Rain, sleet and strong gusts place great demands on shell clothing in Northern Norway. With the right washing and waterproofing treatment, your garments stay waterproof, breathable and comfortable – whether you are hiking in Tromsø, Senja or Lofoten.
Maintaining shell clothing – how to stay dry in the north
When rain lashes sideways in Tromsø, the wind tears across the mountains on Senja or sleet showers roll in from the sea in Lofoten, good shell clothing is absolutely essential. In Northern Norway we live close to the weather – and that places great demands on both the garments and their upkeep.
Many people assume a shell jacket is "maintenance-free", but the truth is that even the best membranes need regular washing and waterproofing treatment to perform at their best. With proper care, shell clothing stays waterproof, breathable and comfortable – year after year.
Why is maintenance important?
Shell garments are designed to protect against rain, snow and wind whilst allowing the body to breathe. Over time, the outer fabric accumulates dirt, salt, sweat and grease, which reduce the garment's ability to transport moisture away from the body. The result is often that the jacket feels clammy and "leaks", even though the membrane itself is still intact.
This is particularly important in Northern Norway's climate, where rapid changes in weather, high humidity and long periods of precipitation can take a heavy toll on technical clothing.
How to wash shell clothing correctly
Before washing a shell jacket or shell trousers, always read the care label. The following general advice applies:
- Close all zips and hook-and-loop fasteners
- Use liquid detergent designed for technical clothing
- Avoid fabric softener
- Wash on a gentle programme, usually 30–40 degrees
- Rinse the garment thoroughly – an extra rinse cycle is a good idea
Ordinary detergents can leave residues that reduce breathability. That is why many people choose products developed specifically for technical textiles, such as and.
When should you re-treat shell garments?
A simple sign is to observe how water behaves on the outer fabric. If water no longer beads up but instead soaks into the material, it is time for a new waterproofing treatment. This is often referred to as the garment "wetting out".
Both and offer waterproofing treatments developed for shell clothing and technical membranes. The products are designed to preserve breathability whilst restoring water repellency.
Spray or wash-in?
There are essentially two types of waterproofing treatment:
Spray-on waterproofing
Sprayed directly onto the outer fabric and popular for shell jackets with a membrane. Many people prefer spray because the treatment is applied only to the outside of the garment.
Wash-in waterproofing
Added to the washing machine and provides an even treatment of the entire garment. This is practical for larger quantities of clothing and suits many types of technical textiles.
and are examples of PFAS-free alternatives developed for Nordic conditions.
Drying activates the waterproofing
Many waterproofing treatments work best when the garment receives heat treatment after washing. Low heat in a tumble dryer can help reactivate the water-repellent surface. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
This is especially useful after long days out in wet snow, on a summit tour in Lyngsalpene or during autumn storms along the coast of Nordland and Troms.
A more sustainable outdoor life
Good maintenance is not just about comfort – it is also about sustainability. When you look after your shell clothing it lasts longer, and the need to buy new garments is reduced.
Modern waterproofing products are now PFAS-free and more environmentally friendly than previous generations; they are bio-based, biodegradable and free from fluorocarbons.
Ready for Northern Norwegian weather
In Northern Norway the weather is rarely dull. One day there is blue sky over the fjord; the next, rain comes in horizontally from the sea. That is why maintaining shell clothing properly is just as important as the garment itself.
