How to Check If Your Gear Needs Treatment
Find a faucet or fill a spray bottle. Pour a small stream of water onto the shoulder or chest of your jacket, or the toe box of your boot. If the water beads into round droplets and rolls off, the DWR coating still works. If the fabric darkens and soaks in within a few seconds, it is time to re-treat.
Wet Climate vs. Dry Climate
If you hike in the Pacific Northwest, Scottish Highlands, or tropical rainforests, your gear sees far more water. The planner shortens intervals by about 30% for wet climates. In dry deserts or alpine zones with low humidity, you can stretch the time between treatments, but UV exposure still breaks down coatings. Coastal salt air also speeds up wear, so the planner accounts for that too.