How to Care for Waterproof Snowboarding Gear So It Actually Works

There’s nothing worse than a soggy, cold day on the mountain because your gear has lost its fight against the elements. Whether you’re carving fresh lines on a snowboard or hiking through a snowy forest, your waterproof gear is your first line of defense. Proper care isn’t just about longevity—it’s about preserving those perfect, dry, and focused days outside with your people. At Wildhorn Outfitters, we build durable, easy-to-use gear to help remove friction from your adventures, and a big part of that is knowing how to keep it performing season after season. Let’s break it down.

Understand Your Gear’s Waterproofing

First, know what you’re working with. Most high-performance waterproof snowboarding gear uses a durable water repellent (DWR) coating on the outer fabric and a waterproof/breathable membrane underneath. The DWR causes water to bead up and roll off. The membrane stops liquid water from getting in while allowing sweat vapor to escape. Both need care. When the DWR wears off, the fabric “wets out,” looking saturated. This doesn’t mean it’s leaking yet, but it compromises breathability and comfort, making you feel clammy and cold.

The Golden Rules of Cleaning

1. Wash It—Really.

It sounds counterintuitive, but dirt, sweat, oils, and ski wax are the primary enemies of waterproofing. They clog the membrane’s pores and degrade the DWR. Regular cleaning is preventive medicine.

• Use a Technical Detergent: Never use regular laundry soap, fabric softener, or bleach. These contain additives, perfumes, and conditioners that coat and clog the fabric. Use a cleaner specifically formulated for technical outerwear.
• Wash Alone: Zip all zippers, close all Velcro® strips, and wash the garment by itself to avoid abrasion and lint transfer.
• Machine Settings: Use a front-loading washer if possible. Select a gentle cycle with warm water—not hot. Double rinse if your machine allows to ensure all soap residue is gone.

2. Drying is Crucial.

• Tumble Dry Low: After washing, tumble dry on a low heat setting. The heat helps reactivate and redistribute the existing DWR coating on the fabric. This is a critical step many people miss! Avoid high heat.
• Check Care Labels: Always follow the specific instructions on your gear. Some items may recommend air drying, but most benefit from the controlled heat of a dryer.

Replenishing the DWR (Re-Proofing)

Even with proper washing and drying, the DWR coating will eventually need a refresh. When water stops beading up and the fabric soaks in moisture on the surface, it’s time.

• Use a DWR Spray-On or Wash-In Treatment: For a quick refresh, a spray-on treatment applied to clean, dry gear is effective. For a more thorough renewal, a wash-in treatment can be used during the cleaning cycle.
• Application Tip: If using a spray, apply evenly to the outer fabric, focusing on high-wear areas like shoulders and sleeves. After application, tumble dry on low heat to cure the treatment.

Spot Cleaning and Stain Management

Got a glob of mountain-side lunch or trail mud? Address stains promptly with a damp cloth and a small amount of technical cleaner. Gently dab—don’t rub aggressively. For localized grime, you can often spot clean and rinse the area, then allow it to air dry before giving the entire garment its next full wash.

Storage for the Off-Season

Don’t just crumple your gear into a bin after the last spring run.

1. Clean It First: Never store gear dirty. Lingering oils and salts can degrade fabrics over time.
2. Store Loosely: Hang your jacket and pants in a cool, dry, well-ventilated closet. Avoid long-term compression in a stuff sack, which can crease and potentially weaken the laminate and tapes.

What to Avoid

• Dry Cleaning: The chemicals used can permanently damage waterproof membranes and coatings.
• Ironing: Just don’t.
• Excessive Abrasion: Be mindful of backpack straps and rough surfaces. While our gear is built to be enduring, minimizing unnecessary wear helps maintain integrity.
• Forgetting About Seams: Inspect taped seams periodically. If you see peeling or bubbling, it’s time to look into repair options before it becomes a leak.

Caring for your gear is an act of gratitude—for the craftsmanship that went into it and for the experiences it enables. It’s about ensuring that when the next storm cycle hits, you’re thinking about the powder, not your jacket. By following these steps, you’re investing in more deep days, more shared laughs on the lift, and more discovery out there.