Down Proof
Returns & Exchanges
For a full refund, items must be returned within 30 days of purchase.
Sale items are not eligible for returns.
Gift cards are non-refundable.
For more information on returns and exchanges, click here.
Description
Specialty waterproofer designed to protect the insulating properties of down-filled gear from wet and damp conditions. Easy to use in the washing machine or by hand, non flammable and PFC free.
For waterproofing down
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Easy to use wash-in waterproofing for all down clothing and sleeping bags.
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Adds water repellency and revitalizes insulation.
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Enhances the performance of your down gear, keeping you warmer and drier.
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Recommended for Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™, Hydrodown™ and all other down clothing and sleeping bags.
Suitable for
How to use:
Why use this product?
Specialty waterproofer designed to protect the insulating properties of down-filled gear from wet and damp conditions. Easy to use in the washing machine or by hand, non flammable and PFAS-free.
Why down items lose their insulating properties when they get wet...
Down filled items are used to provide lightweight insulation to keep you warm. The structure of down allows air to be trapped between its filaments and warmed by body heat to provide insulation for the user.
If down gets wet it clumps together. This causes it to lose loft and insulation as it can’t trap air effectively. When wet, down loses all of its insulating properties, as water conducts heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air. It will also gain weight and its breathability will be significantly reduced; leaving you feeling cold, wet and uncomfortable.
Down filled items are most likely to get sweaty and wet inside when used in damp or wet conditions. Therefore it is important to stop down filled gear from getting wet by applying Durable Water Repellency (DWR). The outer fabric of your down filled item, as well as the down inside, must be maintained to ensure comfort. Through use it will eventually wear off and need to be renewed with Nikwax Down Proof™.
Down is ideal for very cold and dry conditions…
Down has exceptional insulating properties, trapping air between its filaments to keep you warm. No other product offers so much insulation for so little weight and bulk. It’s ideal for sleeping bags, jackets, gilets and down clothing in general.
Water, whether it is rain or condensation from sweat, compromises the insulating properties of down. If down gets wet it loses all of its insulating capacity and also causes weight gain. This reduces the comfort of the user, causing them to feel cold and wet.
Treating your down with Nikwax Down Proof™ adds Durable Water Repellency (DWR) to both the outer fabric and the down fill. This prevents water absorption whilst maintaining insulation and breathability, keeping you warm, dry and comfortable.
Use Nikwax Down Proof™ when your down items soak up water...
Your down gear could be soaking up water just because it is dirty. First, try cleaning it with Nikwax Down Wash Direct, and if it is fairly new, or recently re-waterproofed, the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) will be revitalized just from cleaning. But, once the gear has been thoroughly used, you will need to add DWR, using Nikwax Down Proof™, after cleaning first with Nikwax Down Wash Direct. This will add DWR to the outer fabric of the gear and also the down fill.
Down items need Nikwax Down Proof™ to maintain insulation…
Alternative waterproofing products are often solvent-based aerosols; alternatively, they may be water-based and use PFCs. Aerosol products are flammable. PFCs pose a potential risk to the environment and to the long-term health of the consumer.
Additionally, alternative waterproofing products that are not designed specifically for the treatment of down items may compromise the loft properties of down. Often these are just surface treatments which will only treat the fabric and not the down fill.
Nikwax Down Proof™ has been specifically designed and optimized for down items, providing Durable Water Repellency (DWR) to both the outer fabric and the down fill, while maintaining insulation and breathability.
How Nikwax Down Proof™ protects...
Nikwax Down Proof™ has been specifically designed and optimized for down filled gear. It adds Durable Water Repellency (DWR), which protects against rain and condensation, improving the natural insulating properties of down.
Nikwax Down Proof™ prolongs the effective life of your down gear. It leaves a flexible water repellent treatment on individual down filaments and fabric fibers allowing moisture vapor to pass through, maintaining breathability and optimizing performance in cold and damp conditions.
How to use
Use Nikwax Down Proof™ in a washing machine…
IMPORTANT: Shake bottle before use. Conventional detergent can damage water repellency. Always clean item(s) with Nikwax Down Wash.Direct in a separate wash cycle.
Front Loading Machine Wash:
Clothing:
1. Remove all detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
2. Place maximum of 2 garments in washing machine.
3. Add 5fl oz/150ml
4.. Select a normal cycle using warm/cold water, slow spin and extra rinse if possible.
Sleeping bags:
1. Remove all detergent build-up from the detergent dispenser.
2. Place maximum of 1 item* in washing machine.
3. Add 10fl oz/300ml
4. Select a normal cycle using warm/cold water, slow spin and extra rinse if possible
* If item does not fit in easily in the washing machine, follow hand wash instructions
Nikwax Down Proof™ can also be applied by hand…
Hand Wash (use gloves):
Clothing:
1. For 1 item – use 5fl oz/150ml in 2gal /7.5L of water. 2 items – use 10fl oz/300ml in 3-4gal /12-15L.
2. Immerse clean item(s) in warm water in a laundry tub or sink and agitate to mix, ensuring com-plete wetting.
3. Rinse in cold water until water runs clear.
Sleeping bags:
1. For 1 item – use 10fl oz/300ml in 3-4gal/12-15L of water.
2. Agitate to mix, leave to soak for 5-10 minutes, then agitate thoroughly.
3. Rinse in cold water until water runs clear. Repeat process, drain and gently press bag to expel excess water.
Drying:
Slow spin dry multiple times. Dry on air only, or low heat setting. Teasing apart clumps repeatedly during drying process will help restore loft to the down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is shipping?
Free shipping on orders over $99 (oversize charges may apply) - Read our shipping policy for more information.
How long does it take to get my order?
3 - 9 business days
Do you offer refunds?
We offer fast & easy returns on most products. Exceptions include products on sale, climbing gear, underwear & more.
Read our return policy here.