[pct-l] WaterProofing

[Eric Lee]

Josh wrote:
>
I've used a couple of the Aerosols and am NOT impressed AT ALL.
Has anyone used any aerosol with OUTSTANDING results?
>

What do you mean by "waterproof"?  Able to repel a brief sprinkle of water?
Able to stay dry in an all-day downpour?  Able to be completely submerged
with no leaks?

In my experience, any after-market treatment you apply yourself will only
achieve the first definition, and then only sometimes and only for awhile.
There's no way that any spray-on product will keep you dry in prolonged rain
or underwater.  It just isn't going to happen, at least not without ruining
the gear you're trying to waterproof.  For example, I guess you could dip a
sleeping bag in a large quantity of thinned silicone sealer, but I wouldn't
want to use the bag afterwards.

The only reliable way to get waterproof gear is to use stuff made with
materials that are designed to be waterproof in the first place.

Eric