Showers Pass Timberline Jacket & Trousers Review

These Showers Pass Timberline Waterproof items are designed for the more casual wearer and they’re not so packed full of features.

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By stwhannah

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Yeah that wetting out is frustrating, my Showers Pass jacket does it too, it did from new. Gets soaked pretty fast even in light rain.
I think this may affect breathability aswell as feeling cld. Shame ‘cos their designs are very good.

DWR is pretty crap nowadays it seems – since the nasty chemicals were removed. (banned) It seems to wear off in no time.

£340 for a set of waterproofs that aren’t amazing still feels wrong to me.

Hannah – Did the jacket wet-out like that from new? Have you washed it since you were given it?

I haven’t washed it, the jacket seemed to wet out quicker than the trousers, but I had worn it in non wet weather plenty of times before getting it wet, whereas the trousers I only wear when actually wet. So they beaded more at the start.

I think the DWR quickly works off areas like sleeves / sides pack strap areas on shoulder because they rub.
Mine wetted out before washing despite a few manufacturer recommended low temp tumble dryer sessions. I’ve now done it with Grangers Repel spray, set in the dryer.
Not been in the rain but it beads under the tap.

In a previous life I worked in the DWR business.

That jacket looks like either
A. It hasn’t had a DWR applied. To be honest though I’ve seen some calenderised polyimides and polyesters without a DWR bead up better than that. Which leads me to think that it’s more likely…..
B. There’s some sort of hydrophilic contaminant coating it (Diesel and Petrol fumes can have that effect). It’s not the easiest to clean off yourself but if you have a go do a 1st wash with Tech Wash and a stain remover additive (one that’s added to the wash not direct on the fabric) like Vanish. Then a 2nd wash just with Tech Wash and an additional rinse. Tumble dry and see if it beads.
If the home wash didn’t work try dry cleaning from a good drycleaners that know about waterproof textiles and use the Greenearth process. If after that it’s still not beading then at least you’ve prepped the fabric ready for a DWR.