Keep Your Gear Dry Season After Season

Waterproofing wears off long before your jacket looks old. This planner tells you when to re-treat each item based on how much you use it and where you go. Add your gear, pick your climate, and get a schedule you can print or save.

Add Gear

Your Schedule

No gear added yet. Use the form to add your first item and see when it needs re-waterproofing.

Gear Care Guide

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.

Common Mistakes That Ruin Waterproofing

  • Using regular laundry detergent instead of a technical gear wash.
  • Adding fabric softener or dryer sheets to a load of outdoor clothing.
  • Applying spray DWR to dirty fabric. Always wash first.
  • Using silicone-based springs on Gore-Tex or other breathable membranes.
  • Storing gear compressed in a stuff sack for months. Hang jackets and tents when possible.

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.

Product Types by Gear

GearRecommended Product
Rain jackets (Gore-Tex, eVent)Spray-on DWR (fluorocarbon or PFAS-free)
Down jacketsWash-in DWR or spray DWR for downproof shells
Leather bootsWax-based conditioner with water repellent
Synthetic hiking bootsSpray DWR for synthetic leather or fabric
Tents and rain fliesSeam sealer + spray DWR for the canopy
BackpacksSpray DWR on exterior panels

Questions Hikers Ask

How do I know if my gear needs re-waterproofing?

Spray a little water on the fabric. If it beads up and rolls off, the coating still works. If the fabric darkens and absorbs water, it is time to reapply.

Can I use the same DWR spray on all my gear?

Not always. Spray DWR works well on most membrane jackets. Leather boots need wax or oil-based products. Tents often need a separate seam sealant. The planner notes the right product type for each item you add.

What if I forget to log a trip?

Open the planner and adjust the usage count or last-treated date. The schedule updates right away. Your data stays in your browser and is not sent anywhere.

Does washing remove waterproofing?

Regular detergent strips DWR coatings over time. Use a technical gear wash that is free of fabric softeners and bleach. After washing, a quick reapplication of DWR spray brings the repellency back.

How do I share my schedule with a partner or trip group?

Click the Share Link button. It copies a link to your clipboard. The link encodes your gear list in the URL, so anyone who opens it sees the same schedule. No account or server needed.