WHAT IS "DWR COATING"

We can bet that the DWR coating covers most of the clothes and gear in your outdoor wardrobe, except for underwear. Moreover, it is one of the most important technologies that affect your comfort whenever you hit the trail. Sounds mysterious? Let's lift the veil of secrecy and explain what Durable Water Repellency is all about.

WHAT IS DWR?

The acronym DWR stands for Durable Water Repellency, which literally means long-lasting waterproofness. It is a protective and impregnating technology applied to the outer layer of fabric during the manufacturing process. Its purpose is to prevent water absorption into the fabric or knit - by increasing the surface tension, moisture condenses on the material's surface and freely runs off.

DWR coating is most commonly found in outdoor outerwear, especially jackets and shoes, as well as camping equipment like tents.

WHY DO I NEED DWR COATING?

Waterproofness is of utmost importance for the comfort of outdoor clothing. Wet fabric conducts heat effectively, which means it transfers the warmth produced by your body to the outside. Instead of insulating you from the cold and protecting you from adverse weather conditions, wet clothing would make you feel colder and more exposed to the wind. Absorbed moisture could also noticeably increase the weight of the jacket and turn a warm, lightweight, and comfortable product into an additional burden to carry.

WARM AND WATERPROOF - IN A DOWN JACKET

Unlike laminate, DWR impregnation does not burden the fabric, which allows it to be used even in ultra-lightweight outdoor products. It also provides greater maneuverability in terms of material breathability, which sometimes proves to be the Achilles' heel of hardshells with a "bulletproof" membrane. Following this principle, we created our flagship Phantom down jacket. This way, we achieved a practically perfect solution: a super-lightweight product with a tailored, ergonomic fit, excellent compression ratio, and outstanding thermal properties (filled with Polish White Goose Down 750 FP - speaks for itself!). Phantom jackets are made from TORAY Airtastic SLF15 DWR fabric, which allows you to enjoy their phenomenal insulation properties even in unfavorable weather conditions, without sacrificing breathability.

HOW TO CARE FOR DWR COATING?

Although DWR impregnation is relatively durable, it does not last forever. Its lifespan can be affected by the way it is used and improper maintenance. It is worth noting that dirt and contamination reduce the material's resistance and promote moisture penetration. Wear and tear also occur mechanically through material abrasion and condensation. Therefore, when water on the fabric's surface stops beading and starts leaving wet traces, it is a sign that it is time to renew the DWR coating. This way, you will restore the hydrophobic properties of your clothing.

In many cases, washing and drying according to the manufacturer's instructions is sufficient. Remember not to use regular detergents for washing as they can damage the waterproof layer. Instead, use specialized products such as Nikwax or Mountval. It is also recommended to run an empty washing cycle before putting the jacket in the machine to ensure that the system rinses out the detergent properly. As for washing down jackets, we previously covered this topic in our article: How to Wash a Down Jacket Without Damaging It?

If the DWR coating is not heavily worn out, washing and drying alone will reactivate its hydrophobic properties. For products with a long and complicated history, even application of a waterproofing spray may be necessary.

Want to learn more? Visit pajaksport.pl and discover the down treasures we have in store.

Image source: pajaksport.pl