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Had this a few years now but not used that much. Never been used with a rucsac.
Actually used it this morning, but noticed that inside the shoulder/ top back area was wet.
This was not condensation as I only slipped it on to see off some friends as they were loading the car and leaving.
How do I get the 'waterproof' quality back into it?
Nik-wax prewash and wash, then what?
yes, we've had one this last while, as above can get worn down and leaks. still a good lightweight jacket IMO.
pre-wash and wash works OK, possibly investigate light ironing as well.
Had a berghaus Paclight mountain climber version for about 8 years. Real good mtb jacket for the ‘heavier gentleman’ as its not skin tight roadie but fits the bay window just right.
Took a short cut in a rush and put nikwax cleaner and reproofer in the washmachine at same time.
ruined a £250 jacket 😐
Nik-wax prewash and wash, then what?
I'd wash with normal detergent, then using Nikwax wash stuff, double rinse it, then use the wash-in reproofer. That should restore the surface repellency. If it still leaks, Gore-Tex fabrics have a lifetime guarantee to keep you dry. Take it back to the retailer - or possibly contact Berghaus direct - and they should send it off to Gore-Tex for testing and replace it if the fabric is leaking.
Most goretex care instructions suggest a light soap and NOT detergents. In fact they are quite particular about washing out the drawer and giving the machine an empty wash to get rid of any remaining traces of detergent.
Delucate wool soap flakes have proved successful for me.
Everyone used to recommend Lux soap flakes for cleaning as it was brilliant, but they seem to me long gone now.
Been using Wilko liquid soap flakes and it is pretty much identical, but liquid.
Cleans well, rinses out really well with no residue. Just be sure to clean out all the old soap reside from the washer before you start, or easier, do it by hand in a clean sink.
I’d wash with normal detergent,
You you would kill the jacket there and then. Tapes would peel, most membranes delaminates. Even not cleaning the dispenser tray can be enough normal powder to kill a 3month old Endura Convert...
Theres a reason the instructions say only soap flakes or proper cleaner.
You you would kill the jacket there and then. Tapes would peel, most membranes delaminates.
You really wouldn't as long as you follow the care instructions and use the correct temperature / cycle. The problem with normal detergents - stuff like Persil or Ariel liquids - for technical clothing isn't that they destroy tapes or cause delamination, it's that the optical brighteners, wetting agents and other chemical additives mask the function of the factory or aftermarket DWR water repellent treatment.
https://www.gore-tex.com/gore-tex-jacket-wash-instructions
The problem with tech cleaners and pure soap is that they don't clean as well as, say, Persil or Ariel, but the residue from these can be removed with double rinsing and a clean with pure soap, which is actually what Paramo recommends. doing occasionally. The thing about delamination and tapes isn't true. If it were, I'd have a lot of ruined waterproof shells.
Most people don't use specialist soap-based tech cleaners on their waterproof shells. If what you say happens really did, millions of waterproof jackets would be destroyed every month. If the OP isn't sure, then I'd suggest contacting either Berghaus or Gore-Tex for specific advice though.
Edit: I don't want to get into an endless loop debate about this, I've spent time with Grangers, Nikwax and Gore-Tex and it's a confusing area with a lot of misunderstandings. The bottom line is probably that it's best to use a technical cleaner, but if you have deep contamination that may not fully remove it, so in extreme cases a normal washing liquid may help and shouldn't destroy the jacket. I'm sorry if I've misled or confused anyone. And I apologise if I seem grumpy, I am pre-caffeinated... 🙁
I’d wash with normal detergent,
I've been washing my GTX clothing in normal detergent for the last 20+ years without anything going wrong...
I must have had 10+ over the years, have five on the go at the moment (2x ski, 1 heavy weight GTX Pro, one light weight paclite, one cycling specific), all been through a normal wash and still work fine.