The best at-home cleaning and re-waterproofing for rain gear

Water Based | No harsh Chemicals | Easy to use

When you notice your rain gear starting to “wet out,” it’s time for a renewal with Nikwax Techwash and TX Direct. This two phase rain gear refresh starts by cleaning dirt and oil off of the garment, and finishes by restoring and rebuilding the DWR (durable water repellent).

About

The DWR finish is the technology on the outer surface that causes water to roll up and bead off, and it works in conjunction with the waterproof breathable laminate membrane to provide complete rain protection and comfort.

TX.Direct will never perform quite as well as the factory applied DWR that your jacket came with, but it will probably get you at least 90% of the original performance. This is a trade off we accept for Nikwax creating a biodegradle, harsh-chemical-free product that can safely be used at home in your washing machine.

Verdict

For frequent hikers, we feel that washing your rain jacket and pants once at the start of hiking season, and once at the end is probably sufficient. Nikwax Techwash and TX Direct are an integral part of staying dry in the backcountry and we highly recommend this product to improve your experience with rain gear.

Key Stats

• Weight: 0 oz (once applied)
• Price: $23
• Technology: TX.Direct
• Pros: Cleans and restores water-repellency. Water-based, no harsh chemicals.
• Cons: Slightly less effective than factory DWR treatment of a brand new garment

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Read about what to use in on in our guide to the best lightweight rain jackets for hiking.