32 Realization, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay

[Jim Buck]

Cathy,

I tried the Nikwax a couple times on a shell and wasn't that impressed. The next time I'm going to try the Loyd's product. The Nikwax seemed like it was streaky and crated a patchy finished look. Never got back to the water repellency that was desired.

Jim

[Evergreen]

If you give up on the old stuff and decide to go new, we STRONGLY recommend spending the money on Gill Offshore Gear. We bought them last year and they have been our best by far.