Waterproofing Cycling overtrousers.

Grarea

Forum Plod
I know there are a few cyclists out there.
I have some Tenn overtrousers. They are pretty nice. Waterproof, breathable, lined.
Looser fit (I do not want spray on trousers, I only go a couple of miles or off road in them)
I only commute a couple of miles each way each day.
Had them for four or five years.

They were waterproof for the first season.
Then I tried washing them in nikwax wash in stuff. All good. Lasted another season each wash in.
Last time I tried it, they didn't last the season. (possibly last year as well)

Anyway, they have been repaired a couple of times.

I am considering my options.
Is there a better way to waterproof these than nikwax?

Or is there a more permanent solution that will save me keep buying the wash in stuff.

Thinking about it, I think that I may have used a bucket the first time/s rather than the machine.
Looking at it now, it seems like that can affect it if there is residue in the machine......

Any thoughts?
 

TobyC

Patriot
I've used this on shoes and hats, can't tell it's there after it's dry, and it works, inexpensive too.


 

Chris

Forum DOG!
Staff member
Not cycling specific, but I use the NikWax wash-in reproofer on my Paramo jacket. You get the best results if you run the machine empty first to get rid of any detergent / softener residue. You then need to wash the garmet using NikWax Techwash to get it clean, then again with the TX Direct to re-proof. This has always restored the water-repellence of my jacket nicely. Washing using soap powder or not washing will not give you good results. I do mine usually twice a year or more often if it gets dirty.

As for your trousers, they're likely using some form of a waterproof membrane. Any wear or damage to the membrane or the taped seams will compromise the water resistance, the water repellent treatment is only the first line of defence, after that it's down to the fabric itself.
 

Grarea

Forum Plod
Not cycling specific, but I use the NikWax wash-in reproofer on my Paramo jacket. You get the best results if you run the machine empty first to get rid of any detergent / softener residue. You then need to wash the garmet using NikWax Techwash to get it clean, then again with the TX Direct to re-proof. This has always restored the water-repellence of my jacket nicely. Washing using soap powder or not washing will not give you good results. I do mine usually twice a year or more often if it gets dirty.

As for your trousers, they're likely using some form of a waterproof membrane. Any wear or damage to the membrane or the taped seams will compromise the water resistance, the water repellent treatment is only the first line of defence, after that it's down to the fabric itself.
Lol, an even better reply than you can imagine.
The reason I had Nikwax was for my Cioch coat which is made with Paramo fabric.
So, I was also wondering if there was a better thing for that too.

Right, I see what you are saying.
I just looked at the fabric through the mesh liner.
It is different from the outer.
So, you think it has the outer layer, which benefits from the Nikwax, then it looks like the backing layer to it is the actual waterproof/breathable membrane.
So, yes, if that is now worn, that would make sense.
 

Grarea

Forum Plod
I've used this on shoes and hats, can't tell it's there after it's dry, and it works, inexpensive too.
This might work now.
I was hoping to maintain the breathable aspect, but looks like that is now compromised.
I do have a hat that I would actually quite like to be at least showerproof.
I never thought of doing anything about it.
Ta.
 

Chris

Forum DOG!
Staff member
Lol, an even better reply than you can imagine.
The reason I had Nikwax was for my Cioch coat which is made with Paramo fabric.
So, I was also wondering if there was a better thing for that too.

Right, I see what you are saying.
I just looked at the fabric through the mesh liner.
It is different from the outer.
So, you think it has the outer layer, which benefits from the Nikwax, then it looks like the backing layer to it is the actual waterproof/breathable membrane.
So, yes, if that is now worn, that would make sense.
When we're talking about membrane construction they're normally either two or three-layer. Two-layer is what you describe, the outer fabric is treated with a water-repellent coating to stop it getting saturated and to help the rain roll off, bonded to that is the actual waterproof membrane (often white), and then there's a lining to protect the membrane, often mesh for maximum breathability. Three-layer has the lining layer bonded directly to the membrane and that's more durable.

The membrane is mechanically waterproof, ie it physically stops water going through it. If that's compromised it's going to leak. Two-layer garments are more prone to wearing the membrane as the mesh liner's going to rub it as you move.

One of the things I love about Paramo / Analogy fabric - no membrane.

I probably need to get out more...
 

Grarea

Forum Plod
When we're talking about membrane construction they're normally either two or three-layer. Two-layer is what you describe, the outer fabric is treated with a water-repellent coating to stop it getting saturated and to help the rain roll off, bonded to that is the actual waterproof membrane (often white), and then there's a lining to protect the membrane, often mesh for maximum breathability. Three-layer has the lining layer bonded directly to the membrane and that's more durable.

The membrane is mechanically waterproof, ie it physically stops water going through it. If that's compromised it's going to leak. Two-layer garments are more prone to wearing the membrane as the mesh liner's going to rub it as you move.

One of the things I love about Paramo / Analogy fabric - no membrane.

I probably need to get out more...
:D
Well, I , for one, am glad you don't.

Yes, the backing (which I now know to be the membrane that is bonded to the fabric :notworthy:) looks white or silver through the mesh.

I agree, when I looked into coats and found Paramo, I loved it and it has lived up to its reputation.
When I realised Mountain rescue use it.......
I like that you can repair it as well.

It amuses me that it fails the 'waterproof' tests doesn't it?
But I have never got damp at all.
I expect it to last decades. Love it.

I need Paramo lightweight cycling overtrousers.
 

Chris

Forum DOG!
Staff member
It amuses me that it fails the 'waterproof' tests doesn't it?
Yep. :D The usual test for waterproof fabric is the hydrostatic head test where they put a patch of it over the end of a tube, then fill the tube with water and measure the height of the water level before it leaks. Analogy fails that test, but it still keeps you dry while being quiet, super breathable and repairable.

I've had a few membrane jackets in the past and Analogy has been better than all of them in terms of comfort.

It works in a completely different way to most waterproof fabric. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikwax_Analogy
 

Grarea

Forum Plod
Nice.
No, I agree. I can't fault it.
It is lush.
I feel well spoilt. It is easy to get used to that being normal.
I remember thirty years ago hiking in 'plastic nag' type waterproof and being drenched from the inside even though it was cold and windy outside.
I have had various other coats as well. All have failed in some way.

I have spent most of the day in this in proper rain and a rucksak and been happy as can be.
I also have a lightweight version which is also fantastic.
 
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