Nikwax Waterproofing Products
When I was in the Scouts we used to go on winter camping trips and it seemed that no matter how hard I tried or what I used, some part, or in several cases almost all of my gear got wet. I endured many uncomfortable nights trying to sleep because I could not find a good and easy-to-use waterproofer. That is until about five years ago while working at an outdoor store (to get my gear fix) when I heard about a product called Nikwax. They claimed that their product would waterproof while also keeping your boots or jackets breathable. It worked!
Since then, Nikwax has expanded their line of products to waterproof anything you can think of from your gloves and map to your horse blankets and tents. The best part about their product is that it goes on super easy and quickly, with little or no smell, and dries scent free which is an added bonus for all your hunting gear.
For much of the Nikwax waterproofing products (TX Direct, Polar Proof, Cotton Proof, Down Wash) all you need for applying are your washer and dryer. The boot cleaners and waterproofers are just as easy to apply because most come with a foam applicator or you can simply use a wet rag and your fingers. I can waterproof my whole assortment of boots and shoes while watching TV with my wife (The slight smell doesn’t compare to the countless coats of nail polish I’ve had to endure J ). The best part is how easy it is to apply and the fact that humidity and temperature doesn’t effect the application of the product. Plus, all of the Nikwax product line is water based. So you won’t find yourself in the garage late at night macing your vehicle with some aerosol waterproofer.
Ok so here is my top 10 of the Nikwax line and some specifics about each of them:
1. 
Nikwax Waterproofing Wax is great stuff. I am a full leather boot kind of guy, whether hiking, hunting or cowboy boots, this wax work great, and all you have to do is clean your boots, wet them down slightly, rub the wax into the boot and let them sit. Wipe off any excess and let them sit over night and your good to go.
2. Polar Proof also just a great product. In Colorado we get light rain showers at night in the spring while it’s still cool enough that you need a jacket. That’s where the Polar Proof comes in to give you that little bit more protection from the elements. To apply all you have to do is add it to you washing machine, just as you would add detergent and then dry according to your gears washings instructions.
3. Tech Wash this stuff is really great for those pieces of gear that are your more big ticket gear items (Gore-Tex style jackets, pants etc…). Tech Wash is designed as a detergent substitute to regular detergent.
4. In conjunction with Tech Wash, TX. Direct wash-in or spray-on which is made for rewater proofing water proof breathable fabrics, I know what your say to your self why do I need to water proof a water proof fabric? Well, simply put, you’re reapplying a water proof coating to the 
out side of the fabric which keeps the nylon for absorbing water, making your water proof/ breathable fabric more efficient.
5. Cotton Proof is for those of you who work in the construction field. Cotton Proof is ideal for your entire Carhartt style work clothes. Just like the rest of the wash in products, just wash and dry.
6. Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof, this product works great on boots that have two materials, normally nylon and leather or suede and some kind of breathable water proof fabric. To apply, it is almost easier than the wax due to the bottles form applicator. 
Clean your boots and apply.
7. Map Proof, this one is pretty much how it sounds, but you can use it on any paper, charts, whatever you want to keep dry.
8. Glove Proof, this is for water proofing your socks! No, I’m just kidding, just making sure your still with me. But seriously Glove Proof waterproofs gloves and helps maintain your grip.
9. Tent & Gear Proof is for all your gear, gaiters, tents, packs. To apply, make sure your gear is clean and then
spray an even coat over the desired gear, wait 2 minutes, wipe off extra. If you’re going to put it on your tent set up you tent and then apply make sure you cover completely.
10. Down Wash works great for cleaning down sleeping bags, jackets, vests. It is very gentle and does not hurt the down feathers. Consider using DownProof after Down Wash.
11. Last but not least is a new product called, UV Proof. Designed for waterproofing gear and jackets, but also protects your gear from UV rays which can hurt your gear and cause them to fade. It goes on much like the Tent & Gear proof, if you want to put it on tents, set up your tent, clean and spray every thing with a good coat, wait 2 minutes, wipe and let dry.
Needless to say, I am a fan of Nikwax products and if you too would like to find out more specifics on one or more of their products, visit your local hunting or sporting goods store or visit them online at www.Nikwax.com.
If you would prefer to talk direct to a Nikwax person at the Nikwax North America office please call 800 563 3057 between the hours of 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday (PST).