Most high-performance waterproof jackets are treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating on the outer fabric. This coating causes rain to bead up and roll off, keeping the fabric dry and breathable.

But after repeated use, exposure to body oils, sunscreen, dirt, and general wear and tear, the DWR coating breaks down. This causes water to soak into the outer fabric, making the jacket feel heavy and damp. This is known as “wetting out.” And when the surface fabric is soaked, breathability drops, and you can feel cold or clammy inside. Reapplying a DWR treatment restores water beading and helps the jacket breathe again.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a general guide:

• Light use (occasional walks or travel): Re-waterproof once a year

• Moderate use (weekend hikes or outdoor work): Re-waterproof every 6 months

• Heavy use (regular exposure to rain): Re-waterproof every 2–3 months

An easy way to check if your jacket needs a fresh DWR coating is to splash some water on the fabric. If the water doesn’t bead off, it’s time to re-waterproof.

1. Clean the Jacket Properly

Before reproofing, always clean the jacket. Dirt and oils block the fabric’s pores and stop DWR from working properly. Use a specialist technical cleaner like Grangers Performance Wash. Wash the jacket in a front-load machine on a gentle cycle, following the care label. Avoid regular laundry detergent, bleach, or fabric softeners—they can damage the waterproof membrane.

2. Apply a Waterproofing Treatment

Once the jacket is clean, apply a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment. These come in two forms:

1. Spray-on DWR: Best for jackets with mesh linings or varied fabrics

2. Wash-in DWR: Good for single-layer shells

Follow the instructions on the bottle. Most products should be applied to a damp coat.

3. Reactivate the Treatment with Heat

Some waterproofing treatments need heat to bond to the fabric. If the care label allows, tumble dry the jacket on a low setting for 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer or a warm iron with a towel in between the iron and the fabric.

• Re-waterproof before your jacket starts to wet out/absorb water

• Store it clean and dry between uses

• Don’t pack it away when it’s damp

• Avoid harsh chemicals

• Check seams and zips for signs of wear if performance drops

If you’ve invested in a high-quality waterproof jacket, taking care of it means it will perform better and last longer. At Bushbuck, our rain jackets are designed in New Zealand and tested in some of the wildest, wettest places in the world. They’re built tough, but regular maintenance like re-waterproofing keeps them performing at their peak.

Ready to Upgrade Your Rain Jacket?

If your current rain jacket just isn’t cutting it, check out Bushbuck’s top-performing waterproof outer layers. Engineered in Christchurch, New Zealand and proven all over the world, these jackets are built to last.

Alpine Waterproof Jacket

Lightweight, stretch‑powered, and agile—this one’s made for hunters, hikers, and workers who need freedom of movement. With its four‑way stretch shell, 20,000 mm waterproof rating, and full seam sealing, it moves with you without sacrificing protection. Perfect for multi‑day treks, NZ backcountry, or alpine missions.

Typhoon Waterproof Jacket

Meet Bushbuck’s most waterproof jacket yet: 20,000 mm waterproof rating and engineered for extreme wet weather. Rugged enough for relentless storms, this layer keeps you dry when the rain is relentless.

Furnace Waterproof Down Puffer Jacket

When you need heat and waterproofing in one, the Furnace delivers. Lightweight, compressible, and built with a water‑resistant down fill—it’s made for cold, wet mornings and evenings when you want warmth without bulk.

Defender Waterproof Jacket + Pants

A combo built for hard work and all-day wear. The Defender Jacket is rugged, 10,000 mm waterproof, and packed with features like pit zips and waterproof pockets. Match it with the durable, waterproof Defender Pants, and you’ve got full‑body protection against the elements.

Men’s Igloo Waterproof Canvas Puffer Jacket

A powerhouse among puffers—tough canvas outer, 10,000 mm waterproof rating, and 800-fill duck down with fused baffles to fully block water penetration. When it’s freezing and soaking, the Igloo stands firm.

Women’s Igloo Waterproof Canvas Puffer Jacket

All the heat and performance of the men’s Igloo, tailored for women. Fully waterproof with a rugged canvas shell, fused insulation, and serious down warmth—ready for cold, wet conditions that demand the best.

Stashlite Anorak Rain Jacket

Your ultra-light, packable rain shield. At just around 430 g (size M), the Stashlite packs into its front pocket, offering 20,000 mm waterproof and breathability — your go-anywhere “wet weather insurance.”