Yes, you can add water resistance or waterproofing to a windbreaker using specific treatments.
Windbreakers are primarily designed to protect you from wind, helping to prevent the windchill effect. While some may come with a basic level of water repellency to handle a light mist, they are not typically built to be fully waterproof like a rain jacket. However, it is possible to enhance or add water protection to a windbreaker through the application of specialized treatments.
Why Treat Your Windbreaker for Water Resistance?
Adding a water-repellent finish to your windbreaker can significantly increase its versatility. It allows you to stay comfortable and dry in light rain or unexpected showers, extending the range of conditions in which you can comfortably wear the jacket. This process effectively creates a barrier that causes water to bead up and roll off the fabric's surface rather than soaking in.
How to Add Water Resistance to Your Windbreaker
There are generally two common methods for applying water-repellent treatments:
- Wash-In Treatments: These products are added to your washing machine during the wash cycle. The treatment permeates the fabric fibers, providing water resistance across the entire garment. They are often ideal for items without complex linings that could interfere with the treatment's effectiveness.
- Spray-On Treatments: These are applied directly to the exterior surface of the jacket. They are particularly useful for targeting specific areas or for garments with linings or insulation that might not be suitable for wash-in products.
Utilizing Wash-In Treatments for Windbreakers
Products specifically formulated for technical outdoor gear are excellent options. For example, the reference highlights that Revivex Wash-In is ideal for re-proofing hard-shell jackets, windbreakers, and pants that do not have insulation or an interior lining. This demonstrates that windbreakers are suitable candidates for such treatments. The reference further notes that this concentrated water repellent is a fluorine-free formula that can also treat multiple waterproof-breathable items at once. Using a product like this can restore or add a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, improving the jacket's performance in wet conditions.
Understanding Windproof vs. Water-Resistant/Waterproof
It's important to distinguish between wind protection and water protection.
| Feature | Windproof Jacket (Windbreaker) | Treated Windbreaker (Water-Resistant/Proofed) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Blocks wind | Blocks wind AND repels water |
| Water Protection | Minimal, for very light mist or none | Repels light to moderate rain |
| Breathability | Generally high | Can vary depending on treatment and fabric |
| Typical Use | Cool, windy, dry or slightly damp conditions | Cool, windy conditions with light rain |
By applying a treatment, you upgrade your windbreaker's capability from purely wind-blocking to also offering protection against moisture.
Steps for Applying a Wash-In Treatment (General Example)
While specific instructions vary by product, the general process for using a wash-in treatment like Revivex Wash-In often involves:
- Cleaning the jacket first according to its care label, preferably with a technical cleaner designed for outdoor gear.
- Adding the recommended amount of the wash-in treatment to your washing machine's detergent compartment or as instructed.
- Running the appropriate wash cycle as directed by the product.
- Drying the jacket as specified by the care label and treatment product (often low heat drying helps activate the water repellency).
Treating your windbreaker is a practical way to extend its functionality and keep you more comfortable when the weather turns damp.
