Right. I use Ventile when I'm out and about because I like the feel of it and its quietness. I understand how it works, too, with the fibres expanding to slow the ingress of moisture. However, on those occasions when I'm out and about, playing or working, when I get caught in a prolonged shower, I find that the swollen fibres and the general dampness of the fabric reduce its 'breathability' to a significant degree so that it ends up dispersing moisture about as effectively as the old P.U. or neoprene waterproofs, making me as wet inside the garment as I would have been without it on. This is particularly true when active.
So, the thought struck me: what would happen if I washed my Ventile in something like the Nikwax Cottonproof or the Grangers equivalent? In theory, the proofing agent would prevent or at least limit the swelling of the fibres, maintaining a degree of 'breathability'; it would repel the moisture as well, preventing some of the water ingress and reducing the 'swollen-fibre-stiffness' as well. Theoretically, it would reduce the drying time of the wet garment, because it wouldn't have absorbed as much moisture, while maintaining its inherent windproofness. In light of this, what's not to like?
The question for any/all of you who have experience of this is: should I do it? Does it work? If you think I shouldn't try it, why? If you think I should try it, which cotton proofing product would you recommend I use?
I apologise if this is all old, repetitive hat but, with autumn and, joy of all joys, winter on the horizon, I'm trying to think ahead and get myself sort of ready! Many thanks, in advance, for any thoughts or suggestions borne of experience that you might produce for the discussion...
Richard
P.S. Before anyone says, "wear a waterproof and your problems will be solved", I do when I know that the weather is going to be vile; this is for those occasions - not too many of them - when I get caught out!
So, the thought struck me: what would happen if I washed my Ventile in something like the Nikwax Cottonproof or the Grangers equivalent? In theory, the proofing agent would prevent or at least limit the swelling of the fibres, maintaining a degree of 'breathability'; it would repel the moisture as well, preventing some of the water ingress and reducing the 'swollen-fibre-stiffness' as well. Theoretically, it would reduce the drying time of the wet garment, because it wouldn't have absorbed as much moisture, while maintaining its inherent windproofness. In light of this, what's not to like?
The question for any/all of you who have experience of this is: should I do it? Does it work? If you think I shouldn't try it, why? If you think I should try it, which cotton proofing product would you recommend I use?
I apologise if this is all old, repetitive hat but, with autumn and, joy of all joys, winter on the horizon, I'm trying to think ahead and get myself sort of ready! Many thanks, in advance, for any thoughts or suggestions borne of experience that you might produce for the discussion...
Richard
P.S. Before anyone says, "wear a waterproof and your problems will be solved", I do when I know that the weather is going to be vile; this is for those occasions - not too many of them - when I get caught out!