Sunshine, rain, muggy, cool, windy, rain, hail, snow, sun, rain. The weather is always changeable but these last few months it’s been bewildering. But instead of staying indoors and looking out in confusion, we reckon the best plan is to get outdoors, but be prepared for all that the sky can throw at you.

And a major part of your bad weather offensive is going to be your waterproof jackets and trousers. Now, hopefully, these are going to spend most of their time in your rucksack, while you’re walking, cycling or kayaking, or whatever you do outdoors. Then, when the heavens do open, you will be able to quickly pull out your waterproofs and let them do their job… until the sun shines again.

At this time of year, after a winter of being battered by rain and snow, it could be a good idea to reproof your outer layers. Reproofing will give you lots more life to your outdoors kit – and ensure that when the rain comes, you’ll stay dry.

How to reproof your waterproofs

There is a wide range of reproofing products, and most are suited to various types of jackets.

Waterproof jackets: When you buy a new jacket, you’ll notice that rain water beads on the outside and runs off. This is because your jacket is coated with a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment. Over time the DWR treatment wears off and needs to be replaced. If you allow the DWR to diminish your jacket will become saturated with water, which massively reduces breathability. The chances are the rain will still stay out, but your sweat will also so stay inside because it can’t evaporate through the jacket and so you end up wet. Regular cleaning and re-proofing of your breathable waterproof clothing is essential to ensure that you maintain the benefits of your garments. There are a number of DWR treatments that you can use in the washing machine.

The Gore-Tex argument: To wash with or without a reproofing product, that is the question. According to Gore-Tex HQ, the best method is to wash your jacket in a warm wash, 30-degrees, without any products. This helps to clean out the micro-pores of the fabric, so that the material can do its job again, keeping water out and allowing sweat to evaporate through the jacket.

Water repellent jackets: These sorts of jackets are for activities where it’s important to keep the wind and rain out. You might be running or cycling and therefore need a jacket that is very breathable. The compromise is a lightweight jacket that is highly breathable and water repellent. These jackets need to be reproof far more regularly to keep them in shape. Choose a reproofed for water repellent jackets.

Fleeces and insulated jackets: These are meant to be waterproof but if they get wet and saturated they can’t do the job of insulating so well. Reproofing these types of jackets helps to keep you warmer.

Walking boots: These come in various types. First, leather boots. They need regular reproofing to restore the water repellence of leather. Leather is naturally very good at keeping water out but if you allow your boots to become dry and still the waterproof element is not so effective. Reproof bots with the right product.

Fabric walking boots: These boots are normally made with a Gore-Tex liner or something similar. If you do not reproof these boots the outer fabric layer will easily become saturated with water, thus reducing breathability. If the boots have suede as part of the outer this could become dried out and stiff and much less water repellent if you do not keep the boots clean and reproofed.

Tents: Most tents are designed with an internal PU coating to keep water out. But reproofing the outer layer can be a great idea. Again it’s al about fabric saturation, which re-proofing prevents. It can also prevent the build up of condensation inside the tent. Another big benefit is UV protection, which can significantly extend the life of the tent fabric. Many tent re-proofing products include UV protection.

Rucksacks: The best plan is to re-proof the outside raincover that either comes with your rucksack or has been bought separately. You would reproof this material in the same way as a waterproof jacket or waterproof trousers.

Top tip: Read the details on the reproofing product to ensure you are buying the right product for each items of outdoors clothing or equipment.