INITIAL REPORT

ATSKO WATER GUARD and SPORTS WASH

Richard Lyon

October 5, 2005

I received one ten ounce (284  g) aerosol can of Fluorpolymer Water Guard® "permanent water & stain repellant," and one  eighteen fluid ounce (532 ml) plastic bottle (with screw-on lid) of Sport-Wash® "Residue-Free Laundry Detergent" from the manufacturer, Atsko, Inc. (URL: http://www.atsko.com/), via UPS Ground shipping. 
The Water-Guard can was shrink-wrapped in plastic that's clear except for various performance claims.  The Sports-Wash bottle was packed inside a clear plastic bag tied at the top with a thin red adhesive strip.   A catalog of Atkso products, special inserts on the virtues of the two products to be tested, and a letter from a corporate vice president (thoughtfully addressed to "Dear Permanent Water-Guard Tester") accompanied the products.  When I opened the plastic top of the Water Guard can I found a one fluid ounce (30 ml) plastic packet of Sports Wash stuffed inside.   Cross-marketing at work.
Abridged instructions for the Water Guard are printed on the can.  A one-page sheet includes "Complete Instructions" and tips for best results.  The  (very simple) instructions for use of Sports-Wash are printed on the bottle.
I did not find any product warranty on Atkso's website or the product containers.
Here are the product specifications, with manufacturer-listed figure first and my measurement (where I could take it) in brackets following. 

 Fluorpolymer Water Guard®
Total weight: Not listed [15 oz (425 g)]
Listed contents: 10 oz (281 g)
Container size: Not listed [8 in (21 cm) high cylinder 2 1/2 in (6 cm) in diameter]
MSRP: $6.95

Sport-Wash® Residue-Free Laundry Detergent
Total weight: Not listed [25 oz, 709 g]
Listed contents: 18 fl oz (532 ml)
Container size: Not listed [7 1/4 in (18.5 cm) high cylinder 3 in (8 cm) in diameter]
Capacity: 18 washes [To be tested!]
MSRP: $7.40

The Guinea Pigs:  As I suspect is the case with many longtime backpackers of my age, I can place most  of my gear into one of two categories: items I've used for many years, or stuff acquired very recently, either to replace worn-out goods or to try what's new or lighter weight.   My rain gear alas fits into the former category, so  my closet houses several garments ready for immediate testing of the Water Guard.   First in line was a favorite Dana Designs Gore-Tex jacket that's at least ten years old.  Following the manufacturer's instructions, I first washed it in the Sports-Wash (machine wash, delicate setting) and permitted it to dry naturally.  Use of Sports-Wash was easy enough; I added it to the washer as I would any other detergent.  
The following day I sprayed the jacket uniformly with Water Guard and again left it to dry naturally, with the jacket hung upside down.  Atsko recommends this so that any excess will accumulate at the top of the garment, where it's more useful.  I applied Water Guard with the jacket on a hanger, with newspapers spread out beneath the garment.  Atsko recommends newspapers or rags, noting that dripping on to a good towel might reduce the towel's absorbency. 
After returning from a weekend away I examined the jacket.  Everything appeared as it was before applying the Water Guard: no odor, no stains, no drip lines, no slippery or slimy feel.  I ran the jacket through the dryer (medium setting), as suggested by Atsko, to enhance adhesion of the waterproofing.  I then donned the jacket over a dark t-shirt that would show any moisture, and entered the shower.  There were no leaks, the t-shirt was dry, and a visual inspection revealed no evidence that the waterproofing "ran" after this dousing.  So far, so good.
Phase 1 having been successfully completed, next up for testing were two fishing sweaters (one from TNF, one from Marmot).  Both are reversible, with fleece on one side and a "windproof" nylon shell on the other, and both are water-resistant but definitely not waterproof.  I will see if the Atsko waterproofing enables these to withstand more than a heavy mist, their current limitation.  A one-piece Marmot ski suit (no longer fashionable but great for powder snow), made of Gore-Tex and lined with Thinsulate, rounded out the roster. 
Since Atkso claims that one fluid ounce of Sports-Wash will handle a "load," I washed all of these together, together with the treated Dana jacket, and next day, after drying, applied the Water Guard to the three new test garments.  No shower test for the sweaters, but they did repel a couple of minutes of direct hits from a lawn sprinkler.  No runs, stains, odors, or discoloration on any of this batch.  The Dana jacket went through the shower with the same results as before.
Use of the Water Guard on these four garments almost emptied the can, though there may be a puff or two remaining.

 Test Plans.

For the Water Guard.  I have two autumn backpack trips scheduled: a three-day point-to-point or loop hike in the Yellowstone Park area (exact location not yet agreed), and a five day fishing/backpacking trip in the Julian Alps in Slovenia.  These trips will likely involve temperatures from 70 F (21 C) down to freezing or below, at altitudes from 5000 to 8000 feet (1500 – 2400 m).  Rain, sleet, or snow is likely on both.  I'll use the sweaters on fishing excursions -- and it always  rains when I go fishing.   Skiing starts at Thanksgiving, and I've promised myself an overnight backcountry ski trip this winter. 
After returning from Slovenia in mid-October I'll put the jacket (again) and the ski suit through the shower test.   I should be able to test the sweaters in the rain around home, but if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate I'll rig up some artificial testing.
As for test criteria, Atsko isn't bashful in its claims for both products.  
Water- Guard is said to be "odor-free" and "to remain effective even after 25 washings."  While I doubt I'll reach 25 washings of any single piece of rain gear, I'll wash the sweaters after each outing to test durability, and add some extra washes for good measure.  Things I'll look for:
Effectiveness of waterproofing after initial application and each washing.

Is it really odor-free (a) after the initial application dries and (b) after a downpour?

Will spraying affect the color or texture of the fabric?

Is its application noticeable on the garment? Some inexpensive waterproofing treatments leave streaks, and give nylon-type fabrics a slippery or crinkly feel.  Does Water Guard make the garment heavier or less flexible?

Can I really just spray it on after washing the garment? How long does it take to dry or "set?"

While this won't color my testing of functionality, I am interested in the price per application.  I've been satisfied with the Nikwax waterproofing products I've used in the past, but I consider them to be quite expensive.  (Early results are good here as a jar of Nikwax that will treat a single garment costs more than the Water Guard can that handled four. Price is of course only one component of quality; I'll see if I get comparable value.)

For the Sports-Wash.   There is ample Sports-Wash remaining to test it on a standalone basis.  In addition to use on backpacking and ski gear, I'll use it first for synthetics used as workout clothes and the woolen garments I wear every day – socks, shirts, and lightweight sweaters. 
Atsko's own claims for Sport-Wash will be my test criteria.  Among them are (these are direct quotes):

Powerful enough to remove odors and your toughest stains such as soil, blood, and grass.

Restores & maintains the high performance features of technical fabrics.

Helps wickables wick and breathable-waterproof fabrics breathe.

Restores loft and effectiveness to down and synthetic insulation.

Rinses away completely leaving no residue.

Cleans and deodorizes. Leaves no scent.

Safe for all washables.

Helps restore factory applied waterproofing. 

I shall be looking especially for proof of the first claim, and the big test will be performed on my hiking socks.  These have a high wool content and a tight weave.  They always pick up dust and dirt, and no detergent that's safe for wool that I've used has been able reliably to get everything out.   The next test will be whether Sport-Wash actually improves performance, as claimed in bullets three and four above.
I'll also see if Atsko's suggested dosage serves a large load of wool and synthetic clothes, and shall run a couple of loads with a lesser amount to determine if that will produce satisfactory results.
I hope for good things from Atkso.   Sno-Seal, its flagship product, has for years been my preferred leather treatment.  My boots get a Sno-Seal treatment at least once a year for waterproofing and preserving the leather.   I'm looking forward to testing these products and thank BackpackGearTest and Atkso for the opportunity to do so.

Backpacking Background:  I've been backpacking for 45 years on and off, and regularly in the Rockies since I moved to Texas in 1986.  I do a weeklong trip every summer, and often take three-day trips.  I'm usually camping in alpine terrain, at altitudes 5000 to 13,000 ft (1500 - 4000 m). I prefer base camp backpacking, a long hike in with day trips from camp, but I do my share of forced marches too.   Regardless of type of trip, I'll tote a few extra pounds to have the camp conveniences I've come to expect.

Name:  Richard Lyon
Age: 59
Gender: Male
Height: 6' 4" (1.9 m)
Weight: 200 lb (91 kg)
Email address: rlyon@gibsondunn.com
City, State, Country: Dallas, Texas, USA.