Comparison review: A serious comparison of water repellent agents for those who want to seriously restore water repellent power. Tested at a specialized testing site [Cooperation: MILLET]

Waterproofing is "water-proof" and water-repellent properties are "water-proof" functions.

If you've ever been clever about mountain tools, you're probably familiar with the fact that the two are similar but uncommon functions. Simply put, the waterproof function is a function that prevents water from passing through between the fabric up to a certain level of pressure, while the water-repellent function is a function that prevents water from staying on the surface fabric.

In other words, with fabrics that only have water-repellent properties, water can pass through relatively easily if you press the fabric slightly, so it does not directly improve the waterproof performance of clothing. However, it is necessary to prevent water from penetrating into the surface of the fabric, preventing the wear from feeling wet, and to maintain breathability (difficult to swarms), increasing overall comfort.

Water repellent performance, essential for comfortable rainwear, deteriorates over time

Rainwear is generally treated with a durable water-repellent coating called DWR. As the name suggests, durable water-repellent treatment maintains a certain level of water-repellent properties even after wearing or washing several times, but there are still limits. The longevity of water repellency depends on the water repellent and the quality of the processing, and it is said that the ease of water repellent can vary depending on the fabric. The biggest enemy of water repellent is "stain", and if dirt gets stuck to the surface due to use, the surface's water repellent performance will be compromised. Therefore, rainwear will gradually lose its water-repellent properties by repeatedly using and washing it. Incidentally, even if the water repellency decreases and soaks into the surface fabric, it does not mean that the rainwear is no longer waterproof.

Water repellents available from various manufacturers restore the water repellent that has become weaker as you continue to use them. Among the most popular outdoor wear products are products that can also be used for waterproof and breathable fabrics.

The first and most convenient water-repellent agent for this water-repellent agent is the spray-type water-repellent spray, but from experience I have the impression that the effect is often not lasting for a long time, as it is easy. I have tried it several times, and although it recovers water repellency at first, it quickly loses its water repellency after a few times. The drawback is that it is not as easy as you would expect, as it is quite difficult to spray evenly and unevenly tends to form. Therefore, the "washing type (liquid) type" is effective in order to restore water repellency, but there is currently little information about which manufacturer's product is the best and what information is that they have tried it out thoroughly.

Spray isn't enough. Compare the best of the best water repellents with specialized testing equipment

However, it is difficult to measure and compare this water repellent power comparison using objective experiments with general equipment, and this became a barrier, which has made it difficult to resolve this question.

When I got the chance, I was telling this story to various people, and just the other day, an outdoor brand MILLET asked me, "Why not try experimenting with our rainwear at the right facilities?" Millet also has a need to understand the facts in order to respond to customer inquiries. This is what it means to travel, so with the cooperation of MILLET, I decided to use full-scale testing equipment to find the best of the main water repellents that are circulating in the streets.

Before looking at the experimental results - Apology and caution regarding the experimental results -

As for this test method, this site is committed to meeting the same conditions as the official water repellent test, taking into account the usage conditions at home, but when compared to the official test method carried out responsibly at the testing institution, there are some parts that lack rigorously due to physical limitations. We apologize for the initial misunderstanding of this point. Please note that this test and evaluation method cannot accurately evaluate the functionality of each product. In particular, we have been pointed out that the following points are specifically different from the formal test method, so please be aware that the results of the experiments here are merely reference results based on the conditions and methods specified in this article.

1. In this experiment, the number of samples was two, which is smaller than the number of samples in the formal test.
2. The evaluation of the water repellent test is not an evaluation by a professional examiner, but rather a relative visual evaluation by an article writer (reviewer).
3. Normally, when conducting a laundry durability test, we use JIS designated detergents and general laundry detergents, but this time we use neutral detergents (Emar (Kao Co., Ltd.)). Emaal contains silicone (fiber lubricant), and detergent ingredients are likely to remain in the fibers, so it is possible that no reproducible experimental results will be produced.

Introducing the samples (items) used in the experiment

First, this experiment requires measuring the effect of purely "how much water-repellent is applied to the fabric with a commercially available water-repellent agent."

At this time, rainwear that has become products have already been subjected to some kind of water-repellent treatment during the manufacturing process, and it is not possible to measure the effect of pure water-repellent agents.

The first thing we prepared was the same 100% nylon fabric (approx. 150cm wide x 30cm long) used in Millet's "Tiphon 50000 Stretch Jacket." Of course, it is not water-repellent and has no backing.

Introduction to water repellents compared

The next one we have prepared is of course a water-repellent agent for outdoor wear that can be used as waterproof and breathable materials, which we will be comparing this time. Below, we have picked out four of the most well-known brand products that are known for water repellents.

The tests included 10 samples in total, two samples (4x2) for each of the four brands, and two samples without any water repellents.

1. mont-bell OD MT SR wash-in*
2. NIKWAX TX.DIRECT WASH-IN
3. Grangers CLOTHING REPEL Water repellent for waterproof and water repellent wear
4. Finetrack WATER REPEL

*As of March 30, 2020, the "mont-bell OD maintenance SR Wash-in" had been remodeled as a water-repellent agent made from non-fluorine-based ingredients. The test was conducted in January 2020, so only mont-bell has been tested on the old model. Therefore, please consider the results of this test as a reference only.

Pre-processing

Preparation before you begin the experiment.

The fabric is attached in each method to create a sample, while following the handling instructions specified by the manufacturer of each water repellent manufacturer.

Water repellent test (1) Water repellent test

We arrived at a quality testing center in Tokyo.

The test was conducted using a test device used in the "JIS L 1092 Waterproofing Test Method for Textile Products: Water Repellency Test (Spray Test)." The exam involves the following steps in a simple way:

• Set the sample in a test device with the pedestal tilted at 45 degrees (left edge of the photo below, second from left).
• Spray 250 mL of water from the spray nozzle towards the sample surface for 25 to 30 seconds (right edge of the photo below).
• After spraying, water droplets are lightly removed, and the sample is compared with the wet state comparison sample, and the determination is made on five levels. The higher the series, the better the water repellent (this time, we have not performed a five-point judgment because it is for comparison).

Water repellent test results: Overall excellent (Is Montbell a slightly superior?)

We've put together the results of the long-awaited water repellent test in the photo below. To be honest, from the photos, it may seem like a pretty subtle difference, but when I observed it on site, including how things seep in other things besides the surface, I got the impression that Montbell is a little far removed from its head. Then there was Grangers and Fine Track, and NIKWAX had a relatively large amount of water droplets left. However, when comparing it to the left-most no water-repellent, it is clear at a glance that if you take care of it according to the instructions properly, any water-repellent agent will provide satisfactory water-repellent power when used for the first time.

Water repellent comparison (2) Randometer treatment + Water repellent test

Even if the water repellent goes well right after soaking in the water repellent agent, if the water repellent drops quickly after using it for a while or washing it, then it must be said that this is not enough as a product.

So the next thing we did was wash the samples in circles using the "Washing Hardness JIS L 0844 Randometer," and then tested again to compare the longevity of water repellent properties.

[Conditions for Random Ometer Processing]

• Detergent: 300ml of Emaar Test Liquid
• Stainless Steel Ball: 20pcs
• Temperature: 40±2℃ 

[Test method]

• After 2 hours of operation, rinse twice with 3L of water for 1 minute.
• Change the test solution
• After another 2 hours of operation, the same rinse was performed as above.
• Dry in a 40°C dryer for 10 minutes
• After that, the same water repellent test as the first one was conducted.

Randometer treatment + water repellent test results: Montbell's strength is more pronounced

The photo below shows the results of the Randometer treatment + Water Repellent Test (the far left is the same as the first test). Then I came here to see a relatively clear difference between Montbell's water repellent and other manufacturers. Although there is a subtle difference in water repellents from manufacturers other than Montbell, the Grangers have a slight advantage, and I got the impression that the water repellent power of NIKWAX and Fine Track has been declining considerably.

Ease of use comparison

Now, we've looked at the water repellent properties, but let's compare other factors as well. Of course, the most important thing for water repellent agents is their high water repellent, but some products require a lot of effort to care for, and they emit a strong smell during washing, so I'll try a complete comparison as well.

Comparison of cost performance

Needless to say, it's better to handle a lot if it's the same price. Below is a comparison of the cost performance based on the manufacturer's nominal values.

Environmental Comparison

Water repellents are a type of chemical. The time when we're only thinking about the effects is over. Of course, it is up to the individual to include this point or not to include it in the evaluation, but as someone who is enjoyed by nature, from now on, I must consider the impact on the environment as much as possible.

*As of March 30, 2020, the "mont-bell OD maintenance SR Wash-in" had been remodeled as a water-repellent agent made from non-fluorine-based ingredients. The test was conducted in January 2020, so only mont-bell has been tested on the old model. Therefore, please consider the results of this test as a reference only.

Summary and conclusion

If we summarise all the elements above, we can say the following: As for me, I find it hard to give up on Montbell's excellent water repellent, but I still don't think I'd like to continue using fluorine-based water repellents, which are said to have a negative impact on the environment.* In that case, we came to the conclusion that the Grangers, the best, were the best. Of course, this test only simulates real-world usage situations, and it is undeniable that we have not been able to test it, especially in terms of water repellency after long use in the mountains, such as the situation after long use. Even though you have done this much, it is important to note that this information is merely a reference information when touching on mountain tools. With this in mind, we recommend that readers consider each item from a variety of angles and choose the appropriate product that suits their own purposes and uses.

• If you look at its water repellent and cost-effectiveness, Mont-bell is one of the best.
• The Grangers had the least overall drawbacks .
• If you don't worry about the smell, NIKWAX is the easiest way to care for it (although in the end, it seems that heat treatment such as a dryer or iron is effective in achieving strong water-repellent properties).
• mont-bell uses fluorine-based ingredients, which are currently causing an impact on the environment.* In addition, Grangers has the Bluesign certification, which is said to be granted to products that have undergone a sustainable supply chain in the textile industry from the environmental, labor and consumer perspectives.

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