HOW TO WATERPROOF YOUR FAVORITE JACKET AND BOOTS – EASY AND “CHEAP”

Waterproof your older jacket and boots to get more life out of them.

When you are out for the big hunt or just enjoying the day out of doors, it is always nicer to have dry clean JACKETS and BOOTS.  When you were a kid did you ever get a SOAKER?

 Yuck!

The only thing worse than water squishing between your toes is those socks that sink down into your boots!!  Pretty soon the heel is where your toes are supposed to be!!  Those gotta go!!

Over time your jackets and boots might need a RE-D0. (not your fault – Rain and Snow happens!)

HOW TO WATERPROOF YOUR JACKET

1. Begin by checking for any rips or other damage to the outer shell. Most outdoor retailers sell iron-on patches for Gore-Tex and other waterproof/breathable layers.
2.  Most waterproof/breathable clothing is coated with a polymer at the factory. Washing the garment reactivates some of the WATERPROOFING. (Follow the instructions on the tag. Typically, you should wash the garments on the gentle cycle with a mild powder detergent or a product specifically designed for washing outerwear. Don’t use liquid detergents or those that have fabric softeners, as these can leave residues that might harm waterproofing.
3. Some fabrics can also be renewed with an IRON!! It might feel strange to iron your rain gear, but an iron set on LOW STEAM can help to renew the waterproofing polymer that might have started breaking down.
4.  Retreat the fabric, spray-on, or wash-in. If the jacket has a wicking liner that can’t be removed, a spray is the best option. An easy place to do this is in the shower. NO YOU DON’T HAVE TO GET IN THE SHOWER JUST THE JACKET!
5. Spray evenly and don’t neglect the high-impact areas like elbows and underarms. Let it dry before applying a second and even a third coat. After it dries, toss it in a dryer on LOW HEAT to help melt the treatment’s polymer into the fabric.
6. If the garment doesn’t have a fleece liner or other material is sewn in, you can use a wash-in treatment.

HOW TO WATERPROOF YOUR BOOTS

Here’s how: At your local hardware store pick up a standard wax toilet ring. Approximate cost: $3. Yep – let me repeat – A STANDARD WAX TOILET RING!!!

To apply:

1. Simply wipe the boots clean
2. Set the BOOTS and the wax in a warm place (Don’t get them hot, just nice and warm to the TOUCH)
3. Using your fingers or small cloth, rub the wax into the leather. If you don’t want to waterproof your fingers, wear gloves.
4. Avoid getting wax on the plastic/rubber parts of the boot.
5. When the boots are nicely coated with wax, set them back in the warm spot for an hour or more
6. Using a soft cloth, buff the excess wax away.

When you are done your boots will appear much younger, the leather will be supple, and will be more waterproof than a duck.

The effect will last for weeks of hard use, and when the boots start to look scuffed and thirsty just repeat the process. Use the wax on hunting boots, work boots, and even cowboy boots.  GIDDY UP!!!

We at Bitzenburger™ Outdoor and Sporting Goods Company want you to have the best and most comfortable outdoor experience possible.  We hope these tips were helpful – happy and safe hunting!!