I have a pair of Orvis Clearwater breathable waders that are about 7 yrs old. They are in good shape (no tears or holes) but over time they have seemed to slowly lose their waterproofing. Water seems to soak through them, so that by the end of an afternoon, my pant legs are wet. They don’t fill with water like with a hole, they just become saturated and pass water through.
My question- Is there some way to restore the waterproofing to them or not? Some waterproofing spray, etc?
Call Orvis and ask.
I called them earlier about an 11 year old bench. They were very helpful.
Diane
Wonder if spraying them ith some type of wateproofing will work? I’ve seen a product: Tectron DWR in certain catalogs I was thinking of trying it on my Hodgman’s.
Eric D
EDW
Try Nikwax TX direct waterproofing. It comes in either spray-on or wash-in.
It is water based, specifically made for waterproof breathable garments.
If you follow the directions it will work. And it will not harm your waders.
Rob
I’ve used a spray called “Campdry” on my goretex cabelas jacket to keep the exterior fabric from getting soaked and heavy- even though it never gets thru to my underlayers. That might work and u can get it at Wallyworld in camping/sporting goods…I have those waders too- I thought it was excess sweat- maybe I’ll try it too. I’ve had the waders for so long they don’t owe me anything anyway.
I just got through spraying some Scotchguard Heavy Duty Water Repellent on my 6-7 year old Cabela’s waders. The Gore-Tex website recommends applying durable water repellent if your leaders appear to start soaking through. What you are really getting is condensation on the inside of the breathable waterprooof membrane, not an actual leak. You need to wash your waders in warm water with powder detergent, no bleach, and then dry in dryer on medium heat. Then apply durable water repellent. They do not recommend the wash-in type repellents. I followed this same protocol on a breathable rain jacket a few years ago, and it worked perfectly.
Larry Compton
Jim;
Good Post!! My next pair of waders will be breathable and I’ve learned a lot!
See you in Grayling if not before! Like at the Eagle Village Fish-In. Need all the help I can get.
Did you get your coupon for a free burger at Spikes Keg O Nail’s?
Don’t forget the Michigan Fish-In August 14th to the 20th. The Holy Water’s of the Au Sable await you!!
Cactus
Couple decades ago my tent-trailer canvas wasn’t as waterproof as it once was. I had easily put over 300 camping days in it in all sorts of weather. I used Thompson’s Water-Seal on the canvas with a bucket and a 4 inch brush. It took about half a day to coat it and let it dry. The result was fantastic. Good as new and there was no color change.
I’m wondering if the same thing would work on your waders? Hang them up, get a brush, coat and let dry?
There is a good column in Anglers Magazine about breathable materials it might help explain some things.
Seege
Jim, whatever you do, do not use thompsons water seal.
Bad advice!!!
Yes, it make them waterproof but forget about any kind of breathability after they have been coated.
Whatever product you decide to use, it must be designed for use with waterproof/breathable items.
Rob