Rain Gear Shot?

[Roofer1]

Did a really messy spring black bear hunt in Alberta. When I got home i hosed off my Kuiu Yukon rain gear then left it out on the patio. Had to run to town for some errands and when I got home my Mrs was scrubbing my stuff with a pretty stiff brush to get the stains out. Thought that might be an issue but treated it with Grangers spray and packed it away. Forward to my moose hunt in September. After 2 days of steady rain it was evident that anywhere that got direct rain (my shoulders, top of legs... ) wasn't waterproof. Any tips to get it back to waterproof or am I shopping for a new rain suit?

 

[conhawa]

The actual waterproof/breathable membrane is sandwiched between the outer fabric and inner liner. Im not sure that scrubbing the outer fabric would compromise the membrane underneath. Its possible that the DWR coating was removed which helps to keep the rain from saturating the outer layer. When this happens, the membrane has a hard time breathing. This causes condensation inside the jacket due to body heat being unable to escape. This condensation is often mistaken as a leaky jacket. Im not sure if this is what you experienced. Maybe try recoating the outer fabric and wear it in the shower to check for leaks.

 

[StupidLightweight]

You've found the Achilles heel of "breathable/waterproof" raingear. After enough rain, they all stop working.

 

[Roofer1]

The actual waterproof/breathable membrane is sandwiched between the outer fabric and inner liner. Im not sure that scrubbing the outer fabric would compromise the membrane underneath. Its possible that the DWR coating was removed which helps to keep the rain from saturating the outer layer. When this happens, the membrane has a hard time breathing. This causes condensation inside the jacket due to body heat being unable to escape. This condensation is often mistaken as a leaky jacket. Im not sure if this is what you experienced. Maybe try recoating the outer fabric and wear it in the shower to check for leaks.

I sprayed it with the Kuiu recommended DWR stuff. When the Mrs was scrubbing she wasn't shy with the "elbow grease" trying to get the stains out and I almost wonder about physical damage? Gotta put this out there for karma, not blaming her in any way. The woman's got OCD when it comes to blood stains and she only wanted to help.

 

[conhawa]

If the middle membrane was damaged, i would think there would be visible tears or damage to the outer layer. Unfortunately these waterproof breathable jackets will wet out from the outside and cause us to sweat and make our inner clothing wet. This is especially true if you are busting through wet brush or tall grass. The only way to check for sure would be to test it out while you are not exerting yourself or working up a sweat.

 

[Roofer1]

Guess I'm going to do some testing. If it's shot, then start shopping.

 

[TaperPin]

I’ve jumped in the shower with rain gear to see if what was seen in the field is sweat condensing or leaks. Having worn goretex fishing waders for two decades, I’m convinced it does in fact keep water out. lol