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Reviews > Do It Yourself > Nikwax Waterproofing Wax > Nikwax Waterproofing Wax > Test Report by Tim Earley

Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather

INITIAL REPORT - June 28, 2010

Tester Information

NAME:         Tim Earley
EMAIL:         timothyDOTearleyATgmailDOTcom
AGE:             26
LOCATION: Yonkers, New York, USA
GENDER:     M
HEIGHT:      6' 0" (1.8 m)
WEIGHT:     185 lb (84 kg)
SHOE SIZE  12 1/2 (45-46 European)

My first exposure to backpacking was about seven years ago in the Army where I learned everything I needed to learn about being comfortable in the wilderness with little to no “comfort gear.”  I primarily do day hikes now, with the occasional overnight jaunt thrown in whenever possible.  I consider myself a lightweight packer, though not a minimalist.  My favorite hikes are those that have significant elevation change as these provide the best views, most challenge and best reward.  I am most comfortable in cool to cold weather as I tend to overheat in other seasons. 



Product Information

Manufacturer: Nikwax Ltd.
Web site: www.nikwax.com
Product: Waterproofing Wax for Leather
Year manufactured/received: 2010
MSRP: not listed
Volume: 3.4 ounces (100 mL)


Product Description

Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather is a waterproofing and conditioning product manufactured by Nikwax Ltd.  It is designed for smooth leather and for garments containing Gore-Tex and eVENT waterproof-breathable membranes.  My package of two tubes of 3.4 fl oz (100mL) with no applicator, sponge or cloth. 

Each tube is a typical soft plastic tube approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm) tall with a normal twist-off cap on the bottom.  There is no flip-open top.  There is information on the back label in both English and French.  Additionally, peeling back the rear label reveals a set of directions for proper application.  I found this almost by accident as there is a 2 cm (0.78 inch) tall symbol that says to "pull for directions."  This should have been made a bit larger as a user could easily miss this and potentially apply the product improperly.  This symbol can be seen in the picture above as the dark spot on the bottom right of the right tube.  The writing itself is actually inside this dark spot.

The product itself is an off-white almost manila color with virtually no smell.  It has a surprisingly runny consistency (Although it should be noted that it is currently about 90 F (32 C) in my house and I have no air conditioning!).  Perhaps it is thicker at more moderate temperatures.  I don't mention this runniness as a negative; I look forward to testing whether this will ultimately make the product easier to apply and easier for the leather to absorb.  I am also curious how well this product pentrates stitched seams.  I will be sure to report on both of these questions in later reports.
 
This concludes my Initial Report.  The Field Report will be amended to this report in approximately two months from the date of this report .  I'd like to thank BackpackGearTest.org and Nikwax Ltd. for the opportunity to test this product.


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Reviews > Do It Yourself > Nikwax Waterproofing Wax > Nikwax Waterproofing Wax > Test Report by Tim Earley



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