Apparently part of my job includes being out in the torrential rain for an hour or more at a time on a regular basis. (Um, yeah, I know, WTF
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Also, advice needed from folks who have regularly worn waterproof clothing: How does one make sure it dries entirely between uses, especially on the inside, so it does not mildew? And how does one clean it without damaging the waterproofing if it does mildew?
This is hard, and I sympathize. When you get really saturated, it helps to wipe down the outside with a towel before you hang it to dry. Then when the outside is dry to the touch, turn it inside out. I mean, turn a jacket or pants inside out. For boots, pull the zippers all the way down to let in as much air as possible, and remove insoles and hang them up. I like hangers with clips to maximize air circulation around your rain pants, insoles, hat, and gloves (in glove-wearing season.)
Unfortunately, waterproofing does not last forever; the coating eventually becomes less effective with wear and washing, or just being out in torrential rain hundreds of times. REI and other camping supply stores sell stuff that sprays on and renews the waterproofing. It won't stop rain getting through a tear in the fabric, but it makes the water much less likely to soak through.
This is hard, and I sympathize. When you get really saturated, it helps to wipe down the outside with a towel before you hang it to dry. Then when the outside is dry to the touch, turn it inside out. I mean, turn a jacket or pants inside out. For boots, pull the zippers all the way down to let in as much air as possible, and remove insoles and hang them up. I like hangers with clips to maximize air circulation around your rain pants, insoles, hat, and gloves (in glove-wearing season.)
Unfortunately, waterproofing does not last forever; the coating eventually becomes less effective with wear and washing, or just being out in torrential rain hundreds of times. REI and other camping supply stores sell stuff that sprays on and renews the waterproofing. It won't stop rain getting through a tear in the fabric, but it makes the water much less likely to soak through.
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