Waterproofing an N1 jacket

[Observe]

I recently got an Iron Heart N1 deck jacket, the following model: https://theshopvancouver.com/produc...d-n1-deck-jacket-black?variant=39567158378609

I'm wondering if anyone has experience in waterproofing such a jacket with waterproofing spray. I had another N1 which I sold on which I used a bar of garment wax, but I'm wondering if a spray would be easier to apply and more effective.

I have this spray on hand at the moment, Grangers is the brand: https://www.altitude-sports.com/products/grangers-performance-repel-waterproofing-llll-gra-g09062-1

If anyone has some knowledge or advice to share about waterproofing an N1 or jackets in general, please feel free to contribute.

 

[Aloysius]

Have you worn it out? The whipcord of an N1 is quite water resistant by default. There’s a reason this was a jacket for the ocean.

 

[Observe]

I haven't, but I take your point. Perhaps I should try it as is before going through any unnecessary treatments.

 

[Canuck Panda]

The water proofing sprays all have some type of chemical smell which doesn't seem healthy to me.

I have those Fjallraven wax bars in the shape of a soap. I think it's just fancy packaged candle wax. But it's quick and easy to give any jacket a quick rub and the water will just bead off. It's not "waterproof" but water resistant enough to get through Vancouver rainy winters. It's really just the shoulders and the tummy areas that needs a bit of wax in the rain.

 

[Observe]

I've used that wax on other cotton garments and found it decently effective. I was just wondering about the sprays. I may try the wax if I find myself getting wet while wearing the jacket as is.

 

[Peacoat]

As @Aloysius said above, it is probably water resistant as is.

The Navy normally has top of the line stuff, usually at the expense of the Marine Corps. May be just fine the way it is.

 

[El Marro]

I think you are going about this all wrong. The right thing to do here is to buy the Dehen N-1 which is made with waxed canvas.

https://dehen1920.com/products/n-1-deck-jacket-black

Its a beautiful jacket and if it didn’t cost $1295 I would own one or two of them myself.

 

[Observe]

Nice jacket but a bit too rich for my blood. I must suffer with my "budget" Iron Heart.

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

I've used Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In Waterproofing and was satisfied with the results. It does have a smell though. There are other brands, like Gear Aid, that have similar products.

 

[Goel]

The Iron Heart N1 also has a synthetic interlining of some sort, so that will further add to the water resistance.

 

[Observe]

Yes I got it for that lining as a previous N1 I had suffered from poor wind resistance.

 

[Aloysius]

I've used Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In Waterproofing and was satisfied with the results. It does have a smell though. There are other brands, like Gear Aid, that have similar products.

I've used that as well (with no smell) but if he uses it on this it will be a disaster.

This jacket is part mouton and alpaca, not just cotton, and if they made it in a way approximating the original navy spec, there will be an additional waterproofing layer inside..

 

[Observe]

Yeah at this point I'd only consider doing the wax bar approach, given cited concerns for other chemical sprays and products.

 

[Aloysius]

Yeah at this point I'd only consider doing the wax bar approach, given cited concerns for other chemical sprays and products.

I wouldn't recommend it for this. There's already an interlinining. A waxed cotton garment wears completely differently.

 

[Tom71]

I have the same jacket and find it relatively water-repellent. It will eventually soak through, but is fine for your average autumn drizzle.

Not a fan of sprays. It seals all natural pores and seriously affects breathability of the fabric.
If you find you need extra protection, I too would recommend the Fjällräven bars, although it leaves the fabric slightly sticky.

 

[Edward]

I think you are going about this all wrong. The right thing to do here is to buy the Dehen N-1 which is made with waxed canvas.

https://dehen1920.com/products/n-1-deck-jacket-black

Its a beautiful jacket and if it didn’t cost $1295 I would own one or two of them myself.

You've probably seen this already, but if you are particularly keen on a waxed one, Pike Brothers do one in olive:

I tend to agree that I'd be leery of trying to DIY this from a basic, non-waxed jacket. I suppose it could be done, though - Barbour, Belstaff and others sell wax for recoating their wax canvas jackets; while it might need more layers when starting from scratch, I expect it could be done to a standard N1, though. That said I would indeed want to see how it got on in rain first before deciding if it was necessary. It's not a style of jacket that would be my first choice for walking in heavy rain.... even the slightly longer Barbour International design gives you really wet legs quite quickly, unless you have a pair of the matching trews. If I were looking for something for wearing standing out or walking in driving rain, I'd be much more inclined towards the like of this...

FWIW.... I have used a spray-on Scotchguard for canvas bags and suede shoes. It makes them sort of shower proof, about as much so as a Harrington jacket, but I dread to think what quantity you'd need to use to make them actually rain-proof.

 

[Observe]

Thanks all. I guess for waterproofness it'd be a more modern style jacket with gore-tex.

 

[Edward]

Thanks all. I guess for waterproofness it'd be a more modern style jacket with gore-tex.

Depends what you want, really. Rubberised canvas would do the job as well, properly taken care of, though there's no denying how practical Goretex can be if you don't find the aesthetics offputting.