How to Test for Water Repellency
Clara Redwood and 8 other contributors
Last updated on Oct 15, 2025
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Patagonia
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Introduction
Go to step 1 ↓Wondering if your jacket’s durable water repellent (DWR) coating is still doing its job? This guide will show you how to check whether your gear is still repelling water or if it's time to reapply the DWR. A quick test can save you from a soggy surprise on your next adventure!
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What you need
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Lay your jacket on a table or other flat, smooth surface.
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Spray the jacket with water.
Ask FixBot
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Observe the water.
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If the water sinks in and absorbs into the material, your jacket is "wetting out" and needs to have the durable water repellent (DWR) coating reapplied.
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If the water beads up, staying on the outside of the garment like dew drops, your jacket's DWR is working well and doesn't need to be reapplied.
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