After a winter that never really showed up in full force, spring is mostly here. I say mostly, because we had snow last week in Utah, and not just in the mountains, but down in the valley. As I was writing this, rain was coming down pretty steadily, so I figured it was as good a time as any to write about some of the products Nikwax has to offer. If you’re sitting home due to the weather, now’s a good time to clean your gear and treat your tent.
First up is their Tech Wash. This wash-in cleaner is designed specifically for your waterproof textiles, and is even recommended by the folks at Gore-Tex®, who know a thing or two about waterproofing. If you’ve paid good money for waterproof clothing, don’t risk compromising that feature by using regular detergents. It’s easy enough to use in either a washing machine or even hand washing, and is suitable for all fabrics. When applied according to the directions, it removes the dirt without affecting water-repellency.
Next is the BaseWash. Whether you hike, run, bike, or ski, you’ve probably got a few synthetics in your closet or dresser drawer. While they’re great for wicking away moisture, they can end up pretty ripe after a good day (or three) of use. BaseWash will not only clean them and remove the stink, but it actually helps maintain the wicking properties, allowing perspiration to be drawn off your skin, then distributed along the synthetic fibers more effectively for rapid drying. And who doesn’t want to stay drier? Like the Tech Wash, it can be applied in a washing machine or hand wash.
So you’ve got some Merino wool base layers and socks? No worries, Nikwax also offers a Wool Wash, which works to remove dirt and odors, while keeping that wool soft against your skin. Regular cleanings with Wool Wash can reduce the friction between wool fibers, extending the usable life of that favorite garment. Clean wool also does a better job of regulating temperature – keeping you cool when it’s hot out, and warm when it’s cold. Use it in on machine-washable wool, or hand wash.
Finally, there’s the Tent & Gear Solarproof. UV light can quickly degrade the waterproof coatings of your tent, backpack, and other outdoor gear. It will also speed up the breaking down of fibers. A simple application of Tent & Gear Solarproof offers increased protection from sun damage, in some cases doubling the useful lifetime of your gear. Apply it to all your new gear for best results. It’s available in a pre-mixed spray bottle, or the concentrate (shown) that makes 500ml.
Wouldn’t it be convenient to have all four of these great products to try, risk free? Well, your favorite outdoor site (we are your favorite, right?) is giving away the items pictured above to one lucky winner. And we’re making it pretty easy to win too. Leave a comment about your stinkiest outdoor adventure, and we’ll choose a winner at random. Continental U.S. addresses only. Enter by midnight on Sunday, April 15, 2012. We’ll announce the winner the following week, once they’ve been contacted. Good luck!
For more info on Nikwax, go to Nikwax.com
– Brian
