Here at Maine Sport Outfitters, we want you to get every adventure possible out of your gear. But we know with every season that passes, wear and tear is bound to happen. Use this as a guide to rejuvenate your gear and make sure that it is in tip-top shape for this winter's fun.
Outerwear:
Re-waterproofing Your Outerwear:
Do you remember the last time you washed your outerwear? And how often do you think should?
The answer might surprise you!
Most outwear is made with a durable water-repellent (DWR), and regardless of type, it all needs a refresh once in a while.
Imagine the DWR on your jacket like the tiny hairs on a peach! They prevent water droplets from penetrating the fabric. Dirt and sweat will compact those tiny hairs and there will be less of them available to protect the fabric. This lets water seep into the fabric and can leave you feeling damp or clammy.
Purchasing a technical wash is a great step in prolonging the life of your outerwear! Follow these steps below.
Step One: Prep Your Garment.
Make sure that any caked on mud or debris is wiped away, and any pockets are free of any loose items! If there is one, zip up the front zipper and toss it on in!
Step Two: Washing Your Garment.
This is where you want to add your technical detergent. Brands like Nikwax or Storm have a variety of technical washes that come highly recommended from many outdoor brands. Directions for these detergents are straightforward and easy to follow. These technical washes are available at Maine Sport for purchase!
If you are unsure if your outerwear needs a technical wash or are in a pinch, sometimes just washing it does the trick. But, for long term care of your clothing, it is recommended to use a technical detergent once you realize the DWR is fading.
Step Three: Dry Your Garment.
This is the last step, and one of the most important! Heat is critical in reviving your item's repellency. Dry on low heat until the garment is fully dry. If you don't have a dryer, let the item air dry completely and iron the item on low without steam. Steam can be damaging to the DWR. Make sure to place a thin cloth between your item and the iron.
And that is it! Something as simple as washing your outerwear can prolong its life for many more adventures!
How to Deal with Down (or, any other insulated gear):
Down can be tricky! It is the nature of the insulation and fabric that eventually you will have feathers poking out.
As much as you want to, do not pull them out! The best thing to do is to try and pull the feather back into the jacket. Place your hand on the inside of the item and try and manipulate the feather back in. Then, (A pro-tip from Patagonia) apply heat either via fingertips or steaming with an iron, as the heat will help fabric fibers close up!
If you run into a hole in your garment, don't worry. There are many different brands of gear repair tape that can fix the issue. Each brand will have its own specific set of instructions, but here are some general tips to make sure the application goes smoothly.
First, make sure the area is void of any dirt or residue (some rubbing alcohol should do the trick with sticky adhesive residue). Next, measure the size of the hole and make sure you cut the tape slightly larger, giving the gear tape extra fabric to hold on to. Lastly, round the corners of your piece of tape. Square edges are easily caught on items and peel up quicker than a rounded edge. Then all you have to do is follow the instructions! Whether that is tossing the item in the dryer for a few moments or allowing the glue to cure, gear tape will seal the hole and help extend the life of your gear.
Footwear:
Most hiking shoes come fresh out the box with a DWR finish, and just like your outerwear, that finish can fade over time. If you notice that water seeps into the outer layer of fabric, it is time to give your boots a bit of TLC.
When it comes to re-waterproofing your boots, the most important thing is to make sure you buy a waterproofer for the right material. Most are marketed for leather or a suede/nubuck type material. Make sure you read the waterproofer's description to make sure it is the right fit before use.
Give your boots a good clean, follow the instructions on the bottle carefully, and once your boots are dry - they are good to go!
With wax-based waterproofers, the process is similar! Make sure it is compatible with your shoe's material, preheat your shoes (most use a hair dryer or leave them in a sunny window), and then apply the sealant. Warming your shoes allows the wax to seep deep into the shoe, giving you more uniform coverage. Wipe off the extra sealant and allow your boots to dry.
Skis & Snowboards:
Our full-service ski shop in Rockport, provides a number of services to get you on the snow as soon as possible! There are three tiers of tuning available as well as base repairs, waxing, mounting, and performing function tests!
Types of tunes:
Clipper: Edges sharpened, tips and tails, detuned, base machine waxed ($49.99)
Foxy: Base sand, basic stone grind, edges machine sharpened, tips and tails detuned, base machine waxed ($74.99)
Muscle Ridge: base sand, stone grind, machine sharpened and hand finished with a diamond stone, iron on wax and brush ($99.99)
We recommend getting ahead of the crowd and bringing in your gear as soon as possible. This way, once the snow falls, you are ready!
If you want to learn more about gear care and repair, check out resources from Patagonia & REI! Also, throughout the winter, Maine Sport's Instagram and Facebook will be posting informational videos! Check us out @mainesportoutfitters!