Product Care

Some helpful tips to get the most out of your gear.

We put our gear through extreme conditions and cleaning it when you finally get home is usually the last thing you want to do. A bit of extra love after the hunt can add years to your high-performance gear, not to mention the hundreds or thousands of dollars you can save, all while contributing to sustainable consumption!

When waterproof/breathable gear is dirty it saturates much faster. This not only reduces the waterproofing but also the breathability as moisture cannot escape past the item. Washing gear incorrectly can damage the fabric and ruin the waterproofing, so it is vital to take extra care!

WASHING WATERPROOF & BREATHABLE CLOTHING

Breathable garments should be washed by hand, in a bathtub with cold water using sportswash. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. Do not dry clean. Avoid using powder detergents, or any detergent which is scented or has UV brighteners. We all know the power of a deer’s nose, however, they also can detect UV in clothing which stands out similarly to how humans see blaze orange.

REAPPLY THE DWR

Durable water-repellent coatings, even when not used soften and wear over time. This can be noticed when water stops beading off the outer fabric.

To reapply the DWR and get the waterproofing back to new, wash it in a sports wash or DWR replenish wash. Alternatively, a DWR spray will replenish the water repellency. We like the Grangers or Nikwax range for this.

RESEALING LOOSE SEAM SEALS

When waterproof layers age or if washed incorrectly, the seam seals can begin to peel away. When you begin to notice this occurring there is a simple home fix to stick it back on, using only an iron and some pressing cloth. Avoid using oily materials such as baking paper.

Step 1: Cover the affected area with the pressing cloth.

Step 2: Iron over the seam for several seconds until the seam is no longer loose.

Alternatively, you can purchase seam tape from most outdoor retailers. Simply cut off the loose tape and repeat steps 1 and 2 with the new tape.

LEATHER TREATMENT

For increased waterproofing and leather durability applying a layer of beeswax rub or water-repellent spray will increase the water repellency. This stops the leather from soaking up water which keeps your feet dry and maintains breathability as well as staying lightweight.

Regular reapplication is recommended (some trusted brands are Nikwax, Sno-Seal and Grangers). Avoid leather conditioners unless waterproofing properties are stated.

STORAGE

It may be obvious to avoid leaving your clothing and boots in the back of the ute for weeks on end, but it's surprisingly common. When exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, colours fade, internal membranes can be damaged, and boot glue can spoil. It’s best to store all gear in shaded, dry places.

PRODUCT CARE

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