>>2082291And that's the complete parka waterproofed. The wax also makes it more wind resistant, so you won't get as chilled in the wind, but the fabric remains breathable. I apply silicone spray and Greenland wax to all of my canvas and wool outdoor gear; my nylon backpacks, which are not waterproof, I only apply the silicone spray to. It won't keep the stuff inside 100% dry in a torrential downpour, but just hiking in a light rain it keeps everything nice and dry. If you need to keep your gear dry and your backpack isn't waterproof, consider the use of dry bags inside the backpack and/or a waterproof backpack cover. If it's made of canvas, then you can absolutely waterproof it with both silicone and wax.
You COULD use just paraffin wax and get similar results, but Greenland wax is a blend of paraffin and bee's wax that absorbs into fabric more easily and is less likely to wear off or melt in extreme heat outdoors.
Waterproofing your items with silicone and wax also makes them easier to clean; dirt doesn't want to stick to them as much. You can throw items you've waterproofed in the washing machine, so long as you don't use super hot water, and in the dryer on a wool setting. Get the temperature too hot and the wax will melt again and you may lose water resistance. It will retain its water resistance for several washes, but eventually you'll need to apply the silicone and wax again to maintain waterproofing as it does wear off slightly each time you launder it.
And that's that. Who else has something to share?
