Down Proof

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.

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.