Hiking pants care and maintenance tips
Taking good care of your pants in general will help keep them in good condition. Checking for signs of wear and tear from time to time—– and paying attention to how well your rain pants should be cleaned and dried——will allow you to put your gear to good use for as long as physically possible.
Bathing
Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Read the label. Most rain pants can be machine washed with a mild detergent, but check anyway. In general, unnecessary or harsh products such as fabric softeners or bleach should be avoided as they can compromise the waterproofing, breathability, and integrity of the fabric or its water-repellent coating. Some laundry detergent removes the moisture barrier right away. We recommend washing with a product designed for waterproof technical fabrics, such as NikWax or Grangers. See our guide to How to Wash Gore-Tex for more information.
Drying
It’s tempting to toss rain gear in the dryer when you’re pressed for time, but high temperatures and even direct sunlight can compromise the performance of the waterproof rain gear it’s built with. It’s not fun to change into rain gear because it absorbs water instead of expelling it. If the label says you can use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove it quickly to avoid overheating.
Dry your rain pants whenever possible, and make sure they dry completely so they don’t turn into a wearable petri dish!
Storage
When completely dry and not in use, rain pants should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Hanging, folding, or rolling them loosely helps avoid creases that water can leak into and keep their shape.
Aqueous Treatment
If your rain pants are treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent), they may wear out and your pants will start to absorb water. You can restore their water repellency by re-proofing it with a DWR treatment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you choose to use a DWR spray or wash product for best results in restoring the waterproofing of your gear.
With use and wear over time, some tears, punctures, and damage to your rain pants are bound to happen. It’s a good idea to get it repaired ASAP to prevent further wear and tear, as a small tear is only a few steps away from becoming a gaping hole. Repair tape, sealant, or simple sewing can fix most of the rips you’ll get in your rain gear.
Check out our guide to How to Clean and Repair Gore-Tex and Other Shells to learn more.
Avoid Abrasion
To avoid causing damage to your gear, remember to work around abrasive surfaces such as rough rocks, sharp branches, or thorny brush. It’s impossible to avoid all damage, but avoiding dragging rain gear through explosive areas can prevent a good amount of it. I’ve learned that most pants don’t like to slide down rough rocks. Keep this in mind.