One of the main reasons people don't reproof the DWR (Durable Waterproof Repellent) coating on outdoor clothing, hiking boots, and camping gear is that it's inconvenient and requires multiple steps. For example, if you want to reproof a waterproof/breathable Gore-tex shell, it's best to wash it first and then spray on or wash-in the DWR coating, letting it dry before use. Wouldn't it be better if there was an instant aerosol spray that you could use to restore the DWR that would dry quickly, instead?
That's the premise behind Revivex's Instant Water Proofing Spray, now one of their most popular products. They claim that this "PFOA, silicone free formula is safe for nylon, leather, suede and GORE-TEX fabrics." Just spray it on and air dry.
But does it work? No. Not that I could tell. Not even close.
I sprayed it on a pair of hiking boots and the nylon camera case attached to my backpack shoulder strap. I made sure the surface of the boots, which have waterproof/breathable softshell panels, and the camera case were clean before I sprayed them, per the instructions on the bottle. The DWR coating on both items had worn off and they were in desperate need of retreatment.
I applied a heavy coating to each item and let them air dry on my back porch. They dried quickly and had no residual smell. Then I took them hiking for 4 days in cold rain, freezing rain, and snow showers.
Complete failure. Both items got wet through and through within 15 minutes of hiking in the rain. Water did not bead on the surface of my boots or camera pocket. They got as wet as they did the previous week when I hiked in the rain, and repeatedly got soaked through and through on every hike I took over the next 4 days.
Frankly, I've had a lot better results with Scotch Guard, even though they go out of their way to say that their product just improves water resistance, but does not waterproof items. I'd recommend you skip Revivex Instant Waterproofing Spray. It doesn't do anything as far as I can tell.
Disclosure: Revivex sent Philip Werner a can of Instant Waterproofing Spray for this review.
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