When you’re out adventuring, hiking, biking, or climbing, you want to protect your hard-earned gear as much as you want to protect yourself. Be it your sleeping bags, tents, jackets, or shoes. On some days, you might experience rough and rainy weather. So what can you do to prevent yourself from getting soaked, and keep your gear in tiptop shape?
Water repellent sprays help protect your fabric from absorbing water and becoming bulky and wet. These sprays are easy to apply and do not leave any stains. They also add a protective layer to the surface they are applied to, keeping them dry and stain-resistant.
There are plenty of different types of waterproof sprays, each with their own purpose and pros and cons. So how do you find the best waterproof spray for you?
Today, with so many off-the-shelf options available, consumers are spoilt for choice. Whether you are looking for a protective spray for your clothing, outdoor equipment, jackets, or shoes, take a look at our top waterproofing spray reviews below.
Quick Jump
- Best Waterproofing Sprays Reviewed
- Waterproofing Sprays Comparison Table
- Best Waterproof Spray For Jackets
- Best Waterproof Spray For Clothing
- Best Water Repellent Spray For Shoes
- Overall Best Waterproofing Spray for Outdoor Fabric
- Best Waterproof Spray Reviews
- Clout Guard – Premium Water and Stain Repellent
- Waterproof Sprays Buyers Guide
- Summary
Best Waterproofing Sprays Reviewed
- Sof Sole Silicone Waterproofer Spray
- Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent
- Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector
- Grangers Performance Repel Plus
- Better Boat Fabric Protector Spray
- Clout Guard – Premium Water and Stain Repellent
- Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector
- Star Brite Waterproofing Spray
- 303 Fabric Guard
- Nikwax Softshell Proof Waterproofing
- Rust-Oleum NeverWet
- Kiwi Boot Protector
- Atsko Silicone Water-Guard
- Sof Sole Waterproofer Spray for Shoes
- Mountval Textile Shield
Waterproofing Sprays Comparison Table
Best Waterproof Spray For Jackets
When it comes to outdoor jackets, you’ll need an effective spray that can help protect them from the elements, keep them fresh, and, importantly, keep you dry. The best waterproof spray that we recommend in this category is the Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector. Its one-step application makes it extremely convenient to use. Other effective sprays include:
Best Waterproof Spray For Clothing
If you are looking to protect your outdoor clothing with a water-repellent spray, we recommend the Nikwax Softshell Proof Waterproofing Spray. It maintains the breathability of your fabric, ensuring longevity. It is a biodegradable product with no added brighteners, POCs, or VOCs, making it safe for your favorite outdoor clothes. Another great pick in this category includes:
Best Water Repellent Spray For Shoes
The best waterproof spray that we recommend for this purpose is the Sof Sole Waterproof Spray. It repels not only water but also oil and dirt – perfect for those muddy hikes in the rainy season. Its quick-drying fluoropolymer creates a protective layer around the shoes which helps them breathe. Some of the other shoe sprays out there include:
- Kiwi Boot Protector
- Clout Guard – Premium Water and Stain Repellent
- Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector
Overall Best Waterproofing Spray for Outdoor Fabric
Outdoor fabric needs extra care. It is exposed to the elements and prone to wear and tear. The best waterproof spray that we recommend for this purpose is the 303 Fabric Guard. It can be used on umbrellas, suede, canvas, and many kinds of outdoor fabrics. It does not alter the color or breathability of the fabric and keeps it fresh and clean. Other top picks in this category include:
- Atsko Silicone Water-Guard
- Rust-Oleum NeverWet
- Better Boat Fabric Protector Spray
- Sof Sole Silicone Waterproofer Spray
- Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent
Best Waterproof Spray Reviews
There are so many options available on the market that it can be a challenge choosing the right one in the right category. We’ve reviewed some of the best products available to help you find the best waterproof spray for you.
Sof Sole Silicone Waterproofer Spray
- Repels Water, Oil, and Dirt
- Easy to Apply
- Ideal for outdoor and camping gear
- Not recommended for breathable technical fibers
Sof Sole Silicone Waterproof Spray is extremely durable. In addition to outdoor camping gear and sleeping bags, it can also be applied to boots and suede shoes and helps keep them completely dry.
It is important to follow the instructions and let the items fully dry for the best results. The application of a single coat has proven to be effective – and you’ll hardly need more than a double coat at most. The spray is still found to be effective a few months from the application.
Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent
- Allows the material to breathe
- Odour free
- Ideal for outdoor gear, furniture, and hiking apparel
Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent is a great product to protect your outdoor gear. Its unique formula reacts with leather and other fabrics and creates a water barrier. At the same time, it allows the materials to breathe through this protective layer.
The product works effectively on porous surfaces such as t-shirts, and is the perfect spray to apply on your gear if you are planning to go hiking. It even works wonders if you are planning to ride around the town on your motorcycle on a rainy day. Consumers are happy with the versatility of the product on numerous different surfaces.
Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector
- Repels oil and precipitation on nubuck leather and suede
- Color Safe
- Resists Salt Stains
- Recommended to use every six months
Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector is highly recommended for suede & nubuck, as the name suggests. It is not recommended for use on smooth and finished leathers, though. The product is odorless and extremely easy to apply.
It works well for suede shoes as well. At first, when wet, it might seem like your footwear has changed color, but once the spray dries up, the color returns to its original shade. Extremely water-resistant, this spray is a favorite for long-lasting footwear.
Grangers Performance Repel Plus
- Environmentally friendly
- Durable
- High-performance product
Grangers Performance Repel Plus works effectively on numerous fabrics. It can be used on sensitive Gore-tex and eVent fabrics as well. It is highly recommended by trusted brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Burton, etc. It is also certified by Bluesign as being environmentally friendly.
It’s recommended that you apply it to damp garments for the best results. Post application, dry the garment off with a dryer. The heat helps activate the molecules in the spray, making it highly effective.
Better Boat Fabric Protector Spray
- Stain repellant
- Can be used for boats, cushions, outdoor furniture
- Premium quality
Better Boat Fabric Protector Spray adds a water barrier to the surfaces it is used on. The product is suitable for indoor as well as outdoor furniture. It is the perfect spray for boat covers and bimini tops. It does not damage or erode the fabric in any way.
Some consumers have also used this product for shoes and results have been positive. It works well during heavy rains. One coat of the product is usually enough but you can apply a second one to be doubly sure.
Clout Guard – Premium Water and Stain Repellent
- Protects footwear from water, stains, dirt, salt, and oil
- Maximizes breathability
- Safe for suede, leather, nubuck, nylon, canvas, and polyester
Clout Guard Premium Water and Stain Spray safely removes dirt from nubuck, canvas, suede, synthetic, and leather boots. It helps the shoes look as good as new. It is a silicone-free, water-based solution.
A word of caution: Check on a small area of the shoe first for colorfastness. Keep a distance of approximately 6 inches from the shoe while spraying. Allow your shoe to dry completely before wearing it.
Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector
- Ideal for outdoor clothing
- Works well with clothing-dresses, shirts, ties
- 1 step application process
Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector, is one of the best products in the market and is our top pick. It is safe for use on dry-clean-only fabrics.
It works wonders with older garments and restores their look completely. It blocks stains and repels liquids. It is the go-to spray if you have little ones in the house, playing around your furniture all the time.
Star Brite Waterproofing Spray
- Protects the breathability of the fabric
- Water and UV resistant
- Blocks stains
- Perfect for newer fabrics
Star Brite Waterproofing Spray provides protection not only against water and stains but also against UV rays. It is great for newer fabrics and increases their life tremendously. A gallon of the liquid provides coverage of around 465 square feet.
The product is compatible with outdoor fabrics such as cotton, canvas, polyester, nylon, and acrylic. It is odorless and does not cause any irritation on the skin.
303 Fabric Guard
- Adds powerful odorless coating
- Maintains color fastness
- Recommended by fabric manufacturers like Sunbrella
- Safe for natural and synthetic fabrics
303 Fabric Guard is one of the best products available. It is the only product recommended by Sunbrella and other fabric manufacturers. It protects against water, stains, and oil without altering the color or breathability of the fabric.
The product is perfect for use on canvas, upholstery, suede, cushions, umbrellas and other fabrics, mostly outdoors.
Nikwax Softshell Proof Waterproofing
- Restores DWR (Durable Water Repellency) of outdoor apparel
- Maintains breathability
- Biodegradable, with no added POCs, VOCs, or scent
Nikwax Softshell Proof Waterproofing Spray helps clean your gear and maintain its breathability. Fabrics generally absorb water due to dirt present in them. By helping clean effectively, the spray also protects your gear from the water.
Nikwax is non-flammable and entirely water-based. It is not at all harmful and contains no fluorocarbons.
Rust-Oleum NeverWet
- Silicone free, does not alter the look of a product
- Suited to leather, suede, canvas, and nubuck
Rust-Oleum NeverWet is extremely easy to apply. Its superhydrophobic coating creates a water barrier, which helps in keeping footwear dry and long-lasting. The spray is crystal clear and does not alter the look of the fabric surface in any way.
It is soft on most shoe materials and protects them from dirt, mud, and stains. It also works well with your sports shoes and tennis shoes.
Kiwi Boot Protector
- Suitable for hunting, hiking, and work shoes
- Unique silicone formula creates a tough barrier, making it water-resistant
Kiwi Boot protector is suitable for all kinds of boots, be it for work, hunting, or hiking. The unique silicone formula bonds with the leather and other fabrics to create a resistant barrier for water.
It helps keep your shoes fresh by allowing them to breathe. The recommendation is to use 2 coats of the spray for best results. Since the protector can be used with almost any shoe, it makes for the perfect choice when it comes to enhancing the life of your footwear.
Atsko Silicone Water-Guard
- Restores factory-like waterproofing
- Cures completely in 72 hours
- Odorless after 72 hours
- Suitable for footwear and clothing
Atsko Silicone Water-Guard is effective on shoes as well as clothes. It leaves a strong odor when applied, but after about 72 hours, the odor disappears completely, curing your fabric.
The spray does take 24 hours to dry completely.
Sof Sole Waterproofer Spray for Shoes
- Repels oil, dirt, and water
- Ideal for shoes, hats, and jackets
- Safe for nubuck and suede
Sof Sole Waterproof Spray for Shoes is one of the best products for safeguarding the gear that protects your feet. It is also easy on the pocket and one of the cheapest products available.
The spray is effective on all types of fabrics, except sensitive ones like silk. Avoid using it on your woolen jackets and scarves as well.
Mountval Textile Shield
- Restores DWR of worn-out garments
- Maintains breathability
- Gas-free spray, safe for use
- Works best with Gore-tex
Mountval Textile Shield is a hi-tech spray that is suitable for outdoor hiking gear as well as outdoor clothing. It helps cure worn-out garments and restores their breathability and quality. It refreshes the fabric and maintains the thickness of the material.
The spray is solvent-free and pleasant smelling. A single bottle of the product generally consists of 300ml of the spray and lasts for quite some time, as a very small portion of it is needed for each application.
Waterproof Sprays Buyers Guide
Different waterproofing sprays are available for different purposes. Some are effective for outdoor fabric, some for shoes, and some for clothing. Every product does not work with every category. In fact, some sprays are not recommended for specific surfaces.
In order to ensure proper protection of your equipment or fabric, it is important to know what surfaces it is best suited for and decide accordingly. There are various other aspects to consider, such as durability and cost.
Material
This is probably the most important aspect of deciding which waterproof spray to buy. If you want to protect suede fabric or shoes, you’ll need a suitable spray.
If you are looking at protecting leather, you must look at the type of leather – whether it is nubuck or smooth. There are different sprays for each of these types.
Using one category of spray, on another category of product, might cause more harm than good. Read the label and the specifications before you decide the right fit for your surface that you need to protect.
Durability
Durability is determined by the time period for which the waterproofing effect lasts. If the effect lasts only a few days, it is probably not the best product to use. There are some products that provide protection for as long as six months, others for a year.
If a product is not durable, apart from the inconvenience of having to re-apply the coat of spray more frequently, it also ends up becoming an expensive affair.
Cost
Waterproofing sprays fall in various different price ranges. If you do not want to burn a hole in your pocket, we suggest getting one that costs under $20.
While cheaper products under $10 dollars are also available, moderately priced products guarantee slightly better quality. You can also get higher quality products that cost well above $20.
Summary
Outdoor gear is expensive. So are high-quality shoes, jackets, and clothes. Protecting them is important. Particularly if you’re an avid adventurer who’s determined to be outdoors no matter the weather.
Without proper protection, our valuable outdoor gear and fabrics might have a shorter life than we would want them to. Waterproofing them with the appropriate spray ensures longevity and helps maintain their quality and luster.
We hope that this guide helps you in your search for that perfect spray for whatever requirements you have. As it is one of the most important considerations for a long-lasting effect.
