Sad my Drikriksens is no longer waterproof - Need Replacement

[irridium]

After 5 years of less than average use my Thelma has lost its waterproofing around the back/shoulder area this autumn. I'm not that happy that it hasn't lasted longer than this. I think it's time to buy another waterproof but I'm not sure what to get. I'm not sure buying another will be best idea. I've looked at Paramo but I'm not keen on the boring design nor am I impressed with Lands End Squall coat that's on Swears By either, although I'm happy to pay that price range - £200. I've checked out of posts of similar requests but not really sure how waterproof they claim to be - ie. Rains/Protected Species/Seasalt etc. going by their prices less than £200. Can someone help?

You know you can re-waterproof them? There's stuff you can buy to do it.

But if you're looking to get a new one anyway, I swear by my north face parka, it's waterproof and very cosy! I wanted didriksons initially but they were far too long for my short legs.

@Invisimamma I know I can reproof them with products, but I'm not sure how good they are (Nikwax). I've been eyeing up parkas too, but I'm only after something that isn't too well-known (sorry for being snobbish about this!)

I didn't initially want The north face for that reason too, but it was really the only thing that stood up to the test of being waterproof and warm enough for standing by the side of a football pitch in Scotland with it raining sideways. I didn't want anything too outdoorsy looking either, like trespass or mountain warehouse.

I do rate the nikwax stuff. Buy the duo it’s a shampoo so wash the coat first. Then rewaterproof. It definitely worked but I did find my black Didrikson faded quite a lot eventually. I think I had it for 8 years, still have it as a spare dog walking coat.

Surely Nikwax is worth a try before getting rid? I've always found it works like a charm.

My Rains one cost £70 in the sale and lasted about 4 years of fairly heavy use before the fabric perishing around shoulders (wearing rucksack caused it think,actual fabric is damaged so nikwax won't work on it I presume). I think there is a shelf life to them as you have found so now I will continue to spend less and accept I'll need new every 4-5 years.

I find that after being drenched many times , even waterproof clothing loses some of it's ability. ( basing this on my experience of regatta and Trespass, which of course, are lower budget) . It rained a lot in the last year or so.

I'd recommend trying the Nikwax on your existing coat as whatever you buy next will likely end up having the same problem eventually.

I'd definitely recommend reproofing before you buy a new one. The proofing always wears off first in the places that rub.

We've always found that you want something that doesn't market itself as eco-friendly for reproofing (sadly). Obviously we'd prefer to have something where we used eco-friendly stuff but we don't usually find they are as effective.

@Mairzydotes I agree, the only coat I've ever had that hasn't needed re proofing in the 10 years I've had it (and used daily in winter for dog walks) is my Seasalt Janelle. All the rest get a dose of Nikwax after a few years which does the trick.

Also I have waxed jacket - not a Barbour, an ancient Crane - that I re wax with an eco product every year. It's not quite as waterproof as the plastic ones, and only covers my bum but so much more breathable and eco-friendly.

I have an Aigle coat, that is still waterproof and looks great 10 years in. Highly recommend!

https://support.didriksons.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360038720832-When-do-I-need-to-reimpregnate-my-Didriksons-jacket

Nikwax is amazing.
Didrisksons customer care is also amazing!
There are solutions available.
I suspect you might just want a new coat?

Have a look to see if it could be tumble dried....this sometimes helps with the re proofing

Thanks everyone for all your replies and suggestions to get mine reproofed. I'll give it ago and see what happens. I do wear a rucksack when I'm out so that obviously has made the shoulder and back area more worn than the other areas.

@Oldraver Does the Nikwax ever come off in the drum at the end? I wouldn't want to faff around cleaning it after it's been used.