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…

OUTERWEAR
Nikwax Analogy® Waterproof fabric combines Nikwax Analogy Pump Liner® – which mimics the action of animal fur by pushing liquid water outwards to protect you from rain, condensation and perspiration whilst protecting your insulation – with a directional microfibre to deflect wind and rain. The fabric is soft, strong and durable, is effective in both high humidity and very cold conditions, and its water repellency can be easily renewed for the lifetime of the garment.

Nikwax Analogy Insulator combines Nikwax Windproof closely woven microfibre outer with Nikwax synthetic, water resistant fill to cut windchill and provide excellent insulation for overlayering with other Nikwax fabrics. It retains body heat very effectively to warm the body quickly and deflects rain whilst providing excellent moisture vapour transfer. It packs down small, giving a high warmth to weight ratio, and the fill gives a down-like feel and performance, with the benefit of still working well when wet.

Nikwax Windproof, Windproof Stretch and Windproof Denim are closely woven, resilient microfibre fabrics that cut wind chill and protect your insulation whilst still allowing movement of water away from the body. Comfortable when worn next to the skin, they are extremely breathable and highly resistant to degradation in ultraviolet (UV) light. They also fold and compress without damage so are ideal for ‘pack and carry’.

Nikwax Fleece is both water repellent and wind resistant, actively pushing liquid water – rain and perspiration – away from the body to keep you dry. It performs in all temperatures and humidity conditions whilst also trapping still air to provide superior insulation when needed.

Nikwax Cotton+ is a lightweight yet tough fabric that blends cotton with modern synthetic fibres to provide rugged comfort. By combining the best of the properties of both fibres, the fabric offers easy wear and easy care qualities ideal for outdoor activities and travel. It is quick drying and UV and wind-resistant.

What cleaning products are best for my Nikwax outerwear garments?
Designed and optimised to treat breathable waterproof fabrics, Tech Wash® is an easy-to-use and highly effective cleaner that also revitalises Durable Water Repellency (DWR) and maintains breathability. Regular cleaning of your gear will keep it performing at its best, however, when  Tech Wash alone does not revitalise the DWR it is time for a thorough re-proof.

TX.Direct® is the No.1 high performance waterproofer that is quick and easy-to-use in your washing machine; treating the seams, tapes and cords of your garment, as well as the fabric. The product develops on air drying, leaving a flexible water repellent treatment on individual fibres that allows moisture vapour to pass through, maintaining breathability.

Nikwax Cotton+ garments should be cleaned first with Tech Wash, as above, followed by Cotton Proof, which delivers the same waterproofing result as TX. Direct.

 

BASE LAYERS
Nikwax Parameta® base layers are made from incredibly versatile and lightweight polyester fabrics that provide either cooling or insulation as needed. They wick very effectively and spread perspiration over a large area, which dries out rapidly.

Parameta G has a raised grid pattern that traps air for insulation when covered with a windproof layer. Worn alone, the fabric allows air to circulate next to the skin for cooling.

Parameta A keeps you cool at higher temperatures and blocks out virtually all damaging UV rays, making it ideal for warm weather activities and travel.

Parameta T provides light insulation, making it excellent for cooler conditions. Its soft feel is very comfortable against the skin, even when worn for prolonged periods.

Parameta T+ is a reversible, asymmetrical fabric that directs water from one face to the other and provides two levels of cooling. It is also very robust and resists the ‘pulls’ that base layers are often prone to.

What cleaning products are best for my Nikwax Parameta base layers?
Once your base layers have been worn a few times and are starting to smell, clean them with BaseWash® to deodorise, freshen, soften, and enhance their drying and cooling performance.

Not only is BaseWash easy-to-use as it cleans and conditions at the same time, but it outperforms conventional household detergents and fabric conditioners, which can impair the wicking qualities of base layers and cause moisture retention. Additionally, over time, a build-up of bacteria and body oils can lead to your base layers smelling, which conventional detergents and fabric conditioners will simply mask rather than remove.

If you have just a few dirty base layers and want to clean them in a regular laundry load without compromising their technical attributes, BaseFresh®, will deliver the same results as BaseWash. Used instead of a fabric conditioner, BaseFresh allows your regular detergent to clean away dirt and stubborn stains, whilst it will deodorise, inhibit the build-up of body odours, improve wicking and accelerate drying.