To Breathe or Not To Breathe: Waterproof Gear Misconceptions
In all of my years specializing in outdoor gear, one phrase stings my ears every time I hear it; "my feet got wet but these boots/shoes are supposed to be waterproof." The same applies to other items such as jackets, shells, gloves, and occasionally socks. So what gives? Shouldn't my rain jacket and boots be able to keep my feet dry forever? If you've ever had this though then this article is for you.
Materials
Firstly, we need to briefly talk about waterproof materials and membranes. Classic name-brand examples include Gore-Tex, eVent, Hydroguard, and the list goes on, but generally speaking, these are specialized fabrics that allow air to escape and keep water out. These fabrics may utilize a PVC coating, DWR (durable water repellent) coating, or they may be naturally hydrophobic like nylon and other synthetic fibers. The basic premise is that water molecules link together and form long chains that are hydrogen bonded, making them larger than oxygen molecules and thus allowing air to escape while the water stays out. Natural textiles such as leather and canvas usually have a water-repellent treatment added to them but it's the density of the material that does the bulk of the work. But if that's the case, then why do boots leak and jackets get soaked?
It's Not Your Gear
Most brands do a great job with quality control but sometimes defective equipment can slip through the cracks, however, this is the least likely reason why your gear isn't keeping you dry. The biggest reason is because they're not being cared for the way they should be. Dirt and debris from the trail, as well as sweat and oil from your skin, prevent the waterproof membrane from functioning the way it was designed, thus causing leaks. If you tend to use your gear frequently or less often but for longer durations, then you need to clean them to allow the waterproof membrane to do its job.
In many situations, it may "feel" like your gear is leaking but it's sweat and condensation that is causing the issue. This occurs because there is too much material for the heat and air to pass through for adequate ventilation to take place. For example: leather boots with Gore-Tex prove difficult for proper ventilation because not only does the heat and air need to pass through the waterproof membrane but also a thick layer of leather. Many hiking boots you'll see today offer mesh patches on the outermost layer to encourage proper airflow, but then lack protection from debris that can prevent the membrane from functioning in the first place; it's kind of a double-edged sword.
Waterproof jackets suffer similarly as well. All waterproof jackets have a membrane AND a DWR coating while jackets that aren't marketed as waterproof will only have the coating. The DWR coating sheds water when it lands on the jacket, allowing air and heat to escape through the fabric. When that coating wears off, the external fabric becomes saturated with water and does not allow for ventilation, leaving the waterproof membrane to trap heat inside. This is referred to as "wetting out."
Caring For Your Gear
In any case, if you are experiencing leaks, it's probably time to wash your boots and jackets. The two most popular brands of cleaning supplies are Nik-Wax and GearAid. Both companies offer a variety of washes and treatments for specific gear such as down jackets, leathers vs. synthetics, rain jackets, and more. Instructions are always labeled on the bottles, but here are a few best practices I recommend everyone follow:
ALWAYS hand-wash your gear. Machines can be rough with delicate jackets and may result in permanent damage.
NEVER put footwear in washing machines unless it is specifically made to (I only know of certain climbing shoes meant for washing machines).
NEVER use heat to dry boots. Too much heat can easily damage the membrane inside. Boots should be air-dried and using a fan significantly speeds up the process.
