HOW TO WATERPROOF YOUR SKI JACKET AND TROUSERS?

To protect yourself from the cold in the mountains, it is essential to wear waterproof clothing. Here's how to waterproof your ski jackets and trousers.

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Why waterproof your ski jacket or trousers?

Nothing is more unpleasant than a ski jacket or trousers that get waterlogged at the slightest contact with the snow. When putting together your ski outfit, it is therefore essential to choose technical clothing with a waterproofing treatment such as Gore-Tex.

But between use on the slopes and washings, sometimes the performance of your ski jacket and trousers can diminish, so it's essential to apply a waterproofing that will restore all of the water-repellent qualities of your ski clothing without hindering the breathability of the material. You should therefore avoid treatments that deposit an occlusive film on your fabric, as you will certainly be protected from external moisture, but your perspiration will not be able to evacuate properly, causing discomfort and a cold sensation. You should also know that you can never waterproof a classic piece of cloth to make it compatible for skiing.

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Waterproofing spray or applicator

For ski suits or to waterproof an oversized ski jacket that wouldn't fit in the washing machine, you can choose a waterproofing spray or applicator. Simply spray the product or apply it with a sponge to all or part of your ski jacket.

The difficulty is in not leaving any spots on your ski jacket. On the other hand, this allows you to specifically target certain areas that are more subject to friction and whose membrane might be more damaged. Only apply the waterproofing to a clean piece of cloth and, after treatment, wait 2-3 days before using it.

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Waterproofing detergent, the easy solution

To waterproof ski trousers, it's often easier to put them in the washing machine with a waterproofing detergent. The Tech Wash versions clean, restore water repellency and breathability when Softshell detergents restore water repellency while retaining the sweat-wicking qualities of your ski clothes.

To make your treatment work, simply place your trousers in the washing machine with the detergent for a conventional cycle. Then air dry or tumble dry at a low temperature, and you're done. The big advantage is that you ensure that the waterproofing is spread over the entire surface of your trousers.

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When to waterproof your ski jacket and trousers?

Depending on the technical specifications of your ski clothing, you will find indications on how often you should apply a waterproofing treatment. In practice, this becomes essential as soon as you feel moisture creeping in when you are in contact with the snow.

You can also perform the water drop test to check the water repellency of your equipment. Simply drip a few drops of water on different areas of your ski jacket or trousers. If the water slides off the fabric, your clothing is waterproof. If the drop of water crashes and is absorbed by the membrane, it's time to waterproof your ski jacket or trousers.

Before any outing on the slopes, it is necessary to ensure that the waterproofing in your clothing is at its maximum capacity. If it is not, you can easily waterproof your ski jacket or trousers. However, be sure to apply the treatment a few days before you leave so that your equipment is ready when you arrive in the resort.