My Cabela’s Guidewear is getting pretty soiled and it is time to wash it. I think last time I did this I got some kind of laundry kit from Cabela’s. I wasn’t impressed with the outcome so thought I would ask the wise people (and BK) of IDO for suggestions. I remember reading once that someone washed their gear and then just sprayed it with something but I can’t remember the details. What have you done in the past and did it work or not?
You’ll want to use a specific detergent made for outerwear – I use Nikwax products and get them at REI or Amazon.
http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=677&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1
The link above has both a detergent and a wash in DWR (durable water repellant). I haven’t cared for the wash in DWR and use a spray version after they come out of the wash machine.
http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=265&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1
If you don’t use a special detergent like I referenced, make sure you use a powder form instead of liquid – liquids tend to leave a film that counteracts the DWR – and NEVER use fabric softener because it destroys the DWR. Otherwise, just follow the directions on the tag for water temp and cycle type.
Hope this helps, good luck.
I just but it in the wash machine on gentle. have never had a issue. I guess I have never read the washing instuctions.
I liked the results I got from the Cabelas product.
Really seamed to bead up nice after washing with that… what ever it was.
Only used once though
Think it’s suposed to help seal seams, but that’s probabaly just a good sales pitch 
I jumped the gun, It is the Nikwax Products that I used which I bought from Cabelas.
I have been washing mine with regular detergent in warm water for at least 8 years. I dry on low in the dryer. Have not seen any issues with mine.
If I remember right the washing instructions say no bleach or fabric softener, tumble dry low and do not dry clean.
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I just but it in the wash machine on gentle. have never had a issue. I guess I have never read the washing instuctions.
I’m pretty sure these are the instructions. If in doubt its on the tag.
This is what my wife does then hangs it to dry bypassing the dryer. Re-applying water repellency is a whole other ball game.
The Gore tex I believe is what keeps you dry. The outside may have a coating to repel the water, but is not what keeps you dry. 
Right from the horses mouth. (Gore-Tex site)
How to Restore Water Repellency
GORE-TEX® outerwear:
Machine wash your garment as described in the wash instructions. Line dry your garment, or tumble dry it on a warm, gentle cycle.
Once it is dry, tumble dry your garment for 20 minutes to reactivate the durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment on the outer fabric.
If unable to tumble dry, iron the dry garment on gentle setting (warm, no steam) by placing a towel or cloth between the garment and the iron. This will help reactivate the DWR treatment on your garment’s outer fabric.
When the factory applied treatment can no longer be reactivated, apply a new water-repellent treatment available as a pump-spray or wash-in product to the garment’s outer fabric.
“Once your jacket no longer repels water and feels damp inside you need to reapply DWR.”
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I have been washing mine with regular detergent in warm water for at least 8 years. I dry on low in the dryer. Have not seen any issues with mine.
If I remember right the washing instructions say no bleach or fabric softener, tumble dry low and do not dry clean.
X2 
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The Gore tex I believe is what keeps you dry. The outside may have a coating to repel the water, but is not what keeps you dry.
To a point, yes, but it’s all about PSI. Gore-Tex and any other waterproof membranes can prevent water from passing through up until a certain PSI is reached; after that point, the water is forced through the membrane and you’re wet.
The DWR and the waterproof membrane work hand in hand and typically if you get wet, it’s because the DWR failed and your gear got saturated. When the fabric is saturated, it creates more pressure/force on the membrane at all times. Any additional pressure – more rain, sitting down, kneeling, leaning against the gunwale – can exceed the PSI limit for that membrane and push water through.
Heavier denier clothing (spreads the force of water out more if/when saturated) and more advanced membranes (more expensive) keep you drier, longer if your DWR fails.
Never wash Gore-Tex, no matter what “they” say… Shortens life, plus the smell keeps other boats at a respectable distance. 
X2 works great and available at cabelas.They used to have another product called Grangers G-wash that worked great also but I cant find it any longer.
i washed my gander mt stuff and ended up junk!!!
You just need to fish in the rain more often….or take more rides in a tin boat on a windy day. 
Send it to me Redneck I’ll handwash it for you..lol..
I wash my suit in regular cycle and hang dry, haven’t had any problems with shrinkage.
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i washed my gander mt stuff and ended up junk!!!
I have the TecH20,and am disappointed with it also.Does not take much to soak through,good on windy days only 
I’ve been washing my Gore-Tex hunting/fishing stuff for over 20 years by simply throwing it in the wash machine with NO detergent.
Organics like dirt, mud, and even blood seems to come out just fine. Oil-based stains, I’ve treated with a dab of prewash and they come off just fine as well.
Grouse
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I’ve been washing my Gore-Tex hunting/fishing stuff for over 20 years by simply throwing it in the wash machine with NO detergent.
Organics like dirt, mud, and even blood seems to come out just fine. Oil-based stains, I’ve treated with a dab of prewash and they come off just fine as well.
Grouse
X2-Freshen it up
X3 No soap and hang up to dry.
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