Hiking Gear Reviews
Unbiased reviews to help you find the best hiking gear for your next adventure.
Nikwax Tech Wash
By Adam Thompson – October 6, 2024.
"...a manufacturer-recommended detergent and waterproofing soap for outdoor gear."
Nikwax Tech Wash and Softshell Proof
Price: $10.00 – $20.00 + (depending on bottle size)
Key features: Safely cleans waterproof and water resistant outdoor gear without removing DWR (waterproofing treatment)
Pros: Easy to use and inexpensive.
Cons: Bottle caps do not feel like they adjust tightly on the product, leaving the user leery of spills.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Nikwax Tech Wash is a manufacturer-recommended detergent and waterproofing soap for outdoor gear. We originally found Nikwax when researching how to properly clean Osprey backpacks, and Osprey itself recommends this cleaner as the solution. Nikwax is made for waterproof or water-resistant outdoor gear, such as backpacks, jackets, pants, and more. Nikwax Softshell Proof is a waterproofing spray-on for outdoor clothing.
Key Features
Nikwax Tech Wash is a soap-based cleaner for synthetic waterproof clothing, equipment, insulated garments and sleeping bags. It can be used via hand washing and is also washing machine friendly. It boasts water-based and biodegradable formulas that contain no fluorocarbons or VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Nikwax Softshell Proof makes waterproofing your garments easy by directly spraying on the waterproofing.
Material Safety and Eco-Friendliness
As mentioned earlier, Nikwax Tech Wash claims to have environmentally friendly features, such as a water-based and biodegradable formula, but we could not verify the same claims regarding the Softshell Proof formula.
Ease of Use and Versatility
The Tech Wash is very easiy to use. To wash our backpacks, we soak the pack in a tub of water that has Tech Wash added to it. We found that it removes dirt and grime easily with just a little scrubbing involved. Once the backpacks are dried, they are not left with any soap or water residue. Softshell Proof is similarly easy to use. Just add it to a spay bottle and directly apply to your pack or garmet.
Cleaning Performance
Nikwax Tech Wash scores well above average on cleaning performance. We found that it removes dirt, grime, and sweat stains with ease, leaving your backpacks and ourdoor garments feeling like new again.
Waterproofing
Softshell Proof waterproofing works well. However, this product is not for one-time use. To maintain waterproofing, we found that 2-3 applications per year are needed.
Where to Purchase
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Retailer
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Price
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Buy
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REI
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$125.99
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VIEW
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Amazon
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$122.00
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VIEW
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Conclusion
Nikwax makes a great products for cleaning and waterproofing outdoor gear. The products are sold at reputable outdoor retailers such as REI and come recommended by manufacturers such as Osprey. We highly recommend giving them a try to keep your outdoor gear clean and waterproofed.
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