Why You Need to Wash Your GORE-TEX Jacket! | Miranda in the Wild

If you’ve noticed water soaking into your waterproof GORE-TEX jacket, I have some good news: it isn’t dead! It turns out that GORE-TEX needs some easy care to properly function in keeping you dry and comfortable. I partnered with GORE-TEX to teach you why, how and when to care for your GORE-TEX jacket - and to show you what a difference it can make!
What is GORE-TEX and DWR: 00:43
Why wash your GORE-TEX jacket: 1:48
What causes DWR to fail: 2:34
Dirty GORE-TEX jacket rain obstacle course test: 6:12
How to wash your GORE-TEX jacket tutorial: 10:04
Clean GORE-TEX jacket rain obstacle course test: 11:38
REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket: www.rei.com/pr...
Nikwax Tech Wash: www.rei.com/pr...
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[@lhaley3]

Miranda in the Wild may just be the best idea REI has ever had. Ever. Also. This rain obstacle course. Is. Everything.

[@StarCitizenJorunn]

100% agree with this!

[@jeffmcilroy7081]

Absolutely! Miranda has me hooked on this channel!

[@CheeseOnEverything]

Miranda made this channel what it is today.

[@myname8101]

Goretex was smart to have you do this for them. I love Goretex already but man this has made me love them more.

[@annemitchell4822]

Considering that I love goretex, but last time I used my jacket for hours, I looked like her first half of the video. I'm super stoked to see this.

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Sponsored content that actually saves consumers money & waste? Yes! Also, I can't wait to scour the thrift stores for "ruined" Gore Tex!

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

you can get jp-8 fuel handler's coverall goretex jumpsuit from venture surplus for 20-50 dollars. it works as a rainsuit and you can sleep in it under a tarp with a poncho liner and debris/browse bed underneath. you don't need to spend 300 dollars for a goretex jacket.

[@ASAP2525]

Military surplus stores have them every now and then as long as you don’t mind camo

[@Tina06019]

I washed & dried my old Goretex parka, and it didn’t perform so great. So I rinsed it two more times & dried it again on medium heat. It’s back!

[@backpacker3421]

9:40 when you partially open the zipper, the t-shirt looked pretty dry, even under the clearly wetted out placard. Hard to tell. With Gore-tex 2 layer, often what feels wetted out is completely dry. When the DWR outer layer wets out, it gets the outer surface of the membrane layer wet, which makes it cold, and the temperature change creates a sensation of wetness (our brain interprets cold+pressure as wet). I think the test might have also been a bit better without all the sweat inducing activity - although that's really fun to watch. Even a new jacket won't stop you from sweating. "Breathable" only goes so far with weatherproof fabric.

[@professorsogol5824]

hb8dinwa -- I agree. It would have been helpful to see that t-shirt, particularly the back and shoulder areas, after both rounds on the obstacle course. In my experience these areas show the effects of rain most quickly. A throughly scientific version of the demonstration would weigh the t-shirt before and after running the course and would have had one more round: Run the course without the water first and then as shown here. The difference in before and after weight would show how much water had accumulated in the fabric, and the dry round would tell us how much of the difference in weight is due to sweat. PS Does Miranda have a washer and dryer in her van?

[@AlbenOsaki]

You're completely right. If anything this was a test of DWR coating more so than the actual Gore Tex membrane.

[@backpacker3421]

@@AlbenOsaki Perfect way to sum it up, and the DWR outer layer WILL wet out if you stay out long enough in the rain, no matter how new or fresh out of the dryer it is. That's whole advantage to the membrane backing it. Even after the DWR gives up, the membrane holds back the moisture. If I'm trying to go UL and don't expect much rain, I'll bring my Helium II, but if it's going to pour, and I don't mind the extra few ounces, I'm taking my Goretex Paclite top and pants. All that said, getting the information direct from a Gore-Tex rep about best practices for washing/drying was pretty useful, and watching Miranda run around like mad was entertaining... just a little extra would have made this tons more informative.

[@TheN0m1s]

Was looking for this! I completely agree Still a very entertaining and fun Video :)

[@syindrome]

Membrane should stay waterproof after DWR is lost, but I have had a TNF HyperAir and GoreWear H5 both lose waterproofness after several months of use (despite washing and care...both have been refunded by Gore). Would like an explanation on that one 😒

[@warrenphilips8441]

Your timing couldn't be more perfect. My jacket got that wet trash bag feel last time it rained, but I was hesitant to wash it thinking that might further degrade the DWR. You're the best. Keep up the great work.

[@elderhiker7787]

I can’t add any more superlatives because everybody loves you. I have been an REI member since 1975 and watching your videos makes me laugh. I hope they pay you well because you are the best thing that’s happened at REI. Well done. Oh, I also watched your video on water filtration and it was great too.

[@MrsPadwar]

This was great! Would love to see more videos on how to restore, repair, refurbish, and reuse equipment 😊

[@emilymartin1844]

I’m watching this as an REI employee trying to learn more about product and noticed we are name twins! So cool!

[@riptide8350]

This may be the most useful episode I've seen yet thank you

[@Duffys_life]

How much coffee was consumed in the making of this video? Also supper stoked to know i just need to wash my jacket more often.

[@CheeseOnEverything]

I was always so afraid of washing my snowboard gear because there was a myth of never washing gortex. So glad I can bring them back to original state

[@lisalewis4181]

Cheese on Everything I heard the same!

[@justme4539]

@@CheeseOnEverything same here... I actually remove the shell from my jacket and just wash the inner fleece layer 😅 You learn something new everyday, I guess!

[@mattmeza]

Dave Grohl's fresh pots video comes to mind

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

All of it. Starbucks was a sponsor... was. They ran out. 😂

[@Mike-hr7pc]

TRULY appreciate this instructional video. This content is truly worth listening to for everyone who has Goretex garments. Many thanks for sharing !

[@MDWavemaster]

THE most important thing in this video is to WASH THE GORTEX. I have had a gortex jacket for years, and it just stopped working one day. I accidentally washed it, dried it, and lemme tell you..it was so soft and amazing afterwards. Like new.

[@rei]

It's like a brand new jacket! Keep that up and it will last you many years more! - Miranda

[@alexandrahubner6736]

I was told that the spinning in the machine destroys the pores in the membrane and my jackets always were Not waterproof any more after a wash!

[@TheSjh196]

@@alexandrahubner6736 yea I’m confused as well

[@9melissal]

​@@alexandrahubner6736 were you putting them in the dryer afterwards? It doesnt work if they aren't heated in dryer after washing. She made that clear it was the key.

[@jTroutuorT7034]

I have watched so many KZbin videos on this subject matter for my Gortex jacket for my fly fishing. This video is by far the BEST video out there!!! Thank you so much for this great video Miranda and the gang!

[@kpouls552]

Much needed video. I'm still shocked by how many people I meet who complain about the "poor quality" of their expensive gear only to learn that they haven't been properly taking care of it.

[@StarCitizenJorunn]

Miranda is my favoritest person on the internet. This made me laugh so much as she always does

[@susanmcinerney6049]

Miranda, you're nuts--in a great way! I finally know how to refresh my 'destroyed' jacket! And now I"m a devotee. Onward to my boots!

[@ashleyjeffers8832]

I LOVE my GORE jacket I have for cycling. I was out and about doing a 30 mile ride in Chicago and the rain poured. Kept me warm and dry! It's worth the price point, only advice try not to roll around in dirt... Yes talking to you Miranda! 😜

[@thatoneguy722]

This is the greatest REI video yet

[@AlbenOsaki]

I just want to point out that just because the DWR on the outer layer degrades doesn't mean the Goretex membrane is no longer waterproof and keeping you dry. Even after the first test Miranda should have been dry under the jacket even though water soaked through the outer layer. When the water soaks through the outer layer it does make you feel wet and sticky but that's usually just because you're sweating and/or cold.

[@aark89]

Ya see that's what I was wondering. Even if you fully degrade the DWR, technically that just means only the face fabric is wetting out right? I know that gore-tex membranes do lose their efficacy after a few years of (regular) usage, but if this jacket was brand new, the gtx membrane shouldn't be failing already. DWR just helps water bead up, whereas the gtx membrane is whats actually supposed to keep you dry. Am I missing something? Also, in the video, Christy mentions how it should be thrown in the dryer AFTER the jacket has already dried, whereas she just transferred it directly from the wash to the drier. Is the step where you throw it in already dried not as important as otherwise stressed?

[@simulacrae]

@@aark89 I know it's been two years but I kind of wanted to know this. My Gore Tex Pro jacket has a degraded DWR coating and when it rains I feel clammy like it's not very breathable anymore.

[@PedroNord]

Yes, I did learn something I didn’t know. Thank you for your happy enthusiasm !! I very much appreciate your videos. 🦋

[@josephsmith6694]

You are a ray of sunshine in my day.Thank you.

[@georgemurray84]

Dear REI, Miranda is the best thing ever. Keep her, she is SO real.

[@rguffey333]

Discovering Miranda’s videos is the only good thing to come of 2020 😂

[@TheePIB]

Miranda is such a goofball, I love it ! Great fun 😃

[@tonfiselier1818]

Silly and informative. Exactly what we need during these f*cked up times. Thanks for the laughs!

[@PetitePunkNymph]

I had no idea it was safe to put my jacket in the dryer after washing and WITH HEAT!! Omg Thank you :)

[@rednekwop]

MORE MORE MORE !!!!!!!!!! DO IT AGAIN !!!! Miranda is the best !

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Really enjoyed this, this girl had me in stitches, what a character.

[@gabrielfelixmunoz739]

I've been geeking out over waterproofness, gore-tex, water column ratings, definitions, and DWRs for the past couples days now, reading up a pile of articles, so I really appreciate this video! I still have loads of questions, but that's okay

[@anthonynistico4496]

Me: There’s no way Miranda curses.. she’s too chipper & good hearted Miranda: beep, beep, beeeeep, beep

[@robopecha]

????? she seems very authentic. authentic people curse. it wouldnt be authentic not to. it is expected.

[@arlenesolis024]

I wish I had your energy but you convinced me. I’m buying the jacket

[@700DAW]

I just had an issue with a gore tex cycling jacket wetting out on me and was disappointed. Literally saw this video as an ad, watched the whole thing. Happy to say I washed and dried it and now its good as new.

[@AleksiJoensuu]

I can attest to the heat difference mattering. When I ride with my Gore-Tex motorcycle suit I stay quite dry even in a downpour. When I stop, though, if I just lounge around in it for an extended period of time, I'll slowly start to feel the moisture seeping in. I think it's down to my own body heat heating up the water in the upper layers of the suit and slowly evaporating it so it gets through the membrane.

[@michaelppdirector]

Amazing! Thanks for the info! I’d LOVE a companion video for caring for down jackets and sleeping bags! Keep the good stuff coming!

[@rei]

Great suggestion! - Miranda

[@sennnia]

I love you, Miranda. You bring me joy.

[@AllenSchubert]

I'm enjoying Miranda's Gore-Tex Testing!! It's be cool to test other products in a similar manner. Or...even create this as an obstacle course for people to see how they'd react to getting rained on and stuff before they ever go camping! I don't know...but thanks REI and Miranda! ... And maybe after the pandemic is over, Miranda could go on a tour of all REIs!

[@150F2011]

Miranda you are hilarious,so fun to watch your videos.If you auditioned for the job REI picked the right gal.Thanks

[@rogerdavis2056]

Thank You! That's the best explanation of what and how to take care of Goretex product's.

[@carolinesaunders6656]

Love your videos Miranda wish we had REI in the UK 🤗

[@baron7024]

Miranda you are crazy. The good kind ! Have learned a lot from your channel. Stay safe and keep sharing your experiences.

[@MrDonal63]

Great video's from yourself and your film crew. Along with your big bubbly personality and smile. Keep up the great work Miranda.

[@rei]

{{screenName}} Thanks for watching Donal!

[@davidyule3605]

Science and fun at the same time! Excellent!

[@Islhopr]

Great to know a wash and dry in the DRIER will bring back GoreTex!! Never knew that, thanks!

[@donnajean72]

I need this obstacle course in my life. Love this video!!

[@mikepressley3956]

Best video yet! Great job!

[@Alexmontis3843]

I really enjoyed watching the test. I will wash my jacket every time i use it. Thanks.

[@willtantoco2774]

This video should be on loop at every REI where Gore-Tex is sold.

[@rei]

Not a bad idea! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ernestgiboo9006]

I still use my original issued Gore-Tex filled jacket & bivy from the army. Yep... warm water liquid laundry soap “free and clear”. Dryer on medium heat “no dryer sheet” 15-20min hang dry. Color is a little faded on all three. But they are still rain and wind resistant. I live in the Midwest my biggest enemy is the wind. If I can cancel out the windchill just means less layers. Less layers means better every day comfort. I’ve tried all of the fake or knocked off Gore-Tex products. I have learned if it doesn’t say Gore-Tex I don’t want it.

[@Needle620]

This is freaking awesome! REI is my go to. I often buy their products first then look for a review. 😂 Just like this jacket I bought today. If you usually wear a size medium like me, I would recommend getting a size small. I still have mobility with a sweater and a flannel shirt underneath.

[@MrMisaKulicka]

Great video, good to know it's ok to wash regularly - drying more of an issue without access to a tumble dryer though, but knowing that's integral to the process is useful.

[@rei]

If you don't have a dryer, you can iron the jacket on a warm (not hot) and gentle setting with no steam. Place a towel on the jacket and iron away! - Miranda

[@MrMisaKulicka]

@@rei ah that's a great tip, thank you so much!!

[@nunyabeezwacks1408]

Miranda just sold me on a Gore-Tex jacket, and it hardly ever rains where I live!

[@joyfaithlove]

I want to be friends with Miranda

[@rei]

Let's make it happen! - Miranda

[@achrisman77]

Me too.

[@joyfaithlove]

@@rei Yay! Let me know if you are ever in England and need a climbing/camping/backpacking buddy!

[@natd5544]

You are without a doubt, 100% bananas! And I love it!

[@SmithFarmTilton]

I recently purchased this REI XeroDry jacket for hiking. So far, I'm totally satisfied with the water repellency, fit, comfort, and packability of this coat. However, I'm currently unsatisfied with the breathabilty of it. I'm new to Gore Tex coats, so perhaps some of my problem is the learning curve associated with wearing Gore Tex. I find it doesn't expel any, or at least most of my sweat. Last hike, when I started to get sweaty, I removed the XeroDry coat to find the inside soaked with sweat. I hung it mostly inside out on my pack, hoping it would dry. When my pace slowed, and I figured it was time to put the coat back on, I found the moisture inside had now frozen into frost. I had no choice but to put the icy coat back on, making me more cold.... at least initially. I would like to see more info on how this coat disperses moisture, and how much it will disperse in real world use. I have watched other reviews on Gore Tex coats, but people only seem to spend 10 minutes outdoors with their coat on, then rave about Gore Tex. At this point I'm regretting not trying a less expensive REI Rainier jacket with pit zips for ventilation vs. the Gore Tex.

[@MandoRIII]

This was so much fun to watch as always 👍

[@adamclukabarry5105]

Dear Miranda, I hope you make 6 figures. You deserve it!

[@leekhai488]

고어텍스에 대해 이렇게 실용적인 정보를 보여주는 영상은 처음봅니다. 다들 고어텍스가 좋다고 말만 하지만, 실제로 이렇게 제대로 관리하는 예를 보여준적은 없었던것 같아요. 정말 좋은 정보입니다..

[@thomassawyer7314]

Miranda that was AWESOME !

[@TerryEats305]

I got one from the goodwill, and it’s still pretty nice

[@skalien51]

I’ve read articles & comments from many people indicating that you’re NOT suppose to use just any type of liquid detergent to wash GORETEX jackets. I personally use Nikwax detergent on my Arc’teryx jackets & it seems to work well.

[@wornoutwrench8128]

Funny you should put this up. I have some rain clothes that I wear when biking. Not gore-tex, a knock off. Last time it rained and I had them on, they really didn't make that much difference. So I washed them and just like in the video, good like new. Note to self, wash your rain clothes more often... Who knew

[@EXPLOREMOREFILMS]

My face isn't waterproof. Lol

[@RXP91]

This inspired me to get my North Face futurelight washed. I tried the Nikwax spray on DWR but it's still getting soaked in the heavy rain storms we're having. Had some actual wash that had never been opened, so giving it a shot. Will test it out in the shower! Also I have been marathoning Miranda, what a beautiful dose of happiness in these anxious times!

[@MrBlasme]

Well I have a GoreTex pro jacket for motorcycle and I had to replace it because after washing it completly lose it's DWR. And even putting it into the dryer or using some special products didn't change this. I had follow the advices of GoreTex but it didn't work. I don't know what I could have done wrong.

[@ΑΝΔΡΕΑΣΒΑΛΛΙΑΝΑΤΟΣ]

Μπράβο βρε κοπελιά, μου αρέσει πολύ ο τρόπος που προσεγγίζεις το θέμα!

[@mndvz]

Would love to know how to maintain gtx shoes as well :) Would hand washing and using a blow dryer work? Or would the heat dissolve the glue in this case?

[@eunjinyu1224]

Quality contents! Thanks a lot Miranda and REI team

[@javierdiazvillalba5468]

i love miranda, great video!

[@rw7594]

Awesome. The instructions on my Cabelas gore-tex parka say just that. Wash and put in to the dryer for 20 mins after drying. Folks, when you buy a gore-tex jacket RTFM! 😁

[@Mis-AdventureCH]

Love your Astro built.

[@joekurtz8303]

After a good rain, I've simply sought shelter & hang dry my outer shell next to a fan or sunlight. Sweat factor a concern for smells , then I'll launder gentle cycle light tumble dry, and or hang dry . Inspect your inner tape seams .

[@ojibwayinca8487]

Now THIS is a real review!!!!

[@AndrewB416]

How is Miranda not dropping F bombs while getting soaked and exercising?! ...... Ah...there she goes! lol

[@leapintothewild]

Heck, spend 5 minutes on the Nikwax site and you'll get a big ol' education on how to take care of all your gear!! I've used their products exclusively for years -- clean and treat down jackets, quilts and bags, backpack, tent, stinky tech clothing, etc., etc. And if you do their quiz once a month, you'll get amazing free samples in the mail!

[@whatfreedom7]

Bought my North Face gortex 3in1 back in 2007. It’s still good and doesn’t leak. I’ve washed it several times without drying and have never treated it. Also had North face gortex shoes years ago and solomon and keen. Never had any of them leak although you can feel the coldness from the water. Now my REI brand raincoat sucks.I don’t think it’s gortex but definitely not waterproof and absorbs water and doesn’t repel well.

[@wazzupwazzupovich167]

Hi, Miranda! The video is so informative! Liked your obstacle course a lot, that was funny :) But i have stiil one question left. Are there any alternative ways to retrieve the DWR if i don't have a dryer machine?

[@redalert2834]

A hair dryer might do.

[@davidvance3527]

Remember, for science. ☺ That's why you get the fame and big bucks. 😀 Great video.👍😎

[@davegaultier5283]

Loved the scooties!

[@darknessconcept2156]

Wow. Who knew. Thanks Miranda / REI / GoreTex.

[@shieldslfc]

The goretex never failed and let water in, your sweat couldn’t escape because the outer layer had wetted out. Allowing no moisture to escape. So retreating the jacket meant rain now beads off it, allowing it to breathe again.

[@jennifersartor7232]

So valuable to know this, my jacket is in need of a good wash!

[@NikCan66]

Excellent video

[@gregredling4895]

"I MADE THISSSSSSS............" lol I love Miranda!!

[@fearsomefawkes6724]

I hope they payed well because that was an effective commercial. Once I can justify the cost of a gortex jacket I'm definitely buying one

[@AlaskaInMotion]

So... are DWRs unhealthy? I know that in firefighting, the DWRs used in their gear has been suspected to be the main cancer causer, more so than toxic smoke.

[@sdemosi]

Depends. PFCs in some DWRs appear to be carcinogenic. Make sure your DWR spray or wash is PFC free.

[@LWilli5]

These are just so much fun. ☺️

[@danielgarza9189]

Miranda! Great job!

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

....NINJA WARRIORS ,, BEWARE !! Miranda ,, only 1 thing to say..... YOU'RE CRAZY !! .. I know these jackets are highly sought after ,, after probably 5 years of use ,only washed a couple of times ,,some one had to break a window in my car and steal one and then another from a camp chair at 12k ft. ... ...But it's YOUR show gosh darn !! .......All in the name of science...... ...You're Awesome!! ...

[@spareless3694]

Serious question: Should we listen to these awesome tips or follow the care tag instructions? 🤔

[@matthewmanalili9581]

Just looking for clarification for when the video says "dry for 20m on medium AFTER already clean and dry." Do you add an extra 20 more minutes after initial drying in the dryer? Or do you dry in the dryer for an extra 20m after already being hang dried? 🤔 I hope that makes sense. Thanks in advance. Love the content, keep it up.

[@catlady8324]

GORE-TEX always reminds me of the George Costanza puffy jacket.

[@Golddragon214]

You have way too much fun on this show

[@TacticalPoppins]

OMG! Thank you for doing this! I didn't know GorTex could be rejuvenated!

[@rei]

Glad you found it informative!

[@idmarts1]

This should be a real competition

[@raydarnguen]

Lover her positive energy personality

[@TheRetiredHiker]

Still one of my favorite videos.

[@snappyfish]

Well my 3 year old Gortex packlite Trousers (pants) have been used no more than 10 times for 1 hour walks with dog.. I wear jogging bottoms underneath them.. they let water in today.. will try washing and tips based from this vlog.. but for some reason I don't hold much hope!

[@TheRetiredHiker]

GoodStuff™ Easily the most entertaining video I've see you make. Keep up the good work.

[@adys6115]

Great info, thanks, wish I had watched it before I have just sprayed my jacket. DOH!

[@SamuelMonteiro16]

Haha this video is great. Ill by buying a gore-tex soon. You’re hilarious, beautiful soul. You have a new subscriber ill be checking out more videos. Keep up the great work 🙏🏾💪🏽✌🏽