Anyone have any recommendations? Kiwi, Scotchguard, Nikwax? Something that dries odor-free definitely a plus. The fabrics I'd like to treat are typical backpack nylon and that laminated cotton blackout drape material that's popular for focusing cloths. Thanks.
Oops- misspelled repellent in the subject line.
What about some of the spray waterproofing compounds for hiking books/
"One of the greatest necessities in America is to discover creative solitude." Carl Sandburg
Sno-seal is what we used to use to waterproof Levis for sking.
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White
I use beeswax on my leather hiking boots (Alicos) I don't know what would work on those dad gummed newfangled synthetics
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White
From personal experience I wouldn't recommend rain-repellant spray. Several years back I had a real good pair of hiking boots - Rockport XRS or something like that. These boots were black leather, like military boots once were, with thick soles that provided good traction on uneven terrain. I kept very good care of them treating them with saddle soap and they fit and wore well. I put many many miles on them without complaint. But their one downside was that they were all leather - no canvas top so you had to keep them out of water. Then one day in preparation for a back-country trip I sprayed them with rain-repellant which ruined them. The leather changed from being soft and supple to being stiff and inflexible ruining them.
Instead of spraying my gear with raain-repellant I'd get a BTZS darkcloth for an 8x10 which is water repellant and a backpack that comes equippred with a rain coat such as a Gregory or Lowepro. For a 4x5 field camera I often use the Domke wrap which is water repellant on the top as a darkcloth. You can also purchase rain coats for backpacks at places like REI and a lightweight military poncho at a military surplus store. The poncho will cover you and your gear down to your shins and doubles as a lightweight and tough ground cover for your tent and a lean-to in inclement tropical weather.
Thomas
The best leather treatment I have used is Obenauf's LP, which is a wax based preparation developed by forest fire fighters. www.obenaufs.com
I have used Nikwax spray on bags and such. It seems to work well for light rain, but I have not been out in a downpour, so I don't know how effective it would be then.
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm well outfitted for hiking in torrential rain. It's when I stop, roll stuff out and take a picture that everything gets a little soggy. I just need something to help shed some water while I'm under the darkcloth and working out of the pack.
For the pack, if you’re serious, don’t forget seam seal.Originally Posted by Colin Graham
You might have a pack cover – but when it’s off and it’s drizzling, water knows how to find and get through seams. Especially if your pack presses against wet ground.
I use seam seal on my tent seams, too.
I seal both sides of the seam when possible, and reapply after each trip.
He's not asking about boots or leather!
I've used quite a bit of camp dry on packs. Not odorless though.
The Obernauf's is great for boots & leather--it's what I use here in the Dakotas. However, I would not put it on nylon etc. fabrics.
I'm not aware of any truly waterproofing spray for fabrics--most just claims to repel water. You might check www.cabelas.com.
Kent in SD
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Notte e di vogliam passar!
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