A rain jacket that leaks usually isn't broken. It's dirty. Dirt, sweat and body oils work against a shell's performance, which is why the jacket that kept you dry two seasons ago now soaks through at the shoulders.
The fix is a wash, a reproof and, once in a while, a patch. Here's the whole routine.
How often to wash it
Our care guide's rule is to wash your shell after long trips or every 7 to 10 active wears. Wash it sooner if it looks dirty or starts to wet out (more on that below).
How to wash a rain jacket
- Close up. Zip the main zipper and leave the small zippers open.
- Wash it alone. A front-loader is best, but hand washing works too.
- Use the right soap. A technical or mild detergent, not a regular/scented one. We use and recommend Storm's pH-neutral wash.
- Set the machine. Small load, warm water, regular cycle, with a second rinse added.
- Dry it with heat. Don't air dry. Tumble on low heat for at least 30 minutes. Never steam or iron your jacket, which can damage the fabric and degrade the water-repellent finish.
Storm Apparel Wash (225 mL) is $15. Or start with the Apparel Wash + Proof Mini Twin Pack for $22, which covers the next step too.
The 10-second water test
Spray or splash some water on the fabric. If it beads up and rolls off, your jacket is fine. If it soaks in, it's wetting out and it's time to reproof.
How to reproof it
There are two ways to do it, and our care guide covers both:
- Wash-in. Add the proofer to the fabric softener spot. The guide notes that Storm products only need one cycle, which is a big part of why we like them. The Storm Eco Proofer Wash is $23 for 225 mL.
- Spray-on. After washing, spray the finish on, rub it in with a cloth, let it drip dry, then dry the jacket on low heat as above.
Either way, do the water test again afterward. Beading means you're done.
Fixing a small tear or puncture
A small hole is a five-minute job if you catch it early, before it has a chance to spread.
- Patagonia Worn Wear Field Repair Kit ($25) has two sewing needles, polyester thread and gear tape in a credit-card-sized holder, small enough to live in your wallet or pack lid.
When it needs a pro (repairs only, not washing or re-proofing)
If you ever feel that the intensity of the repair is beyond what you can complete at home you can visit any of our locations to have the in-store team evaluate the next steps for you. Some repairs can be completed in-store and others may require sending to the official repair facility.
Our stores that take repairs. Patagonia Calgary, Patagonia Banff, Patagonia Victoria, Elements Outfitters Edmonton, Willow Park, and our Tsawwassen Outlet.
How to drop off. All you need to do is bring in the gear that needs work and we will take care of the rest! If you have the original receipt it is much appreciated but not required.
Timelines. It can take 6-8 weeks for a repair if it needs to be sent out to the repair facility. (This is subject to change based on the time of year and repair volume).
Patagonia's own words on the subject: “If it's broke, we'll fix it. If it's shredded beyond repair, we'll figure it out together.” Ask any of our team and we'll point you in the right direction.
A rain jacket care kit
- The simple route: Storm Apparel Wash + Proof Mini Twin Pack ($22)
- Wash only: Storm Apparel Wash ($15)
- Reproof only: Storm Eco Proofer Wash ($23)
- In the pack: Patagonia Worn Wear Field Repair Kit ($25)
For the full step-by-step, see our How to Clean Your Gear guide.
FAQ
How often should I wash my rain jacket?
After long trips, or roughly every 7 to 10 active wears, and any time it looks dirty or starts wetting out.
How do I know if my rain jacket needs reproofing?
Splash some water on it. If it soaks in, it's wetting out and needs to be reproofed. If it beads and rolls off, it's fine.
Can I wash a rain jacket in the washing machine?
Yes. Zip the main zipper, leave the small zippers open, wash it alone with a technical or mild detergent on a warm, regular cycle with a second rinse.
Can I use regular laundry detergent on my shell?
We don't recommend it. Use a technical or mild detergent instead. Our care guide recommends Storm's pH-neutral wash.
Should I air dry my rain jacket?
No. Tumble dry on low heat for at least 30 minutes.
Can I iron or steam my jacket to restore the water repellency?
No. Steaming or ironing can damage the fabric and degrade the water-repellent finish.
What do I use to patch a small tear on the trail?
A compact kit like the Patagonia Worn Wear Field Repair Kit, which includes needles, thread and gear tape.
Come see us in person
Questions about caring for a jacket you own? Bring it in. Find us at Patagonia Calgary, Patagonia Banff, Patagonia Victoria, Willow Park, Edmonton, Tsawwassen and Calgary Downtown, or shop care and repair products online.
Share:
What We're Thankful For: Giving Back, One Percent at a Time