If you live in a climate that has any wet weather at all, then you need a waterproof coat.
You have two choices: you can buy a waterproof coat, or you can waterproof your own.
Types of Waterproof Coat Treatments 3M makes an excellent waterproofing treatment.
It's called Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Repellent for Outdoor Fabrics.
There are other water repellent products on the market that will also prevent water from soaking into the fabric, keeping you warm and dry underneath.
An Australian product called "Oakwood" has received excellent reviews as a re-repellent treatment for oilskin coats.
Another Australian product called "dry-proof" by Joseph Lyddy has also received good reviews for renewing water repellency for oilskin coats, hats and more.
Water Proof Breathable (WPB) Fabric Many of the waterproof coats and other outerwear on the market today are made of a fabric called "Water Proof Breathable" or WPB, which allows moisture to escape through evaporation while repelling water droplets on the outside.
This outerwear can be heavy as in a fleece-lined coat, or it can be lightweight as in a windbreaker or jogging shell.
However, with exposure to the elements, or just plain age, your outerwear may not stop the moisture anymore.
If you get wet because your coat absorbs rain or other precipitation, you can renew the repellent treatment on your waterproof coat with a product called "NikWax," or another called "McNett.
" Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Treatment This type of treatment is known by the acronym of DWR, which stands for Durable Water Repellent.
DWR is an invisible fabric finish that repels water, causing liquid to "bead" into little droplets and run off the material.
These two things - WPB fabric and DWR treatment are what keep most oilskin coats and other weather-proof outerwear in good shape to protect against the elements.
DWR-renewable products come in spray-on, wash-in (yes, throw it in the washing machine!) and a waxy-type product that you wipe on your waterproof coat.
For the washing machine-type of repellent treatment, reviewers have indicated that a single layer-type jacket is best for this application, not a coat with a liner that is thicker than one layer.
Some people have said that they will remove the inner lining of their heavy waterproof coat and wash it separately from the WPB shell, then washed the WPB shell with the renewable-DWR treatment for best results.
So How Do You Apply Water Repellent Treatment? You'll want to check the manufacturer's instructions for proper application of your DWR re-treatment.
Some require heat to activate and set the treatment, while NikWax, for example, states that you'll get superior water repellency without applying heat.
They actually state that air drying is better for their treatment.
Some DWR treatments are also available for boots and footwear.
McNett has a product called ReviveX that has received good reviews, with several people stating their feet stayed warm and dry after applying ReviveX to their hiking boots and Ugg boots.
The product does not, in most cases, discolor suede or other material.
Buying a Waterproof Coat There are two types of waterproof coats generally available.
First is the oilskin coat, commonly known as the duster.
In Australia this type of outerwear is called the drover's coat.
The oilskin coat was originally created from ship sails.
It is a heavy canvas fabric that is treated with a mixture of oil and wax to make the material waterproof, preventing water from soaking into the coat.
If you can imagine being a sailor and having to stay outside in all types of wet weather, you'd be very glad to have a coat that would repel moisture and keep you warm and dry! After some years, though, you'll want to re-coat your duster with additional wax/oil treatment to maintain its water repellency.
You'll typically use the wipe-on wax treatment for a drover's coat, available from most Australian-type waterproof coat retailers.
The other type of waterproof coat is the outerwear made of WPB fabric.
This coat has gained popularity because it allows the wearer to perspire during exertion.
Because it "breathes," the coat allows the perspiration to evaporate which keeps the wearer warm and dry.
Many of these WPB coats are treated with DWR, which means that the wearer can run, jump, or perform other outdoor activities in all types of conditions.
DWR causes water to form into little droplets that sit on top of the fabric and slide off.
If you like to jog, hunt, or do things outside in all types of wet weather, then you'll want to look seriously at a waterproof coat!