WIN tickets to ‘A weekend in the woods with Ray Mears’
Herein lies a wonderful opportunity to join Ray Mears in the woods for a unique weekend packed full of fun, creativity, and learning – and you could win tickets to it courtesy of Nikwax and Bushcraft Magazine! Taking place from 7th-8th October at Stanford Hall in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, the prize includes two nights camping, a […]
Celebrating National #GetOutsideDay
Nikwax user Carys Rees, aka @this.girlwalks, loves maps and has been a fan of Ordnance Survey (OS) for as long as she can remember, so you can imagine how thrilled she was to be brought on board by them as an OS Champion! This year, Ordnance Survey and Mountain Rescue England & Wales announced a new […]
How to extend the life of your waxed cotton jacket
Waxed Cotton jackets are known for being incredibly durable and having that ‘timeless’ style. Although they are primarily synonymous with country pursuits, the waxed cotton jacket is also now in use across town and country lifestyles because of its versatility. Whether you already own one or are looking to purchase your first to add to […]
Introduction to PFCs
Nikwax is committed to maximising enjoyment of the great outdoors with minimal environmental impact, which is why we have never used harmful chemicals in our water-based products. Since we were founded by Nick Brown in 1977, we have always championed a culture of transparency and public scrutiny around PFCs – long before they were on […]
Nikwax and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: The Perfect Outdoor Partnership
For the last 12 years, Nikwax and the Duke of Edinburgh Award’s (DofE) have joined forces to help many hundreds of thousands of participants stay comfortable and dry on their DofE expeditions. Not only that, but every purchase of Nikwax products fuels the charity’s mission by funding the next generation of DofE participants – empowering […]
How to keep sports kit as good as new!
You’ve invested in new base layers and sports shoes to help you reach peak performance whether running or cycling, or spending time at the gym. Why is it then after just a few activity sessions your gear is smelling bad, even though you only recently washed it? The answer is simple – you have not […]
Why we need to keep global temperature increases within 1.5°C.
In last month’s blog we covered some of the basic principles around climate change and what causes global warming. Today, we hear a lot about keeping global temperature increases within 1.5°C, and so, in this blog we are looking at the significance of 1.5°C, why we started talking about it, and why it’s so important. […]
How Nikwax keeps your feet feeling fresh in walking boots, sports shoes and sandals
July is officially sticky season, with time spent outdoors in the sunshine resulting in sweaty, smelly feet. Throw some walking boots into the mix and keeping your feet feeling fresh and comfortable on the tracks and trails presents even more of a challenge. Our water-based, PFC-free cleaning and waterproofing products have been developed to help […]
What is Climate Change?
Nikwax has championed environmental action since the brand’s inception in 1977. Our founder, Nick Brown, committed from day one to the production of high performance, low impact waterproofing products – decades before the terms ‘global warming’ and ‘carbon footprint’ became part of the public discussion. 46 years on, Nikwax is globally respected for its environmentally […]
Camp happy under canvas this summer with Nikwax Cotton Proof
Now the camping season is underway, with (finally) longer, warmer and drier days, if you haven’t already, it’s time to dust off your tent and prepare it for a summer of cool boxes and campfires… Nikwax are masters in the art of caring for camping kit and our Tent & Gear waterproofing products clean and […]
Top Camping Tips for your Summer Staycation
Sometimes you just need to be outside – enjoying nature, the peace and quiet, and time away from your everyday routine. If you are planning an affordable, summer camping staycation this year, read up on our top tips to ensure it is everything you need it to be… PLAN AHEADFinding the location that is right […]
How to protect and revitalise your wet weather gear with Nikwax
There is nothing better than escaping into nature for fitness, relaxation, and general wellbeing. However, wet weather gear that is not properly cared for can impede your enjoyment of it. Regularly cleaning and proofing your clothing and footwear with Nikwax will not only keep it performing better, for longer, it will also save you money […]
Step Up Your Game: A Guide to the Different Types of Shoes and Their Uses for Every Activity
Established in 1938 in Scotland, Trespass is a leading outdoor retailer in the UK, providing clothing, footwear, and equipment for all your outdoor needs. Nikwax took a moment to tap into their expertise about all things footwear! Sit back, read on, and discover the perfect shoe for every activity with their comprehensive guide to the […]
My Saturday Mornings in The Lakes
Introducing Jonathan James, Lake District dweller and Nikwax user. Jonathan has lived in Cumbria for over 10 years and takes to the hills most weekends to exercise, decompress and take in nature. With some of the UK’s most stunning scenery right on his doorstep, Jonathan gives us a flavour of how a typical Saturday morning […]
Prepare your kit for the upcoming snow season
Are you super-prepared and ready to hit the slopes this ski season, or, like most of us, struggling to find the time in busy lives to get snow-organised? Don’t stress, use Nikwax! The easy and cost-effective way to clean, freshen and waterproof your gear for maximum enjoyment in the mountains, Nikwax is guaranteed keep you […]
5 key pieces of advice on how to choose and care for a down jacket…
It’s been a warm start to winter but now the weather is getting colder you can officially start the search for a new, cosy jacket if your current one has reached the end of its useable life with you. There is nothing worse than feeling the chill in plummeting temperatures and down reigns supreme for […]
Nikwax – the Hydrophobic Down and aftercare specialists
Did you know that Nikwax has enhanced the performance of nature’s best insulator (down) to create the lightest, most efficient, water-resistant down? Nikwax Hydrophobic Down + and Nikwax Hydrophobic Down Recycled were launched in 2020 to keep people warmer and drier without the use of harmful fluorocarbon (PFC) chemistry… Nikwax Hydrophobic Down (NHD) + is […]
Nikwax leads with sustainability
One planet – that is all we have. And it’s imperative now, more than ever, that we look after, protect and not pollute our natural environment. At Nikwax, we have, from the very beginning, focused on creating high performance products which have minimal environmental impact and those core values stay with us to this day. […]
Is Iceland on your bucket list? Don’t forget the Nikwax
Charlie Smith is a designer, filmmaker and cold weather adventurer with a penchant for heading into frozen and hostile environments. Having led expeditions in the Arctic; including dog-sledding across Scandinavia and travelling extensively in Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Greenland, Charlie is no stranger to uncomfortable journeys in the cold. Working alongside leading adventure brands such […]
My Coastal Life – Nikwax’s Rose Cawte
There is always salt in the air, it’s that distinct smell you notice when you arrive at the coast. I love the pureness of it. My favourite feeling is stepping off the train from London and taking a deep breath of the freshest, cleanest air. Those big, bright, clear skies that you only find by […]
Nick Baker’s Essential Autumn Tips
With the Summer months more or less behind us, we are heading into the season of transition. Autumn is a time of challenges; the weather can be warm, sticky and humid, and it can seem to reel forward a couple of months and hit us with a preview of the winter to come. Living as […]
Nikwax’s Pick of National Trust Destinations
As Europe’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust looks after nature, beauty, and history, preserving it for everyone to enjoy. Whether you enjoy walking in the countryside, learning about historic buildings or simply taking in the splendour of nature, the National Trust has something for everyone – including Nikwax staff! We canvassed our UK team […]
Nikwax celebrates becoming an Employee Ownership Trust
In February 2022, Nikwax took a new direction when founder, Nick Brown, transferred company ownership over to employees, alongside sister company Páramo®, in the form of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) called GearForm®. What did this mean for the company? All employees, now known as Partners, have a share of the business (held in the […]
Eric Lindemans: my favourite Nikwax product…and more…
This month, we’d like to introduce you to Eric Lindemans, our long-standing Nikwax Head of Sales in the Benelux region. We haven’t seen as much of Eric as we’d have liked to over the past two years, due to you-know-what, so we were thrilled to finally catch up with him again in person last month […]
An adventure with Jenny Tough
Adventurer, mountain runner and cyclist, Jenny Tough, tells us about her recent expedition and invaluable tips for planning your own trip… The Caucasus Mountains have been calling me for years. In my global, long-term project to run solo and unsupported across a mountain range on every continent, the Caucasus were always one of my planned […]
Rewild your outdoor space
At Nikwax, we do more than just providing care products to keep you dry and comfortable in the great outdoors all year round…Behind the scenes we also help care for, and preserve, the natural environment we know and love. Over half our species are in decline in Britain and only 2.5% of our land is […]
Nikwax isn’t just for the rain, it also targets sweat…
From the frozen wastes of Antarctica to the highest mountains in the world, Nikwax aftercare products have kept outdoor professionals and athletes warm and dry in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. However, did you know that Nikwax will protect you in warmer weather too? From cycling the country roads to weekend running, Nikwax Sweatproofing […]
A Trustworthy Partnership: Therm-a-Rest & Nikwax
Across all of their products, Therm-a-Rest’s philosophy is a pretty simple one. The brand, who turn 50 this year, advocate for a better rest outdoors, and build each piece of gear to not only meet the basic needs of sleep, but to exceed them. For Therm-a-Rest’s sleeping bags, this philosophy is dialed down even further; […]
Look after your gear and it will look after you
Whether you’re gearing up for the three-peaks challenge, striding out along a coastal path or enjoying a local ramble, the blue skies, patchy sunshine and gentle breezes of late spring make for perfect hiking and walking conditions. However, making sure your gear works hard for you is key to a successful excursion. Below, we’ve singled […]
Give your ski gear an end of season MOT
As the European ski season comes to a close, we want to highlight the importance of looking after your gear before safely packing it away until next winter. So follow these steps to ensure your gear goes away safely, ready to serve you well again the next time. Step 1: Clean your outerwearYour ski jacket […]
Plastic – An Environmental Perspective
Interview with Sustainability Director, Maïté Angleys Why is it so difficult to say one material is more sustainable than the other?The environmental impact associated with all the stages of a product’s life are assessed with a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The problem is that you have to compare very specific scenarios in which a material […]
How to camp like a pro with Ben Phillips, Nikwax Product Feedback Executive
Since the boom in sales of camping gear in 2020, people are continuing to plan holidays and time away ‘under canvas’, with the Camping and Caravanning Club reporting that Easter 2022 bookings are up 33% on Easter 2019*. If you are thinking of getting away from it all, take a leaf out of Ben’s book […]
Iwan Thomas prepares for ultra-marathon
We are excited to announce Nikwax’s sponsorship of a moving video following athlete Iwan Thomas MBE, preparing for his first ultra-marathon. Iwan holds the current UK 400m sprint record with a run time of 44.36 seconds. Covering 100 miles, which is the the equivalent of 400 x 400m races, Iwan completed the gruelling ‘Centurion […]
Enjoying life on the road…
Spring is officially in the air and up and down the country, motorcycling enthusiasts are dusting off their bikes ahead of drier, warmer conditions in which to enjoy the open roads. One such biker is our very own Marika Nicholson, Nikwax Export Sales Account Manager, who will soon be making the most of the sunshine […]
Leading brand in PFC-free aftercare products – NIKWAX – launches its Sustainability Roadmap 2025
We are excited to share the findings of our first sustainability report. Here we provide an insight into some of the 20 projects we have committed to throughout the business, to help achieve our sustainability goals by 2025. As the leading brand in PFC-free aftercare products, here at Nikwax, we strongly believe that we have […]
Nikwax retailer Nevisport on planning your walking outfit…
Founded in 1970, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, by climbers Ian A. Sykes MBE and Ian D. Sutherland, Nevisport has grown to become one of the country’s leading outdoor speciality retailers, with a strong tradition of quality, value for money and genuinely caring for their customers. Here, they share their tips on how to put […]
Nikwax and Nick Brown Invest in the Future
45 years after founding Nikwax, Nick Brown is passing control and ownership to his employees Building on 45 years of Nikwax historyFebruary 1st, 2022, became a historic day for the Nikwax Brand. After 45 years of being owner and founder, Nick Brown has passed control to the employees, on three continents, by selling his business […]
Nikwax Directional Textiles® are designed for years and years of adventures
Did you know Nikwax Directional Textiles are engineered not to become obsolete? In a circular economy there is no waste, there are only materials, and our fabrics are designed to last longer and work harder than any other outdoor fabrics – particularly when cared for with Nikwax aftercare products. They can also be repaired, […]
Newsflash – Haglöfs have partnered with Nikwax on their new Nordic Expedition Down Hood Jacket
We are excited to share that Swedish outdoor clothing and apparel brand Haglöfs has chosen us to supply the down for its new and award-winning Nordic Expedition Down Hood Jacket! Filled with H Platinum Down, which features Nikwax Hydrophobic Down+, the jacket takes weatherproof insulation to the arctic level. “Haglöfs is focused on high performance […]
EcoSki: How to make your ski kit last
Our friends at Ecoski raise awareness about how we can all meaningfully reduce our impact as skiers, help protect the very thing we all love and make it easier for snow sport enthusiasts to make better choices. They have brought together key figures from the world of sport, environmental activism and fashion, to help them […]
Get inspired by our Top Outdoor Films!
Autumn weather has fully set in and the desire to get outside in the chill is low. However, we love to inspire you in all manner of ways to experience nature, and getting outdoors is good for mind, body and soul. So embrace the chill and treat yourself to the wonders of the natural world […]
Maintain the performance of your Nikwax Directional Textiles® for longer
Nikwax is the global leader in safe, high performance waterproofing, cleaning and conditioning for outdoor gear, but did you also know that Nikwax manufactures a range of high performance waterproof fabrics? Páramo Clothing has been using our Directional Textiles for nearly 30 years and we’d like to introduce them to you… OUTERWEARNikwax Analogy® Waterproof fabric […]
How To: make fleece water resistant with Nikwax
Fleece keeps us warm during autumn and winter, whether we wear it as a top, jacket, gloves, scarf or hat. The fibres trap body heat, keeping you feeling cosy and warm when the temperatures are low outside. However, water and fleece are not great companions… If you are caught in the rain wearing untreated fleece, […]
Interview: eventer Theo Funnell
Great Britain won Olympic team Eventing Gold for the first time in 49 years in Tokyo this year, inspiring young riders across the country. One such rider is Theo Funnell, a teenage eventer from Devon, who is passionate about training horses from scratch whilst improving himself at the same time. Nikwax has sponsored Theo for […]
Sustainability at Nikwax
Safeguarding the environment and being sustainable for the benefit of the planet is a core value here at Nikwax. Over the years we have undertaken a range of measures, always with the aim to better what we do and encourage others at the same time. Do you know what we have achieved so far? Let […]
The best walking apps to download now…
Did you know that just thirty minutes of walking a day can improve fitness and cardiac health, strengthen bones and alleviate depression and fatigue? With more people than ever now walking to keep active, walking apps are gaining in popularity as we look to plan new routes, track our distances and log our stats. Here […]
Care for your waxed cotton jacket
Waxed cotton jackets are perfect for when the weather cools down, providing insulation, breathability and water repellency to cope with a range of weather conditions. With styles now so varied – from traditional to higher-end fashion designs, you can stay dry and comfortable whether you are taking part in country pursuits or enjoying a gentle […]
The climate emergency is here, what can we do to make a difference?
There is no getting away from it, we are in the grip of serious climate change and urgent action is required from each one of us to avoid irreversible environmental damage. With the latest warning signs – extreme weather conditions – dominating global news, the forthcoming 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will […]
Top Tips for mountain bikers, old and new!
Has watching Great Britain win a total of 12 medals in cycling at the Tokyo Olympics inspired you to get outdoors on two wheels? Tom Pidcock wowed us all with his fantastic gold-medal performance in the Tokyo Olympics men’s cross-country mountain bike race, winning Great Britain’s first ever mountain bike medal at an Olympics! […]
Cotswold Outdoor – Waterproof Jackets and Base Layers Guide and Top Picks for 2021
Getting out for a walk may be one of the simplest forms of exercise – but that doesn’t mean you don’t need the right kit to make the most of it. Effective layering and fabrics designed for the outdoors will ensure you’re comfortable and prepared for any weather, whatever the terrain. A good base […]
Nikwax and its Brand Partnerships
Nikwax is proud of its multiple brand partnerships, borne out of a mutual desire to develop outdoor innovation, safely… Did you know Nikwax Directional Textiles are chosen by Páramo® Outdoor Clothing to keep their users safer, drier and warmer?Put simply, thanks to Nikwax Directional Textiles, Páramo clothing systems keep you cool or warm, depending on […]
Is this the secret to sleeping well on the campsite?
We take a look into Coleman’s revolutionary BlackOut Bedroom technology. Every camper has been there – roused from their slumber several hours too early by bright sunlight streaming through the flysheet. And, if that’s not enough to disturb you, then proceeding to become increasingly hot and uncomfortable as the temperature outside warms up. If the […]
Meet the new Nikwax Youth Ambassador
Here at Nikwax, our passion is for everything outdoors and we know just how important getting outside can be for peoples’ fitness and general wellbeing. We are really excited to now have our first Youth Ambassador – 14 year-old Elvie Baker – daughter of naturalist and wildlife presenter Nick Baker. We took some time out […]
Enhance your outdoor space this summer
Over the last year, our lives have been completely topsy-turvy… Bedrooms got turned into home offices, the dining room became a school room, and the lounge became a makeshift gym/dance studio… Very little was normal, except for our outdoor space. Whether you own a large or small garden, a patio space, or even just a […]
Nikwax ‘Local Delights’ Photography Competition
In February 2021, we ran a photography competition to highlight the natural beauty that can be found when you explore the outdoors, and to give inspiration to others – to either just enjoy the outdoors or, to pick up a camera and see what you can capture. We received a stunning array of images – […]
Three Tips for Photography in the Outdoors
Nikwax’s own photographer – Lucas Canino – takes some time out from capturing the beauty of the environment to give you some top tips for outdoor photography. Though amateur and professional photographers alike, tend to gravitate toward a particular kind of outdoor photography – wildlife, landscape, sports, etc. – they are united by their willingness […]
THE NIKWAX DUOLOGY® WATERPROOF SYSTEM – MULTIPLE SEASONS, ONE ACTIVE OUTDOOR COMBINATION
Do you own a Páramo® clothing system yet? If not, you should… Páramo is the award-winning outdoor gear brand that optimises your garments for unpredictable weather by using Nikwax Analogy® waterproof fabric. Thanks to Nikwax Analogy, Páramo clothing is extremely durable and ultra-efficient at keeping outdoor enthusiasts and workers (such as Mountain Rescue volunteers) dry […]
How to clean a sleeping bag with Nikwax!
Ah, the sleeping bag. Your bed-away-from-home. Your cozy refuge in the wild. Adventures will inevitably get it a bit dirty, but don’t fear, it’s easy to wash your sleeping bag. There are two main types of sleeping bags, down-filled and synthetic-filled. Here are some tips and tricks to keeping them both clean and fluffy. A handy Nikwax cleaner […]
Spring is the mood booster we all need! Our motivational ideas will help you get outside and enjoy it.
March 20th officially marks the first day of spring and with the weather already warming and brightening up, bird song noticeably louder, and (finally) an official roadmap out of lockdown, we’re feeling pretty positive here at Nikwax! In celebration of imminent springtime, we’ve put our heads together and compiled a list of ideas to motivate […]
How To: safely re-proof your softshell jacket
Softshells are great, versatile jackets that provide a range of uses… Wear a softshell as an insulating mid-layer in colder, wet weather, or as a lightweight outer layer in-between seasons, when the weather can shift from cool to warm. Most softshells have a durable water repellent coating (DWR) to keep you dry in light rain […]
Interview: we talk environment, sustainability and lockdown, with Nikwax’s Sustainability Director
Here at Nikwax, our passion for the great outdoors and protection of the environment is at the heart of what we do. We constantly strive to improve our sustainability and environmental credentials throughout the business, and with that focus, we employed our own Director of Sustainability. We speak to Maïté Angleys about Nikwax, the outdoor […]
How To: stay cosy and dry in your fleece
Many of us are having to spend more time at home right now, why not make the most of this opportunity to clean and proof your winter gear with Nikwax, so that you stay warm and dry and really enjoy the time you spend outdoors. Fleeces are often an overlooked item when it comes to […]
Polartec® and the evolution of fleece as a go-to mid-layer
Most of you probably own a fleece item that you bring out every winter season as a versatile, warming layer – be it garment, hat or gloves. We all know it to be that soft, comfortable fabric that just makes you feel lovely and snug when outdoors in winter! Made from synthetic fibres, fleece is […]
Staying dry and warm in base layers
During this current pandemic, the time we get to enjoy the outdoors feels more important than ever. However, during the freezing winter months, you may be tempted to stay indoors because of dreading getting cold or wet if you venture outside. Right now, fresh air is vital for us all in terms of health and […]
Nikwax Hydrophobic Down – the world’s best performing hydrophobic down – Chosen By NOMAD®
NOMAD chooses Nikwax Hydrophobic Down for its iconic yellow sleeping bags, taking performance to a new level in extreme cold and wet conditions New for Autumn/Winter NOMAD have launched a range of new high performance sleeping bags for Autumn/Winter 20-21 filled with Nikwax Hydrophobic Down+ (NHD+). This is the beginning of a new brand partnership […]
Twelve simple ideas to lift your happiness
Let’s face it, we’ve had a lot to deal with in the past 12 months and with national restrictions in place, it hasn’t been an easy ride at all. Getting outside however, is vital for our all-round health (even just a few minutes can lift the spirits) so we have listed twelve simple ideas to […]
Enjoy the outdoors this autumn
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons, with fields, parks and gardens full of crisp colourful leaves and lawns doused with dew. Now is not the time to stay inside for days on end with the heating cranked up high. Embrace the autumnal freshness and get some exercise, or have some fun in the fresh […]
Tim’s tale of cycling the Lon Las Cymru
Hello! I’m Tim, Head of Product at Nikwax. This is my tale of cycling the Lon Las Cymru (Green Lane of Wales) with zero preparation last month, before Wales entered lockdown! In early September, I was lucky enough to find myself with a week of holiday to hand. Due to the delights of covid-19, the […]
Nikwax Tech Wash: The Best in Test for Cleaning Waterproofs
Nikwax proven to provide unbeatable cleaning performance to keep you drier on your next adventure. Nikwax Tech Wash® has been independently proven to be the best performing product for cleaning waterproof gear in a washing machine. It is the only product demonstrated to provide exceptional cleaning performance whilst maintaining 100% of the Durable Water Repellency […]
Top walks to try with your Nikwax’d footwear!
Now that you have cleaned and waterproofed your outdoor footwear with our Footwear Kit, build up your steps and take a hike across some beautiful walking routes this autumn. Staycations have been the way to go in 2020 and there are stunning locations you can visit and enjoy safely as the season changes. The Coast… […]
Revive tired waxed cotton jackets with Nikwax
Waxed cotton jackets provide shelter from the wind, insulation in colder conditions and keep the wearer comfortable and dry. Plus, the fabric is incredibly durable and tough against abrasion – they are harder to rip or get holes in. Waxed cotton jackets may lack the freedom of movement you find in hardshell waterproofs, however, they suit those […]
What type of runner are you?
While we are all taught to think outside the box, sometimes it’s fun to think inside the box. There are obviously a number of different types of runners and people run for different reasons, but let’s say we classify them into 10 specific types, which one are you? Watch out, you might find that you […]
Commuting by bike? Oh Yes!
The Covid period has made us rethink many areas of everyday life, including the daily commute. At Nikwax we love exercise and the great outdoors, so what better way to enjoy these two things than by commuting by bike? Let’s take a closer look at the effects of commuting by bike. Why cycling to work […]
Keep synthetic tents protected from the rain and UV rays
Nikwax’s duo of tent aftercare products are safe for the user and the environment, they are water-based and contain no PFCs or harmful chemicals. Your synthetic tent must be protected from the sun. The ultraviolet (UV) rays can be incredibly damaging and reduce the fabric tear strength, making your tent vulnerable. UV rays, as well […]
Have a magical night’s camping in your garden this summer!
Why not take this opportunity to holiday from home and create a magical camping experience in your very own garden! You can stay safe but have fun at the same time… Spending the night in your trusty tent will definitely feel like you are escaping the confines of your house. It can be a fun-filled […]
Improve reusable masks and face coverings with Nikwax
The global population are being encouraged to wear non-medical masks whilst in public, to reduce covid-19 transmission. People are making their own masks – but some of them may increase the risk of infection, due to their lack of water repellency, and improper cleaning. What types of masks are available? There are two types of […]
Staying Active! What Nikwax are getting up to…
Here we are, still within ‘lockdown’, all finding ways to keep ourselves active and entertained at home, or out but with social distancing. We thought we would share some of our experiences with you – perhaps give you some inspiration during this different time we are all experiencing. First up is Nikwax Commercial Director – Chris Field, […]
Nikwax solves a PPE problem: How can you safely clean reusable PPE gowns whilst renewing their protective qualities?
Reusable gowns are an excellent solution to the supply crisis – but they need to be water repellent. Professional organisations and community groups have taken the initiative and are making reusable PPE gowns to support healthcare workers. But, it is crucially important that that they are properly cleaned to renew and maintain their bodily fluid resistant […]
How to clean disposable gowns and masks more safely
Testing by Nikwax shows disposable masks and gowns can be cleaned in a washing process whilst maintaining their functional qualities The process could be rolled out quickly using existing cleaning facilities Safely reusing disposable or single-use PPE could increase effective supply by 5 times in a crisis situation Health innovation to alleviate PPE crisis Nikwax, […]
Stay Active for Your Wellbeing!
Worried you may be becoming more sedentary because of the greater amount of time spent at home? Feeling more lethargic than usual? Perhaps you are struggling with your mood some of the time? Well, it is crucial to try and stay as active as you can right now – the benefits outweigh anything else! Do […]
End of Ski Season Checklist – How to Store Ski Gear Properly
It’s the time of year when snow is out of the picture. Before you enter summer mode completely, take a moment to clean and store your ski and snowboard gear. Many people don’t know how to store their ski gear properly. This end of ski season checklist can help avoid delaminating jackets, funky smells, rusty edges, […]
Keep your base layers performing at their best
While we temporarily can’t explore the great outdoors, make the most of the great indoors with regular workouts! Regular exercise has huge benefits for all ages including weight control, combatting disease and health conditions, and giving you more energy. Keep your body moving with a regular workout to keep yourself in a positive place mentally […]
Bring a camping adventure to your home during the Easter holidays!
Do you love the relaxed feeling of sitting around a campfire at night with the stars shining and no noise except the brief breezes through the trees, cracking of the fire and the laughs from your family? That’s what many of us are craving right now, but have been asked to stay home, leaving […]
Stay healthy and stay safe
We are all currently affected by the global Coronavirus. At this unprecedented time, things can be worrying for everybody, but it is important for all that we follow the measures being put in place. The key one right now is, of course, social distancing. We all need that moment of fresh air and exercise, but […]
New Product Bundles!
The downtime that many people are experiencing right now offers the perfect opportunity to clean and re-proof your outdoor gear. We have three new kits now available on Amazon that will ensure you are also highly protected from the weather. These kits will ensure you will stay dry and feel comfortable, whether for use in your outdoor space now, […]
How To: enhance the performance of your softshell jacket
Keeping outdoor clothing clean and protected is vital to ensure it continues to work as it should. Failing to do this would lead to your clothing underperforming and eventually the fabric could degrade, making the item unusable for its intended purpose. Most softshells have a durable water repellent coating (DWR) to ensure you stay dry […]
Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel is the high performance cleaner your outdoor footwear needs!
During winter, outdoor footwear is susceptible to the elements, with wetter weather causing walking routes to become muddy and waterlogged. You still want to enjoy the outdoors, especially on those crisp and sunny winter days, but the terrain can be a potential hazard for your waterproof footwear. Mud and dirt that collects on footwear will […]
The Best Outdoor Events Of 2020 For Your Diary!
Get the most out of them with Nikwax, the global leader in safe, high performance waterproofing, cleaning and conditioning for your outdoor gear #DoMoreWithNikwax FEBRUARY THE MANCHESTER WINTER WARMER RUN: 2nd February, 2020 @ Heaton Park, Manchester Lace up those trainers, don your motivational cap and embrace this opportunity for a winter keep fit session in […]
Care for your warm winter gear with Nikwax!
We head straight for our cosy winter garments at this time of year, so that we can keep warm and snug when outdoors. It is important to look after garments made from wool or fleece, so that they do not get affected if you get caught in the rain. Also, you want to know that […]
A New Year…Back to Fitness…
Do you get to the end of Christmas, feel overwhelmed by all the indulgence and can’t wait to get back to the gym, running or cycling in the New Year? Well it is not far away and to ensure you get your 2020 activities off to a good start, you need to stock up on […]
The first ever Nikwax product – 40 years on…
Just over 40 years ago when Nick Brown, an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for walking, found his feet getting damp in his trusty walking boots in bad weather, Nikwax was created. Dissatisfaction with the waterproofing products available at the time, led to Nick looking to create his own means of keeping his leather walking […]
Nikwax Outdoor Christmas Gift Guide 2019!
It’s that time of year again when you need to start thinking about shopping for friends and loved ones for Christmas. To help you out, we have rounded up a selection of the latest fantastic products that we want Santa to leave for us this year and could be great for the outdoor enthusiast in […]
How to: enhance the useable lifetime of your waxed cotton jacket
It has always been an iconic staple of country life – the waxed cotton jacket. Synonymous throughout the years, rightly or wrongly, with gentry and activities such as fishing or hunting, the waxed jacket has branched out from field to city, with more outdoor manufacturers designing garments that are reaching a wider and more diverse […]
Help Syrian Brown Bears in Armenia
Twice a year the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) hold a public and members vote, from which conservation projects around the world can apply to receive funding to help their cause. From each voting session (spring and autumn) three organisations will then receive funds from EOCA to further their projects and help key environmental / […]
Interview with Erik Ahlström
Tell us a little about yourself Erik, who you are and what you do… My name is Erik Ahlström, I live in Sweden. I love being outside and spend most of my time outside. I’ve spent many years riding bikes in the summer and skiing in the winter months. I’m also a big fan of […]
#PlogForPlastic with Nikwax and help tackle plastic pollution!
At the recent OutDoor by ISPO show in Munich, Nikwax® was excited to announce a new campaign to help tackle the issue of plastic pollution. Nikwax has teamed up with Swedish trail runner, Erik Ahlström, to launch #PlogForPlastic. Erik Ahlström is the founder of a concept called Plogging – it simply means litter picking whilst […]
Be responsible during festival season
This month festival season kicks off across the UK and abroad. Over the coming months, hundreds of thousands of music fans will descend onto temporary campsites and pitch themselves up for a long weekend of musical highlights. A lot of them will take with them a cheap, pop up tent, and once the festival is […]
Interview with Tim Wiggins, Endurance Cyclist
Endurance cyclist Tim Wiggins is the author of Life in the Saddle – one of the country’s top independent cycling blogs. If he’s not busy filling it with news of his latest ride and providing inspiration and advice to the huge number of people in Britain who now love to be on two wheels, then […]
Caerphilly Challenge 2019: interview with Brian Begg.
This month, the Nikwax Caerphilly Challenge Series returns on 9th May. Sponsored by Nikwax, this non-for-profit walking event welcomes around 500 entrants every year and has been running since 2012. But, in fact, its origins go back to 2005, when the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) of South Wales and the Countryside Service of […]
Tents can last twice their effective lifetime with Nikwax®!
You may be starting to think about unpacking and dusting off your camping gear ready for this year’s outdoor adventures. However, will your tent be ready for the new season ahead? If you don’t take good care of it, your tent could start to degrade, with weakened fabric and the chance of it getting damp […]
Nikwax Expands its Environmental Commitment
Here at Nikwax, we have always been committed to protecting the natural world we love and enjoy, and this is where the focus has been over the over the last 40 years since the company’s inception -by manufacturing low impact products. We have consistently measured our environmental footprint, so we have a solid understanding of […]
Interview: Will Renwick on walking, Wales, Nikwax, and the great outdoors
Will Renwick is the editor of Outdoors Magic – an online publication with a focus on outdoor gear, news and product reviews. He’s also President of Ramblers Cymru and can often be found walking, running, or climbing somewhere deep inside Wales. We spent some time with Will to discuss his love of outdoors, Nikwax Sweatproofing, […]
Nikwax® offers more than just waterproofing – it also targets sweat!
Are you fed up of washing your base layers and technical next-to-skin clothing, only to find they start to smell when you next wear them and that your sweat is not wicking away properly, leaving you uncomfortable when being active? You may find yourself washing the items more frequently; however, washing in standard household detergent […]
SUPPORT the Nikwax nominated project in the 2019 EOCA Funding Vote
Nikwax has nominated the environmental project ‘Children of the Sea’, to stand a chance at winning vital funding from the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) in their 2019 project vote. Fundacion Jocotoco aims to protect the most endangered species and most threatened habitats in Ecuador, outside the governmental system of protected areas. Their Project Objectives: […]
The Nikwax Philosophy – More Than Waterproofing. Part 4 – Consumption Reduction
Nikwax aftercare was created to ensure people could step outside and enjoy the natural world to its fullest, without being affected by the elements. Our products are high performing but with low environmental impact, helping to keep people warm, safe and dry no matter the activity they are undertaking. However, there is more to Nikwax […]
Nikwax and The Duke of Edinburgh Award
For the last seven decades, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) has transformed the lives of millions of young people – teaching vital life skills and giving them the chance to take part in outdoor expeditions and exciting volunteering opportunities. Nikwax has been working with the DofE for seven years. A relationship that’s set to […]
Have your own Microadventure!
‘Microadventure’ is perhaps an intimidating title for what is, in the most basic of terms, an overnight camp. In its essence a microadventure is all about checking out of the real world for the night in an easily planned and stress free-way. It’s a term made famous by British adventurer and author, Alastair Humphreys in […]
Interview: How the Duke of Edinburgh Award inspires at Glenmore Lodge
For the last five years, Shaun Roberts has been the Principal of Glenmore Lodge – Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre based in the Cairngorms. He worked his way up from Instructor and has more than 20 years’ experience guiding and training people in the outdoors including working for Scottish Mountain Rescue as their Training Officer […]
We commit to recycled plastic for our bottles
Restore, Renew, Re-use, Recycle Nikwax® was excited to announce its latest plans to help do more to protect the natural outdoor world at the recent ISPO trade show, which took place in Munich in February. ISPO is a leading trade fair within the sports sector, with over 2,800 exhibitors presenting from all different sectors, such […]
How to Care for your Boots
One of the best ways of ensuring your hiking boots are as sustainable as possible, is to look after them so well you never have to replace them. Owning just one pair of boots for many years is a sure-fire way to reduce impact on the environment you’re trying to enjoy. And the best way […]
Walking and wheeling in the UK with Julia Bradbury
Chances are, being an outdoors sort of person, you’ve probably stepped in the footprints of Julia Bradbury at some point. Julia must be Britain’s most prolific walker! Her TV presenting career has seen her trek the length and breadth of Britain looking for fun, challenging, breath-taking, hard-going and easily accessible walks we can all enjoy. […]
Do More To Get Outside This Year!
Winter is not bleak when you step outdoors; there is a whole wealth of beauty waiting to be found during the cold, wet, and sometimes snowy, season. As tempting as it is to wrap up under a blanket, sip a hot chocolate and snuggle in front of a fire, if you take a moment each […]
Interview: Get Outside with Parkrun
According to YouGov, last year’s second most popular New Year’s resolution was to ‘exercise more’ (top of the list was ‘eat better’). But if you’re not the sort of person to relish the wintry weather, you might need some encouragement to exercise outdoors. Especially as it’s common knowledge most of us will give up on […]
Joey Holmes – Top Ten Christmas Gifts for Outdoor Adventurers
What to buy the adventure junkie in your life? Joey Holmes is mad about outdoor clothing, gear and camping. As the editor of Cool of the Wild – a website dedicated to enjoying and exploring the wild outdoors, she knows a thing or two about what trail-loving hikers and mountain-mad alpinists would love to discover […]
Don’t Throw Your Outdoor Gear Away – Donate It!
How many waterproof jackets do you own? What about walking boots? Have any spare pairs of gloves or hats languishing at the back of the wardrobe? Us outdoor folk are often guilty of a gear obsession. We relish brand new clothing and kit because it’s so exciting to test out the credentials of next season’s outdoor […]
How to choose a down jacket this season
Winter is coming and now is a great the time to start shopping for your new winter jacket. Nothing beats down for its ability to insulate you and keep you warm. It’s lightweight and incredibly cosy. After all, there is nothing worse than really feeling the chill when you are outdoors and the temperatures have […]
Seeding the meadow with the help of a Nikwax Environmental Grant!
This month’s guest blog is courtesy of Dr Emma Edwards-Jones, whose community in Snowdonia received a Nikwax grant to make a dedicated flower meadow. Each year, Nikwax looks to make available small grants for community projects which focus on the environment. A little bit can go a long way and Nikwax strives to help those […]
Hygge the Nikwax way… embrace a Scandinavian Autumn for ultimate outdoor happiness.
Without even realising it, there’s so much around us that makes us feel content, comfortable and downright cosy, at times when the weather may not be so great, the nights are drawing in, or perhaps when just feeling like we’re having a bit of a ‘grey’ day. It may even just be something that we […]
DoMoreWithNikwax – Part 3!
As you may know, this summer we undertook a challenge to #DoMoreWithNikwax, where we teamed up with 3 top athletes and got them to cycle / hike / camp in 10 countries across Europe in just 21 days! Markus Stitz was our first challenger and then Fredrika Ek took over for part two. Finally it […]
Vote to support reforestation in Madagascar
Reforestation of the Indri Lemur Habitat and Development of an Amphibian Trail around the Mitsinjo and Torotorofotsy Reserves, Madagascar. Nikwax is proud to nominate this project for the chance for it to receive a grant from the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) in their yearly project funding scheme. The public vote is live now and we […]
EOCA – Why care?
Recently having a connection to our environment has become increasingly popular. This stems from the disconnect we have with the environment on a day to day basis when we are all plugged into various devices, updating our statuses on social media and watching the all-important hilarious cat videos on YouTube. The need we feel to […]
Stage 2 of #DoMoreWithNikwax
As summer turns to autumn and holidays draw to a close, here is a little something to inspire you to get up, get out and keep being active! This summer Nikwax teamed up with three athletes – Markus Stitz, Fredrika Ek and Jenny Tough – to undertake the #DoMoreWithNikwax challenge, which saw them ride a […]
#DoMoreWithNikwax – First Week of the Challenge
Our mission this summer is to inspire you and others to get up, get outside and get active – to enjoy the great outdoors, whilst also looking to preserve the natural environment that we all love. By teaming up with 3 key athletes, the #DoMoreWithNikwax challenge is well underway, with the combined total of activities […]
EOCA – Protecting & Conserving the Outdoors
Over the years the environment and the importance of being environmentally friendly has been increasingly pushed to the forefront of the news, bringing with it a more conscious consumer. Put simply, people are more and more aware of the impact they are having on the environment and consequently changing their habits. The topical news story […]
Nikwax launches #DoMoreWithNikwax Challenge
7,000km Riding | 7,000m Hiking | Camp 10 Countries #DoMoreWithNikwax Challenge Summer 2018 With Fredrika Ek | Markus Stitz | Jenny Tough To encourage others to get outside and do more Nikwax proudly launch the #DoMoreWithNikwax Challenge that will see world class athletes ride a combined total of 7,000 km, hike 7,000 m and camp […]
Interview with cycling world record breaker – Markus Stitz
Markus Stitz hit the headlines in 2016 when he became the first person to cycle Around the World on a single speed bike (a bike with just one fixed gear). He peddled 34,097 kilometres in total, covering 26 different countries. But he says those aren’t the most important figures to him, “I guess the most […]
How to Dress for Mountain Biking: 5 Tips for Choosing the Best Apparel
Our guest blog this month comes from Amanda Wilks. Image © Pexels.com Any dedicated sports enthusiast knows that having proper equipment is crucial in any field. Naturally, this is also true for MTB. Thus, how you choose to dress for mountain biking is an essential part of your success, which is why you need to know […]
Summer Festival Top Tips
Whether it’s a music festival, food focused extravaganza, or even a wildlife adventure camp, there is one thing in common – it means living outdoors for a few days over summer! Festivals are big business these days, with hundreds of thousands of us over the UK choosing to attend them each year. Just plan ahead […]
Camping With a Conscience
This summer, thousands of tents will be left for landfill as festival goers choose to discard cheap or broken camping gear rather than pack it up and take it home. At last year’s Glastonbury Festival, more than 1,000 volunteers were drafted in to clear up the mess left behind – costing organisers around £785,000 for […]
Throw away your hibernation coat and get out for spring adventures.
Spring has officially sprung and we know that the days will slowly be getting warmer and more pleasant for us to get outside and step up our activity levels. Fancy a run? We are just weeks away from the London Marathon and many of us will be increasing training plans in order to be fit […]
Interview with Debbie Martin-Consani
This month we interviewed ultra-runner Debbie Martin-Consani. You can read more about Debbie HERE. How has your running schedule been this year so far? The weather hasn’t been kind to you in Scotland, have you managed to regularly get out running? “Living in Glasgow, I don’t really have an option to allow weather to affect […]
Interview with Camping and Caravanning – care for your camping gear
As we look forward to the Easter holidays and a chance to get back onto the campsite, Nikwax interviewed keen campers, Camping and Caravanning magazine, to bring you the best advice on how to look after your tent this season. Stuart Kidman, Editor of Camping and Caravanning – the official magazine of The Friendly Club – […]
Nikwax Expert – BaseWash and BaseFresh keep you warm on the slopes
This month’s guest blog is from Paul Humphreys – Nikwax Technical Sales Representative I have been skiing for most of my life and have skied in most weather conditions from -25C to +10C from the windy ski slopes of Bulgaria to the wide open cold slopes of Breckenridge, Colorado and there are always two items of […]
Get your gear ready for the half-term winter break
The half-term holidays are not far away and lots of us will take the opportunity to get away on a short winter break. Whether you choose to travel abroad to spend time on the wintry slopes, or even just have a staycation here in the UK, we guarantee you will be taking key pieces of […]
Pro-skier Daniel Loots talks to Nikwax
How have you enjoyed this year’s winter snow season? Where did you go for your annual ski/ board snow fix? It’s been a great season so far, probably the most snow I’ve seen since I started skiing, spending most of my ski-time in the 3Vallee or Les Arcs. What clothing and equipment have you chosen […]
Paul Lewis – Peak Mountaineering – on Base Layers
Paul Lewis is a base layer mega fan. As the owner of Peak Mountaineering – a long established provider of high quality mountain training and outdoor adventures – he’s worn one or two base layers in his time. So we asked him for his top tips on why it’s all about the base. Why wear a […]
The importance of layering when active outdoors
Winter can be a fantastic time to be outdoors – especially if we are lucky enough to get snow! You want to ensure you keep warm, but you don’t want to overheat or be too cold, so layering up your clothing is the most beneficial way to stay comfortable. Every layer will play a key […]
Outdoor adventurers celebrate 100 years of Finland on top of Halti
A group of seven adventurers from five nations hiked Finland’s classic Calotte Route up to Halti, the country’s highest peak. They each carried a section of a seven-piece alphorn in their backpacks and sent a musical anniversary greeting over the hills of Finnish Lapland from the top. The celebration was part of an eight-day trip […]
Nikwax Ultimate Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
It’s the time for giving! There is still time to ensure you get your friends and loved ones the best presents they could want this Christmas. If you know somebody who just lives for the outdoors, then we have a fantastic array of ideas to inspire you and make them smile when they unwrap their […]
Nikwax 40 Year Round Up
As we are coming to the end of our 40th birthday year we thought it would be great to share some of our highlights with you! Here are our favourite moments from the year:
Poles Apart From The Competition
This month we are excited to feature an exclusive interview with members of the GB Ski Team. Nick Moynihan and Laurie Taylor are a lesson in starting your kids young. And not underestimating the impact of a skiing holiday! Laurie was only six, and Nick just two when their families took them abroad to see […]
Hit the slopes with confidence when you use Nikwax on your gear
Summer is becoming a distant memory, but is replaced with new excitement as the winter sports season is almost upon us. So many of us now like to turn our hand to snowboarding, skiing, or other snow-based activities during this time of the year and now is the time to check out your kit and […]
Keep warm & dry in your jackets this season with Nikwax
The darker evenings, colder temperatures and leaves turning gold and red mean Autumn is truly upon us…and it also means we will be getting outside to enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night! Whether you are taking the kids trick or treating, watching a crackling fire whilst fireworks light up the sky, or sipping hot soup while […]
Start your weekend off right with Park Run
This month’s guest blog is from our very own Nikwax PR Specialist and outdoor sports addict – Tom Willox. Park Run has been growing rapidly all over the UK in recent years. Every Saturday morning at 9am hundreds of people gather at 468 public parks all over the country to run, jog or walk 5km. […]
Enjoy a late Summer staycation – bring on the British weather
The summer holidays are upon us, with kids wanting to enjoy every day before school beckons again. This is the prime time to encourage them away from their gadgets and up off the sofa, to go and explore what the great outdoors has to offer. Or just a chance to head off on your own […]
Nikwax proud to balance its carbon emissions for 40 years
More Than Waterproofing – In their 40th year Nikwax is proud to have balanced all their operational carbon emissions since their start. Maintaining their commitment to conserving and protecting the natural world. As Nikwax celebrates its 40th year as a forward thinking, innovative company, we are also proud to be celebrating the fact that we […]
Protect your tent with Nikwax aftercare
People welcome the warmer months when they can take off on mini-adventures and pitch up their tent to enjoy the great outdoors. However, without the appropriate care taken to look after your gear, it is all too easy to find after time that you are sleeping in a damp tent, or that the fabric has […]
Nikwax at the Keswick Mountain Festival
Last month we made our annual pilgrimage to the Lakes for this year’s Keswick Mountain Festival. The rain was horizontal and the winds strong but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the thousands who travelled, some hundreds of miles, to one of the UK’s most jaw dropping landscapes, for a weekend of trails, triathlons and tunes. […]
Top camping hacks for your summer adventure
Thinking about where you can take the children to enjoy the outdoors this summer, going away with friends or planning a solo mini adventure? Camping has become one of the most popular holiday choices nowadays. We have put together a few helpful tips so that your camping trip this year can be all you want […]
Prepare for The Wild Boar challenge, 2017!
Each year in Caerphilly, Wales, the Borough Council’s Countryside and Landscape Service, along with Caerphilly Adventure Group, Caerphilly Ramblers, Islwyn Ramblers and other partners, organise the Caerphilly Challenge. This annual event consists of a series of routes for people to walk, or even run; varying from a mild 1-5 mile walk, through to the longer […]
Sussex Search and Rescue – one big family
This month’s guest blog is written by Nick Rewcastle, Secretary for Sussex Search and Rescue – a volunteer organisation utilised by Sussex Police to help search for, and rescue, missing people. Read on for a fascinating insight into what it’s like to be a part of this invaluable charity. When my (now) wife told me […]
How to wash your down garments safely.
Winter is at an end and the weather is improving for outdoor activities. Now is a great time to clean your down items before storing them away ready for next winter. Many people can be nervous about washing down items, but cleaning them with the right product is important to maintain performance, and Nikwax has […]
Carbon For Conservation
For almost a decade Nikwax has been supporting World Land Trust (WLT) in safeguarding and restoring critically threatened habitats around the world through the Carbon Balanced programme. Nikwax’s approach to environmental sustainability is completely in line with the offsetting programme’s ethos of measure, reduce and then offset greenhouse gas emissions. Launched in 2005, the Carbon […]
Christmas Gift Guide
There are still some shopping days left, so here are some ideas for the outdoors enthusiast this Christmas. Baby BOGS B-MOC Puff Owl – RRP: £45 Keep your children dry and comfortable in the rain with these cute Owl-patterned waterproof boots. 100% waterproof, with a slipper-soft lining for ultimate comfort and a draw cord to […]
An Aspiring Eventer!
This month’s guest blog is by young rider Theo Funnell, who is sponsored by Nikwax, alongside Harry Hall equestrian clothing and Tamara Hick equine sports massage therapist. My name is Theo Funnell, I am 12 years old and am an aspiring young event rider from Devon, UK. I have had ponies all my life and […]
Caring for your down sleeping bag
The change in seasons is not a reason to stop enjoying and experiencing the outdoors, or prevent you from undertaking a weekend camp or a challenging expedition. You just need the right gear and if you plan to be sleeping out under the stars then a quality down sleeping bag is definitely an essential item […]
One man and his dog – Interview with SARDA founder
Have you ever wondered who’d be your knight in shining armour if you ever got lost in the English wilderness? Luckily for you, Nev [Search and Rescue Dog Association founder and president], his gang of handlers and their pesky canines are of service; suited and booted in their BOGS footwear, rucksacks and with dog treats […]
NEW Tech Wash v16.1
NIKWAX doubles Tech Wash® effectiveness and saves energy Not everyone knows that there are three things which destroy the water repellency and breathability of an outdoor jacket. The first is dirt. Dirt is water absorbent and will stop water beading up on a jacket and stop your jacket from breathing. The second is household laundry […]
Keep your base layers performing with Nikwax BaseFresh
During the summer months we all love to get outside and enjoy activities such as cycling, running and walking. How many of us find though that our trusty sports kit and base layers that we wear to keep cool and comfortable are noticeably smellier – even shortly after washing! Base layers, sportswear and gym gear […]
The Best Time To Be Outside
Our guest blog this month comes from Mick Ryan, a director of the photo-location guidebook company fotoVUE, alongside Stuart Holmes. They publish guidebooks that show you the best places to take photographs in the most beautiful places on Earth. They currently have four books published, with another 20 in preparation. www.fotovue.com A few weeks ago […]
Nikwax Small Grants Scheme
At Nikwax we take our environmental impact very seriously and are always looking for ways that we can better our working practices, improve our sustainability and protect the natural world around us. Therefore, we feel it is important to encourage others to care for the environment and do their bit to protect it for future generations. […]
Celebrate the fail! Shrug off the embarrassment of crashing your bike
This month’s Guest Blog is by Tom Redfern. Tom is founder of Broken Riders – a UK-based company specialising in ethically sourced and environmentally responsible apparel for mountain bikers. www.brokenriders.com Anyone not into mountain bikes, watching a rider in the world-famous RedBull Rampage back-flipping over a seemingly bottomless canyon must look on in awe or […]
Look after your tent and it will look after you!
The camping season is beginning, with longer, warmer and drier days enticing people to pitch up outdoors. However, your tent needs to be kept in good condition to keep you dry while sleeping under the stars. Tents are usually made from synthetic fabrics that have been coated with a water repellent finish. However, the sun […]
#GetOutside – what’s your challenge?
We all like the idea of getting outside, but what’s the challenge that will get you out there whatever the weather? Nikwax took part in the Caerphilly Challenge in Wales last month and asked the other participants that very question! The Caerphilly Challenge offers a range of hikes – from a tough 22 miles, to […]
Nikwax sponsors the Keswick Mountain Festival
We are proud to be one of the sponsors of this year’s Keswick Mountain Festival, being held in Crow Park, 19 – 22 May! Set in the stunning scenery of the Lake District, this fantastic 3-day event provides outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities with a huge variety of activities, events and music to […]
LifeStraw – ‘Follow the Litres’ Campaign
“It all started with the issue of safe water. Which should never be an issue.” Swiss-based global health company Vestergaard manufactures award-winning LifeStraw water filters and purifiers. First introduced in 2005 as a personal “straw-like filter, the LifeStraw portfolio has grown to include technologically advanced products fit for all purposes — from the personal LifeStraw, […]
A Cycling Icon
Winner of three World Enduro Champion titles and recently crowned Pinkbike’s Female Athlete of the Year, Tracy Moseley is a cycling icon for many an aspiring mountain biker, and also a coach at her local cycling club. We grabbed five minutes with her: How did you first get into racing and what inspired you? I […]
A Printer’s Tale
Our guest blog this month is courtesy of Gareth Dinnage, Managing Director of Seacourt Ltd, a Queen’s Award winning environmental printers. Read on to find out how Seacourt became the world’s first ZERO waste to landfill print company and for Gareth’s top tips on how you can become more eco-friendly to make a positive impact […]
Get Outside And Get Active!
Is your New Year’s Resolution to get more active? There are many fantastic ways to get energised and the winter landscape can be a wonderful motivator to start your `New Year, New You`. Being active is more than just getting fit and working off the extra treats you indulged in over Christmas. It also helps […]
Christmas Gift Guide!
Finding it hard to choose that perfect, fun, or useful present for someone? Check out our Gift Guide, showcasing outdoor goodies perfect for all! Mum Bogs Winter Blooms Winter Boots – from £85 Bogs have launched a range of floral-patterned waterproof winter boots. For the wettest of days down to the coldest of temperatures […]
Down Wash Direct – A Mountaineer’s Review
Guest blog by Paul Lewis As one of this year’s Trek and Mountain Stok Kangri expedition sponsors, Nikwax kindly gave team members a supply of their products. These included footwear proofers and a supply of wash-in cleaners and proofers for clothing and fabrics. Peak Mountaineering has been users of Nikwax products for years because we value their […]
Reproofing Your Rain Jacket
As the months move on we know to expect more and more rainy days. These can cause the most routine activities, like walking the dog, cycling to work or taking the kids to school, to become a chore once the weather starts to turn. Most of us keep a waterproof jacket or two in our […]
The Best Technology can be Environmentally Friendly
Nikwax is excited to have just launched its most advanced Nikwax Hydrophobic Down at the OutDoor Trade Show in Germany, which welcomes over 900 exhibitors from the global outdoor market. Nikwax Hydrophobic Down is being built into sleeping bags and garments worldwide, and once again we have proven that high waterproofing performance can be achieved […]
Put Pedal to the Test with Tech Wash & Polar Proof!
Nick Mitchell is this month’s Guest Blogger. A cycle tour guide and author of cycling books, he has ridden over 25,000 miles across Britain and from Munich to Sheffield and Sheffield to Norway! He is preparing for a cycle tour – The Road to Vienna – and if you wish to join this, or a […]
Sniff Test with BaseFresh
Alex Bardua is June’s guest blogger! Founder of outdoor-professionell.de, gear-testing has become one of his passions and he likes to get to the nitty-gritty to make sure readers of his product tests get a hands-on result and not just machines doing the job! Those who do a lot of sports know this dilemma: base layers […]
Nepal Disaster Appeal – you can help!
You will have heard of the recent devastation that has befallen Nepal. Following the earthquake, registering 7.8 on the Richter scale on 25 April, the country has just been hit again; this time near Mount Everest, registering a magnitude of 7.3. The first quake was enough to put millions of innocent people in a position […]
River dancing: my quest to save the rainforest
A guest blog this month comes from BBC wildlife presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star, Steve Backshall. Easter and its lure of chocolate hold nothing over me: Easter is a time for doing adventurous things. So when I got booted off Strictly, signing up to kayak the 125 miles from Devizes to the Houses of […]
Nikwax Glove Proof – as much of a safety item as strapping on your gloves!
Motorcycle gloves must be one of the most difficult pieces of kit to make waterproof. They are gloves, much like any other, but they need to keep a rider’s hands warm, comfortable, and protected. Modern motorcycle gloves contain special protection over the knuckles, finger joints and the scaphoid and wrist area amongst others. At the […]
The YHA Celebrates its 85th Anniversary with brand new Competition
The YHA (Youth Hostel Association) is a charity dedicated to providing unique opportunities for young people to explore the outdoors across England and Wales. From the Lake District to South Wales, the organisation has built up a diverse network of hostels in a range of locations and has worked hard to ensure young people of […]
A personal letter from Nick Brown, founder of Nikwax, about PFC pollution, and Greenpeace
Dear Outdoor Enthusiast, I am writing to you about something which I do not think has received enough attention in the UK, in the hope that you will help us to publicise it. PFC pollution – Britain lags behind in awareness Most people in Britain would have no idea what I am talking about, whereas […]
Scottish Lessons
This month’s Guest Blog is courtesy of Kate Edhouse, a Freelance Outdoor Education Instructor with experience in raft building, orienteering, high ropes and wild camping, amongst others. Read more about Kate here. I recently spent a month working for Plas y Brenin at their base in Altshellach near Glencoe, Scotland, as part of my 15 […]
Legends of ‘The Pimple’ – Twmbarlwm Trek 2015
Guest blog, courtesy of Gavin Jones, Caerphilly County Borough Council; providing an insight into the great Caerphilly Challenge! If there is one walk etched in the annals of history (well in the old Welsh county of Gwent anyway) it’s the ‘Twmbarlwm Trek’. This may conjure images of thousands of people braving windswept peaks and open […]
WLT – Save the Andean Condor
Soaring high above the mountains in the very remotest parts of South America, the Andean Condor is a spectacular sight. With a wing span of up to three metres, the Andean Condor has a vast range, flying over lowland desert and coastal regions of South America as well as riding thermal currents high over the […]
The Essential Tech Wash
Guest blog courtesy of Giles Babbidge – a commercial and editorial photographer & writer specialising in the outdoor markets. You can find out more about what he does over at his behind-the-scenes website – www.theactivephotographer.com – or catch up with him on Twitter – @gilesbabbidge. TechWash is one of those products which I have come to […]
Nikwax Photo Competition – The Results!
We’d like to thank absolutely everyone who sent in snaps of themselves enjoying the great outdoors! We had an amazing response to the competition and were genuinely overwhelmed by the number of entries – there are definitely some budding photographers amongst you. Our winning photo (left) is from Paul in Birkenhead, Wirral and it was taken on […]
Nikwax® Unveils New Down Wash Direct®
Nikwax, the global leader in outdoor aftercare, is excited to introduce Down Wash Direct®, the first aftercare product specifically designed to clean and maximise the performance of both regular untreated down and treated hydrophobic down. Down is a highly effective insulator, but quickly loses its insulation powers when saturated with water. Water-resistant down fills, such […]
We’ve raised the standard for PFC-free Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™!
Nikwax Hydrophobic Down is now at least 15 times less water absorbent than standard washed down Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™, which is being built into sleeping bags and garments and taken up by manufacturers worldwide, is raising its minimum standards for water resistance. Nikwax Hydrophobic Down is much more resistant to wet conditions than untreated down. […]
Nikwax celebrates presentation of Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development 2014
On Friday 7th November Nikwax was officially presented with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development 2014, in a ceremony led by HM Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, on behalf of her Majesty the Queen. The photo above shows our Managing Director, Nick Brown, being presented the award by HM Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter […]
Adventure-Crossing of the Alps with Children!
Crossing the Alps on a mountain bike together with my children (a son, 3, and a daughter, 13) is something I’ve wanted to do for a while. But before heading off, we had a few queries that needed clarifying. First of all, a 3-year old boy of course wouldn’t be able to cycle by himself, […]
Nikwax helps protect habitat for Jaguar, Spectacled Bear and Baird’s Tapir in Colombia
1,772 acres of Colombia’s threatened Chocó Rainforest has now been saved thanks in part to funding from World Land Trust, and Nikwax is delighted to have played its part in this purchase! This year, Nikwax has donated £6,364.20 to the World Land Trust’s (WLT) Action Fund for the trust’s most urgent land purchase and protection projects. 2014 is […]
Nikwax Hydrophobic Down: can it stand the heat… well the rain!
Nikwax Hydrophobic Down is the latest high performance, PFC-free innovation from the Nikwax lab. It provides a flexible Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish on each individual down filament and is guaranteed to be water resistant and highly durable. To test just how high performing Nikwax Hydrophobic Down really is, Greg Care – Nikwax and Páramo […]
The Benefits of Using Nikwax Polar Proof
When it comes to looking after my kit, I always treat clothing as I would my photography gear; to keep items in prime condition, it’s essential to use recommended cleaning products and follow suggested guidelines. By doing this, I can be sure that they’ll last longer and perform better, even with regular (dare I say, […]
Walk your way to better health
You probably won’t have failed to notice that Britain is facing an uphill battle against obesity. It seems that whenever you turn on the news, another shocking survey is being reported on, and this is with good reason. The United Kingdom now ranks 24th in the World Obesity Tables, and Walk Magazine recently reported that […]
How to clean and waterproof your winter jacket
We often get asked how to use our products effectively. And while we love answering your questions, we thought it might be useful to create a ‘How To Use’ guide for two of our most popular products – Tech Wash and TX.Direct Wash-In. Nikwax Tech Wash First, remove all detergent build-up from your detergent draw […]
Cut the cost of “Back to School”
Back To School – these are the words that strike fear into some children. And it can be scary for parents too! New school gear costs money, so it is important that you keep your child’s garments fully protected. That is where Nikwax comes in! Cut the cost of replacing those school essentials such as […]
Nikwax grant sends environmental film maker to Iceland
In May of this year, I was able to travel with Risan Media to Iceland with the support of a Nikwax Environmental Grant. I wanted to travel to Iceland to document parallel scientific research around climate change, renewable energy production and outdoor recreation on glaciers. I had been communicating with Dr. Tomas Johannesson from the […]
Nikwax becomes ‘Sustaining Member’ of EOCA
Nikwax is proud to be a member of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA), and our commitment to the cause was further underlined by becoming one of the first ‘Sustaining Members’ at OutDoor in Friedrichshafen, Germany this July. EOCA is an organisation that uses its membership fees to fund and support environmental causes around the world. […]
Nikwax adapts for abrupt climate change
The weather has gone completely mad and protective clothing needs to adapt: Nikwax brings new, “Nikwax Fleece & Windproof system” two-part, PFC treatment free waterproof clothing technology to adapt to abrupt climate change Recent years have seen highly variable weather in the UK: the 2012 drought and the greatest downpour in 250 years accompanied by […]
Once famous for Cheese – now famous for Challenges!
What have a sleeping giant Wild Boar, a mystical standing stone and menacing hills shrouded in a swirling ethereal mist got in common? Game of Thrones perhaps? Why no! – we’re merely Waxing lyrical about features of interest that our army of walking warriors enjoyed as they braved the elements to walk, jog and even […]
Nikwax team up with GB Rowing Team as they look to make waves en route to Rio
Rowing is synonymous with British sporting success over the past 30 years, since Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Matt Pinsent and others became Olympic legends. A gold medal at the summer Olympics has pretty much been a guarantee on the boating lake since 1988. And now, in 2014, the new generation of oarsmen and oarswomen are […]
The work of the European Outdoor Conservation Association
Tanya Bascombe from EOCA gives us the low-down on the great work done in the UK and overseas: As an outdoorsy type, I bet you probably consider yourself ‘Quite Interested’ in green issues and conservation? ‘Treading Lightly’ – all that kind of thing? Well did you know that across Europe, an ever-expanding group of outdoor […]
Hannah and Chico: Welsh Vacation
The latest blog from Hannah and her trusted friend, Chico: I last sent a message at the very beginning of last July’s heat wave, when the rains of June were still fresh. The walk around Wales took another four and a half months; Chico the donkey and I finally arrived back in Aberystwyth in mid-November, […]
How to win a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development
Nikwax has won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development! We’re amongst just 13 companies across the country this year to have received an award in this environmental category, so we’re immensely proud of all our hard work that led to this achievement. We make every effort to minimise our impact on the environment […]
GREEN CHEMISTRY WINS NIKWAX ITS FOURTH QUEEN’S AWARD
Nikwax has today received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. The award is the UK’s highest accolade for business success and celebrates the consistent development of products and approaches to management that are commercially successful and have major benefits for the environment, society and British economy. If you’ve ever noticed your coat soaking […]
Join us for a 50km charity challenge!
We have a new and exciting charity challenge for you to get involved in – Widehorizons Adventure Challenge on Saturday 4th October 2014. The event, supported by Nikwax and Páramo, challenges teams of two to four to cycle 37km, canoe 3km, and run 10km (50km in total), across the beautiful South-East countryside, including Bedgebury Forest […]
Gets the kids involved in our Schools Adventure Challenge
Nikwax and Páramo are sponsoring the Widehorizons Schools Adventure Challenge on Friday 4th July 2014 at Bewl Water, Kent. The challenge allows children to experience adventure the way it’s meant to be – offering the chance to conquer new challenges, learn new skills, buzz with excitement and take home fantastic memories. This 5-mile adventure walk […]
World Land Trust – true to its word: Saving Real acres in Real places
WorldLand Trust (WLT) celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year and believes it has something to shout about. Its strapline ‘Saving Real acres in Real places’ is as true today as it was when they established its first project, Programme for Belize, in 1989. In those days it was possible for the charity to buy threatened […]
World Land Trust needs your votes to help its Caucasian Leopard project!
WLT could win a €30,000 grant from National Geographic Germany for its Caucasian Leopard project and you can help by casting your vote! National Geographic Germany is a member of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA), who shortlisted the World Land Trust’s (WLT) project for this public vote. Nikwax, a long standing WLT corporate supporter, […]
Nikwax Guide to Base Layers
What is a base layer? Base layers are great at keeping you comfortable while you’re active. They trap a thin layer of air against the body to regulate temperature, while working to wick sweat away from the skin and speed up evaporation to keep you dry. Base layers come in a range of styles and […]
Join Nikwax and ‘Love Your Clothes’
What’s in your wardrobe? Did you know the average UK household owns around £4,000 worth of clothes and about 30% of it hasn’t been worn in the last year? Plus, we bin 350,000 tonnes of used clothing every year – that’s the equivalent in weight of more than 29,000 London buses! That’s why Nikwax is […]
A journey to Machu Piccu… Taking on the Inca Trail and raising money for charity
Each year that’s passed we’d thought…”This year we would do something different… have an adventure rather than the usual two weeks in the sun.” We are over 40 and so decided it was now time for us to see the world. We had thought about it in January 2013 and concluded that this was the […]
Inspired to take up a challenge for charity?
Are you thinking of taking on your very own challenge this year? If so, here are a few suggestions to inspire you to get started!
Nikwax demonstrates that High Performance outerwear does not depend upon PFC technology
Nikwax Waterproofing has until now been best known as a world leader for its waterproofing aftercare products. However, Nikwax is now entering the international world of supplying PFC free water-repellent technology to manufacturers of outdoor clothing. Nikwax is launching two new garment component products at ISPO 2014: Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, which is being built into […]
Nikwax signs with GB Rowing Team
Top-class technical cleaning and waterproofing for clothing and equipment are a daily necessity for a successful rower. And, for the next year, the GB Rowing Team will rely on Nikwax as its provider of high quality cleaning and waterproofing products after the company signed as an official supplier. Nikwax, founded in the UK in 1977 […]
Nikwax’ Top 10 Tips for a Greener Christmas
Reduce, re-use and recycle Christmas is the time for giving, so why not give back to the environment and follow our top 10 tips for a greener festive season!
Nikwax Launches Environmental Grants Programme
Nikwax today launched a grants programme to support environmental projects across the UK. The programme, which will see six grants totalling £3,000 being awarded every year, is designed to support small groups and organisations in their environmental ambitions. Over the past two years, Nikwax has supported several groups. An outstanding example is Tchad Solaire, an […]
Chasing the rain: Life as a product tester
So where will the worst weather be? Helen, my co designer and I debate the mountain location for our monthly field testing get together. We plumb for the Highlands as our best bet.
Nikwax supports World Land Trust urgent land purchase and protection projects
Nikwax and Páramo have been offsetting their unavoidable carbon emissions through World Land Trust (WLT) for over a decade. Alongside this Nikwax and Páramo donate a matched amount to contribute towards WLT’s urgent land purchase and protection projects. Between June 2008 and August 2013 Nikwax and Páramo donated a fantastic £44,819.61 to land purchase and […]
Capital Walkers’ Summer Adventures on the Alps Tour du Mont Blanc
Check out this month’s guest blog from Dr Moira Fraser at Capital Walkers, and read about her adventures this summer on the Tour du Mont Blanc…
World Land Trust thanks Nikwax for its support
Nikwax believes everyone has a responsibility to do what they can to protect what is left of the natural world. And that’s why it puts money aside to help the World Land Trust (WLT) fund the purchase and protection of critically threatened habitats across the world. Carbon Balanced projects Over the past six years Nikwax has […]
Hannah and the Seaside Donkey
Let us introduce you to Hannah Engelkamp, our guest blogger and donkey-walking author [well soon to be]. Hannah Engelkamp is a travel writer and editor
Nikwax launches NEW Cotton Proof
Nikwax today launched a new and improved version of its Cotton Proof product to waterproof all your cotton clothes and kit. Easy to use in a washing machine at home, Nikwax Cotton Proof will make any cotton fabric water repellent keeping, you warmer and drier when caught out in the rain. Now in a new, […]
Top 5 foods to forage
If you thought there was no such thing as a free lunch, think again! UK woodlands have plenty to offer with delicious plants, berries and nuts that are safe to eat and offer a number of health benefits. We’ve rounded up 5 of the best wild foods – chosen for their abundance, nutrition and safety. […]
Landscape photography tips
We asked Nikwax employee and photographer James Robertshaw to put together some landscape photography tips to get the most of your pictures whilst out and about. It’s not about the camera! I’m sure I’m not the only person to have been complemented on a photo with the phrase “you must have a really nice camera”. […]
First aid for the outdoors
Trekking up a hill, skiing on the slopes or cycling deep in a woodland and an emergency strikes – would you know basic first aid techniques at the time of need in the great outdoors?
How to repair your outdoor gear on the move
Have you ever been adventuring somewhere remote and damaged a vital piece of kit? Check out these quick fixes for repairing your gear on the move:
Clean, waterproof and lengthen the life of your summer jacket
Cleaning and waterproofing your lightweight summer jacket keeps it clear of dirt and adds durable water-repellency. It also ensures it stays breathable to keep you cool in the warmer months.
The history of the tent
The history of the tent is as unique as the tent itself. From prehistoric times to modern recreational camping, tents have been a part of human comfort and survival for thousands of years.
Clean, waterproof and protect your tent and gear for the 2013 camping season
Around this time of year one of our most frequently asked questions is: Should I regularly clean my tent and if so, what’s the best way to do it?
Sudan refugees get a helping hand from Nikwax!
Nikwax was approached last year by TchadSolaire, an NGO working to improve the lives of Darfurian refugees in the Chadian desert. The growing refugee camps and the need for cooking fuel has put pressure on the surrounding ecosystem and women leaving the camps in search of wood risk being attacked and raped. The NGO provides […]
Make your fleece work harder!
In February, Nikwax launched new Polar Proof. Easy and safe to use in the washing machine, it will make any fleece water repellent and maintain breathability, keeping you warm and dry in wet weather, as well as extending the life of your fleece. When wet, fleeces absorb water and become heavy. A fleece treated with […]
Rab and Nikwax; in partnership
We are embarking on a new partnership with clothing company, Rab, to create hydrophobic down. The waterproof down will be used in Rab clothes and sleeping bags from this Winter, it was announced today. Talking at ISPO, Rab CEO, Matt Gowar said, “There are many treatments on the market, but when we wanted to develop […]
Nikwax Supports Greenpeace on PFC Pollution
Greenpeace calls for ban on fluorocarbon water repellents (PFCs) Earlier this week, Greenpeace published a report calling for a ban on all PFCs (fluorocarbon chemicals) in the outdoor industry. Nikwax aftercare products have NEVER contained PFCs because we share Greenpeace’s concern that these chemicals pose a risk to people’s health and the environment. PFCs are […]
Conservation Champions
Nikwax had some fantastic news this year at the annual OutDoor trade show in Friedrichshafen. Following our long running association with the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA), we were named Conservation Champions for our work and support for conservation around the world. Nick Brown our Managing Director picked up the award from EOCA President John […]
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Nikwax® is delighted to have joined forces with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). As leaders in our respective fields, we have teamed up to help young people protect themselves and their expedition kit while outdoors. From the extensive Nikwax® range we have chosen six key products that will make any expedition a success; Tech […]
Nikwax® has won an OutDoor INDUSTRY AWARD for TX Direct® version 11.1.
Presented at the Industry’s leading European Trade Fair, OutDoor 2011 in Germany, the prestigious award represents innovation and quality and is hotly contested. This year 301 entries from 23 countries battled it out before being whittled down to 46 winners. TX,.Direct® is designed to add durable water repellency to technical outdoor waterproof clothing. After years […]
We’ve toned up TX.Direct®!
TX.Direct® is the world’s no.1 high performance waterproofing for waterproof clothing that is easy, safe and quick to use in a washing machine. Now the best has just got better! New version 11.1 keeps you drier for up to 5 times longer when exposed to constant rainfall. About the new and improved TX.Direct version 11.1: […]
Nikwax® is Green to the Core!
For the third consecutive year, Nikwax® has received a highly regarded Sunday Times Best Green Companies award, which goes to companies that are recognised as visionaries of sustainable, environmental business practices. Nikwax® was founded in 1977 with environmental responsibility as one of its main principles, and continues to lead by example with its staunch environmental […]
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