Quick answer: Hand wash your waterproof jacket in cold water with a technical wash made for waterproofs, whenever it's dirty or water stops beading. Don't bleach, soak, wring or spin it. Rinse well, line dry in the shade, and reproof with a spray-on DWR when the beading doesn't come back. Always check the care label on your jacket first.
A good waterproof jacket is one of the hardest-working bits of kit you own. It cops scrub, mud, blood, sweat and sideways rain on a ridge at first light. Look after it and it'll keep you dry for years. Neglect it and it'll start feeling like a wet sponge by next season.
The good news: most "leaking" jackets aren't leaking at all. They just need a clean.
How a waterproof jacket works
A waterproof jacket has two layers of defence:
- The waterproof membrane sits inside the fabric. It stops rain getting in but lets sweat vapour escape.
- The DWR (durable water repellent) finish is a treatment on the outer fabric that makes rain bead up and roll off.
Check your jacket's ratings. Each jacket in our range is built for different conditions, so its waterproof rating (in mm) and breathability rating (in g/m²/24hr) are listed on its product page and swing tag. A higher waterproof number handles heavier, longer rain. A higher breathability number moves more sweat vapour when you're working hard up a hill. Many of our waterproof jackets also have tape-sealed seams, which stop water coming in through the stitching.
When dirt, body oils, sunscreen, insect repellent and smoke build up, the DWR stops working. The outer fabric soaks up water (called "wetting out"), the membrane can't breathe, and condensation builds up inside. It feels like a leak, but it's usually your own sweat trapped in the jacket.
When to wash it
- Water no longer beads on the shoulders, cuffs or chest
- The jacket feels damp or clammy inside after a walk-in
- It's visibly dirty or muddy, or smells of smoke, blood or campfire
- Always before you store it away for summer
Washing doesn't wear out a quality jacket. Dirt does.
Read the care label first
The care label inside your jacket always comes first. Our waterproof jackets carry these instructions:
- Cold hand wash
- Do not bleach or soak
- Do not wring or spin
- Line dry
- Iron inside out
- Or dry clean
If your jacket's label says something different, follow the label.
How to hand wash a waterproof jacket
- Empty the pockets and brush off dried mud, grass seeds and burrs.
- Close every zip, flap and Velcro tab. Loosen the drawcords so they don't tangle.
- Fill a clean tub or laundry sink with cold water and add a technical wash made for waterproof garments. Never use regular laundry powder, fabric softener, bleach or stain removers. They strip the DWR and clog the membrane.
- Gently wash the jacket by hand, working the water through the fabric. Pay attention to the cuffs, collar, hood and anywhere pack straps sit. Don't leave it to soak.
- Rinse thoroughly in clean, cold water, twice if needed, until there's no soap left.
- Don't wring or twist it. Gently press the water out with your hands.
Blood stains: rinse in cold water as soon as you can. Hot water sets blood. Dab (don't scrub) with a little technical wash before the main wash.
Drying
Hang the jacket on a wide hanger or line to dry in the shade, with the zips open so air can get inside. Keep it away from heaters, fires and direct sun.
Once it's dry, do the test: sprinkle some water on the shoulders. If it beads and rolls off, you're done.
Reproofing when the beading stops
If water still soaks in after a clean, the DWR has worn off and needs replacing.
- Spray-on reproofer (recommended): hang the clean, damp jacket up and spray the outside evenly, focusing on the shoulders, hood, forearms and anywhere your pack straps sit. Wipe off any excess and line dry.
- Wash-in reproofer: easier, but it also coats the inside lining, which can reduce breathability. Always follow the product's instructions and your jacket's care label.
Most hunters will need to reproof once or twice a season, depending on how much scrub they push through.
Field care between washes
- Hang your jacket up to dry at camp. Don't leave it balled up in the ute or the bottom of your pack.
- Keep it away from the campfire. Sparks and radiant heat can melt the outer fabric and damage the seam tape.
- Brush off mud once it's dry rather than scrubbing it in wet.
- Wipe off insect repellent and sunscreen where you can. DEET in particular is hard on technical fabrics.
- Check the seams, cuffs and zips after a trip through heavy lantana or blackberry.
Storage
Store your jacket clean and completely dry, hung on a wide hanger in a cool, dark, well-ventilated spot. Don't leave it compressed in a stuff sack for long periods, or stored in a damp shed. Mould will damage the membrane and seam tape.
Repairs and warranty
Small tears and punctures can be patched with a waterproof repair patch applied to clean, dry fabric. For delaminating seam tape, faulty zips or anything that looks like a manufacturing fault, check our warranty page and get in touch with our team before sending anything back.
Waterproof jacket FAQs
Can I put my waterproof jacket in the washing machine? Check the care label. Our waterproof jackets are labelled cold hand wash, do not wring or spin, which gives the membrane and seam tape the best chance of a long life.
Why is my waterproof jacket wet on the inside? It's usually condensation. When the outer fabric wets out, sweat can't escape and builds up inside. A clean and reproof fixes it most of the time.
Can I use fabric softener on a waterproof jacket? No. Softener clogs the membrane and kills the water repellency.
How waterproof is my jacket? Check the waterproof and breathability ratings on its product page or swing tag. They differ from jacket to jacket depending on what it's built for.
How often should I reproof my jacket? When water stops beading after a clean, usually once or twice a season for regular hunters.
Will washing damage my jacket? No. Dirt and oils do more damage than a correct hand wash ever will.
Look after your jacket and it'll look after you. Now get outside. #GETOUTSIDE