Why Are My Waterproofs Leaking? (Hint: It’s Probably Not Your Jacket’s Fault!)

Sarah Price
Sep 25
3 min read

One of the things I hear most often as a professional walk leader is:“My waterproof jacket (or trousers) are rubbish—it's letting in water! I need a new one.”

Sound familiar? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this on the hill. And while yes, sometimes a garment has truly reached the end of its life, more often than not the problem is how it’s been washed and cared for.

Let’s dig into this, because autumn has arrived here in the UK, the rain is back, and now is the perfect time to get your waterproof gear ready for the season ahead.

The Real Reason Waterproofs Stop Working

Most waterproof jackets and trousers have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on the outside. This coating makes rain bead up and roll off instead of soaking in. But here’s the catch:

If you wash your waterproofs in a normal washing machine cycle with regular washing powder or fabric conditioner, you’ll strip away that coating.
Once that’s gone, the fabric “wets out”—so it feels like it’s leaking, even though the membrane underneath may still be perfectly sound.

In other words, it’s not that your jacket is “rubbish.” It’s that it hasn’t been cared for properly.

How to Wash and Reproof Waterproofs

(The Right Way!)

Luckily, it’s easy to put things right. Here are my top tips:

Avoid the washing machine if you can. Try to gently brush off mud or wipe it down with a damp cloth instead of washing after every walk. The less you wash, the longer your gear lasts.
Use specialist products. I use Nikwax, but there are plenty of different products out there:
- Products like Nikwax Tech Wash are designed to clean waterproof fabrics without damaging them.
- Once clean, you can restore the DWR coating using products such as Nikwax TX.Direct, which comes as either a wash-in or spray-on reproofing solution.
Don’t forget your boots. Walking boots also need care. Mud and wet conditions can dry out the leather and fabric, making them less waterproof. Products like Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof or similar sprays help protect your boots from the elements.
Reproof little and often. You don’t need to wait until your gear is soaking through to reproof. Treating your jackets, trousers, and boots before the wet season sets in will save you a lot of soggy walks!

Do You Really Need to Buy New Waterproofs?

Before you rush out and spend a fortune on new kit, try washing and reproofing your existing gear first. You might be surprised at how well it performs once it’s been looked after properly.

But if you are really do need something new:

Shop locally where possible. Independent outdoor retailers often have knowledgeable staff who walk, climb, and hike themselves.
Seek advice. They’ll help you find the right kit for your needs, rather than selling you a “one size fits all” option.
Better warranties. If something does go wrong, you’ll usually have more support than if you bought online or in a chain store.

Yes, you may spend a little more up front, but you’re also investing in advice, support, and long-lasting kit.

Autumn Is the Time to Prepare

With the rain already back and winter around the corner, now is the perfect moment to check your gear:

Give your waterproofs a quick reproofing.
Treat your boots before the mud and frost arrive.
And if you do need new kit, shop smart.

That way, the next time you’re out in a downpour, you’ll be the smug dry one rather than the soggy walker whose jacket “doesn’t work anymore”!

Final Word

Most “leaking” waterproofs just need a bit of TLC. Take care of your kit, and it will take care of you out on the hills.

And remember—there’s nothing worse than being wet and miserable when the solution is usually as simple as a bottle of Nikwax and a bit of care.