Category: Camping

Rejuvenating old water-repelling gear

On By arcoleoIn Camping, Gear, OutdoorsLeave a comment

I have a few old jackets that were water-proof/resistant in their prime.  Currently researching the best products to make them as functional as possible so I can avoid simply donating them away.

Products to Try

Sport Wash

Sport Wash Laundry Detergent

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Gangers

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ReviveX

Gear Aid ReviveX Durable Water Repellent For Outerwear

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Nikwax

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Tectron

Performance Polymer Water Proofer

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Opportunistic buys

On By arcoleoIn Camping, Gear, OutdoorsLeave a comment

I picked up the REI Co-op Amorphum Utility Parka today for 50% off.  Feels very comfortable.  About as heavy as a coat as you’d want in San Francisco.  We’ll see how well it does.

parka

Update: It did well at Lake Tahoe in 25 degrees dry conditions.  I wouldn’t use this for wet, but it was good in the dry, and the removable liner comes in handy when you warm up.

Update 2: Returned the parka because it was just too big.  It’s no longer on sale so I couldn’t downsize.

Winter boots

On By arcoleoIn Camping, Outdoors, Shoes, Snow, WinterLeave a comment

We don’t get any snow in the San Francisco Bay Area, so I only need winter snow boots when I go winter camping. For that reason, I didn’t do a ton of research and just picked out the Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat Mid Calf Boot.

columba_bugaboot

We’ll see how well it holds up.

Update: These were fantastic in 18 inches of snow at 25 degrees.  I wasn’t working up much of a sweat, mostly standing around, and my feet were quite warm in wool socks and these boots.

We’ll see how they hold up in wet conditions.