Your snow gear has been packed away since the last season, but before you head off on this year’s winter break, take some time to give your outerwear, layers and accessories a spruce-up, to ensure they keep you as dry and comfortable as possible in mountain weather.
Waterproofing does not last forever and if you put your gear away after your last trip without having cleaned it first, then it will need some TLC to prevent it from wetting out in snowy or wet conditions. Depending upon how much use your skiwear has had, you may find that a simple clean is enough to revive its durable water repellency (DWR).
Cleaning with Tech Wash® will remove all traces of ingrained dirt and body oils whilst reviving the DWR on synthetic outerwear. It will also maintain the breathability of your garment, which is key to preventing you from feeling clammy when your activity levels rise.
If it has been a while since you last proofed your jacket, now is the perfect time to replenish its DWR with our powerful wash-in waterproofer – TX.Direct®. You don’t need to let your jacket dry before re-proofing it (after cleaning), simply add the required amount of TX.Direct to your washing machine and let it run another cycle.
Be sure to set your machine to the full wash cycle specific to your garments rather than to a quick wash, to ensure the Nikwax formula works effectively across the whole fabric. Your garments don’t require heat to activate their treatments, so you can just hang them up to dry and save on energy!
If you have a cosy down filled jacket to wear après-ski, then you should follow the same procedure using our reliable Down Wash.Direct® for cleaning, and Down Proof® for proofing. Both of these aftercare products are suitable for regular and hydrophobic down gear, and will look after the natural properties of down, maintaining loft and insulation.
Layering is important on winter sports breaks – you can get pretty hot whilst skiing or snowboarding, then rapidly cool down on the ski lift, being exposed to cold or windy weather. Merino wool is a favoured base layer for many as their ‘second skin’ because it has natural anti-bacterial properties whilst providing essential wicking, warmth and comfort.
Woollen base layers should not be cleaned with your regular detergent – it can reduce wicking, causing discomfort. Caring for your merino layers with Wool Wash cleans and conditions, deodorises the fabric to help prevent odour build-up, and provides enhanced performance. Your base layer will also help regulate your body temperature, keeping you comfortable during fluctuations in activity levels.
The final tasks on your checklist should be to waterproof your ski skins with Ski Skin Proof, which prevents ice build-up on the fibres and reduces saturation to improve glide and reduce kick; to give your gloves an MOT with an application of sponge-on Glove Proof; and to ready your goggles or visors for action with our high performance rain repellent, Visor Proof.
Prepare your gear now and you will be ready to face the mountain and its changeable weather conditions!