6 WATERPROOFING TIPS

GET YOUR BASE LAYER RIGHT The foundation of staying dry and comfortable all day long is a wicking base layer, because what’s next to your skin makes the biggest difference in performance terms. In fact, save £40 on the cost of your shell and instead spend it on a decent base layer.

DON’T OVERDRESS

If you’re heading out on a big hill day, be bold and start cold: you’ll soon warm up when you get moving. If you start to sweat early on, you’re immediately creating loads of moisture and placing unnecessary demands on your layering system, even before it’s started raining.

DON’T WEAR A WATERPROOF UNLESS IT’S RAINING

Keep it in your pack, and only put it on if needed. Even the most breathable shell won’t keep you as comfortable as a solid base layer and midlayer combo. And if it’s windy but mostly dry, a windproof or soft shell jacket is a better choice than a waterproof.

DON’T SWEAT IT

Add or remove layers when necessary. This will help you dump heat fast, minimise sweating and stay comfortable. If you are forced to don your shell, vent it by unzipping the neck, pit zips or mesh pockets. Far more moisture vapour can escape this way than through the fabric alone.

DRIZZLE DOESN’T COUNT With good wicking layers, light drizzle doesn’t require a waterproof, and dampness will soon disappear, especially if you keep moving.

LOOK AFTER YOUR GEAR Regular TLC will greatly extend the life of any waterproof fabric.

Abrasion, grease and grime all stop waterproofbreathable membranes from working efficiently. If your jacket doesn’t seem to be beading as effectively, clean and reproof your gear with specialist products like Nikwax or Grangers. These rely on the original DWR treatment, as this is what they stick to. So, try and do this regularly, because if the DWR is already worn off, it’s unlikely you’ll ever be able to fully restore it.