After hiking footwear, the waterproof jacket is probably the most important item for all-weather hiking. It creates a real barrier against rain, wind and moisture, letting you keep walking with confidence even as conditions deteriorate.
The technologies used in these technical fabrics make them highly effective. They are far removed from the famously stifling K-way! But like all outdoor equipment, they need regular care to maintain performance, even if washing a sometimes very expensive jacket feels daunting.
In this guide, RayonRando answers the main questions about keeping your waterproof jacket in top condition:
- What are the risks of insufficient care?
- How does your waterproof, breathable jacket work?
- How should you wash your waterproof jacket correctly?
- How can you extend your jacket's life?
Unlimited waterproofing and breathability: myth or reality?
Invested in a premium jacket advertised as highly waterproof and breathable, only to find its performance lacking after two years? This is common. (To understand the difference between watertight and waterproof, see our article.)
Every waterproof jacket eventually loses performance. The main reason is simple: sweat. Without suitable care, the jacket gradually accumulates dirt through your hikes. This reduces breathability and damages the outer fabric's water repellency. Water stops beading and eventually soaks the surface.
How does my waterproof jacket work when hiking?
On an outing, your jacket must handle two opposing elements:
- sweat, from inside
- rain and moisture, from outside
Managing sweat
Breathability is provided by a microporous membrane (Gore-Tex® or equivalent). This lets water vapour escape. However, frequent use without washing causes sweat to accumulate and partly block the micropores, making the jacket less breathable.
Protection from rain
Your jacket also relies on this membrane to resist water, but the first barrier against rain is the outer fabric's water-repellent treatment, often labelled DWR (Durable Water Repellent). This lets water slide off the fabric as droplets.
Over time, friction, sun, rain and wind degrade this water repellency. Water then penetrates the fabric more easily, even if the membrane remains intact.
Also note that on 2.5-layer jackets (see our jacket selection guide), the thin inner half-layer can be damaged by accumulated sweat without care. The membrane is then exposed and more vulnerable.
How can you wash a waterproof jacket without damaging it?
After a busy season, it is time to wash your jacket. Caring for a Gore-Tex or membrane jacket involves two essential steps:
washing
reactivating water repellency
Products to use
It is essential to never use ordinary detergent, which could damage the membrane.
For washing, RayonRando recommends:
To reactivate water repellency:
Hand washing: the gentlest method
Hand washing is preferable. This avoids excessively vigorous, repeated rubbing. Your jacket's fabric will thank you.
Steps for hand washing:
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water.
- Add the dose specified on the washing product.
- Close all jacket zips, then immerse it in the water.
- Move it around and rub gently in places.
- Rinse thoroughly, under the shower for example.
Machine washing is possible under certain conditions
If short of time, machine washing is possible provided you follow the settings precisely:
- Close all jacket zips, then put it alone in the washing machine.
- Add the dose specified on the washing product.
- Run a delicate cycle at 30° without spinning.
- Run 2 rinse cycles with a slow spin.
Reactivating your waterproof jacket's water repellency
Once clean, restore the water-repellent treatment.
You have two options:
In the washing machine
- With the jacket still damp
- Add the dose of waterproofing product.
- Delicate cycle at 30°C with a slow spin
By hand
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water.
- Let the jacket absorb the product.
- Air-dry flat.
- Gently heat the fabric:
hairdryer at around 30 cm
or an iron on a delicate setting, without steam, with a cloth between iron and jacket
Heat helps reactivate the water-repellent fibres and improves water run-off from the fabric.
This step re-waterproofs your waterproof jacket.
Conclusion: extending your waterproof jacket's life
Your jacket is now clean and water-repellent again, ready for more walking or cycling outings.
Regular care does not mean frequent washing:
every 6 months to 1 year, depending on use
more often with daily use than when used solely for hiking
After every outing, also rinse the jacket's inside with lukewarm water (40°C maximum). This limits sweat accumulation and spaces out full washes.
Caring for your waterproof jacket ensures many years of service on the trails.
To wash your sleeping bag too, follow our article.