Nikwax Testimonials: “Relationship advice…clean your baselayers”
May 17, 2018Guest Contributor: Emma Walker Several years ago, my husband and I—fresh off our seasonal jobs in Southcentral Alaska and desperate for work—both interviewed for positions at our local gear shop. His was right before mine; we exchanged high-fives as I took his place in the proverbial hot seat. The interviewer opened with a softball question…
Nikwax Testimonials: “Protecting the Important Things”
March 21, 2018Guest Contributor: Mike Burnside When it comes to protecting all of my clothing & gear from winter and the wet weather it brings, I have been trusting Nikwax products for years. I began using Nikwax products approximately 16 years ago, when I was trying to find a better product for water-repellency, for my footwear. I…
Nikwax Testimonials: “All Parents Can Relate…”
February 20, 2018Guest Contributor: Jason McGowin Every year, as winter approaches, I run through my ski gear & apparel to determine what needs fixing or replacing. This is a really fun process for me! But I have kids… …and that means that I have to look through all of their gear too, to see what still fits,…
Nikwax Testimonials: “The Tale of The Dirty Barn Boots”
February 14, 2018Guest Contributor: Cari Cook Do you have Spring Fever? Me too. In fact, most years, I already have a bad case of the “fever” by February, and so I start cleaning things. I usually clean my house, the tack room, work studio, and riding gear. Recently, I went riding and looked down at my boots…
How to Wash a Down Jacket
November 9, 2017Purchasing a down jacket is rite of passage for us outdoor types. It’s the quintessential uniform for all mountain towns, a basecamp buddy, a belay bestie, and a go-to layer for all chilly situations. Buying a down jacket represents achieving the “next stage” of outdoorsiness. Anyone who spends time sleeping, skiing, hiking, or otherwise…
How to Clean your Waterproof Cycling Jacket
May 17, 2017Waterproof cycling jackets see some serious dirt. Unless your fenders cover your entire body like a cocoon, road and trail crud has a way of finding itself onto your cycling outerwear. Luckily, it’s easy to clean your bike jacket. Get technical. Waterproof cycling jackets are technical pieces of clothing. Many use a waterproof membrane, like GORE-TEX…
How to Clean & Waterproof Shoes and Boots
April 18, 2017Dirty, soggy shoes? Over time, shoes and boots get dirty and lose their original waterproofing. Even if your shoes have a waterproof membrane, like GORE-TEX, BDry, or eVent, the outer material will eventually soak up water. If your shoes are wet on the outside, that means water vapor (foot sweat) can’t escape, and soon, pruney swamp feet…
How to Re-waterproof your Ski Jacket
February 22, 2017Over time, ski jackets can lose their water-repellency. Waterproofing doesn’t last forever. Whether from rubbing against a dirty car while straining to reach the ski rack, or spilled apres-drinks, a dirty jacket will stop repelling water. Luckily, it’s easy to clean and re-waterproof your ski jacket so you can get back to schralping pow. The…
How to Wash Your GORE-TEX Rain Jacket
October 9, 2015Caring for your GORE-TEX jacket is as easy as giving it a wash from time to time. Cleaning keeps your jacket performing its best. Washing a GORE-TEX, eVent, or any waterproof breathable rain jacket is remarkably simple. Follow these three steps to a clean rain jacket: Read the care label in your jacket…
Outdoor Adventures with Baby
June 3, 2015I cannot pretend to be an expert in getting babies outdoors. I have only one offspring thus far, and what works for one family may very well be hell for another. Every baby is different and develops at different speeds. I am lucky(?) to have a very active, outgoing kiddo who likes going outside. He…