Huntech Field Manual — Garment Care

How to Wash & Care for Your Huntech Gear

Wet bush, alpine tops, frosty clearings, exposed ridgelines — your gear works hard out there. Here's how to wash, reproof and store it so it keeps performing, season after season.

5 fabric families NZ backcountry conditions Nikwax reference guide
Quick Reference — Wash / Reproof / Dry
GarmentWash withReproof withDry
Waterproof shells Nikwax Tech Wash Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In Line dry, shade
Softshells Nikwax Tech Wash Nikwax Softshell Proof Wash-In Line dry, shade
Glaciertech Nikwax Sports Refresh Not required Line dry, shade
Nucleus Nikwax Sports Refresh Not required Line dry, shade
Merino Nikwax Wool Wash Not required Lay flat / line dry, shade
Waterproof shells
Wash withNikwax Tech Wash
Reproof withNikwax TX.Direct Wash-In
DryLine dry, shade
Softshells
Wash withNikwax Tech Wash
Reproof withNikwax Softshell Proof Wash-In
DryLine dry, shade
Glaciertech
Wash withNikwax Sports Refresh
Reproof withNot required
DryLine dry, shade
Nucleus
Wash withNikwax Sports Refresh
Reproof withNot required
DryLine dry, shade
Merino
Wash withNikwax Wool Wash
Reproof withNot required
DryLay flat / line dry, shade

Before washing your Huntech gear

  • Check the care label first
  • Check and empty all pockets
  • Close all zips, domes and Velcro — open Velcro collects lint and can snag the membrane
  • Brush off dried mud before placing garments in the machine
  • Wash technical garments separately from heavily soiled workwear or everyday laundry
  • Don't overload the machine — garments need room to rinse properly
Fabric family 01

Waterproof Shells

30°C max
Line dry

Built with a waterproof breathable membrane. Sometimes all that is needed to revive performance is a technical wash to keep that membrane and outer DWR finish in top condition.

How to wash

  • Turn the garment inside out.
  • Wash on a gentle machine cycle in cold water (30°C maximum). If unsure of your machine's temperature settings, use cold water only.
  • Use Nikwax Tech Wash, following the manufacturer's dosage instructions.
  • Don't use standard laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach or any other household cleaning product — these leave a water-absorbent film that blocks DWR performance and can permanently damage the membrane.
  • Don't dry yet if you're planning to reproof — this can be done while the garment is still wet.

How to dry & reproof

Line dry in the shade, away from direct heat and sunlight. Never dry clean or iron waterproof garments, and don't store wet or damp.

When water stops beading on the surface, wash first with Tech Wash, then apply Nikwax TX.Direct Wash-In while still wet, and air dry away from direct sunlight.

Field note: wet-out on the outer fabric — not membrane failure — is the most common cause of a jacket that feels like it's leaking.

Fabric family 02

Softshells

30°C max
Line dry

Offers a balance of weather resistance, stretch and breathability. Like waterproof shells, softshell outer fabrics carry a DWR treatment that needs maintaining.

How to wash

  • Close all zips and fastenings.
  • Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold to warm water, 30°C maximum.
  • Use Nikwax Tech Wash — avoid standard detergents, softeners and bleach.
  • If not reproofing, simply air dry in the shade.

When to reproof

When water stops beading on the outer fabric, wash first with Tech Wash, then apply Nikwax Softshell Proof Wash-In. It's formulated for stretch softshell fabrics and restores water repellency without needing a tumble dryer to activate it.

Fabric family 03

Glaciertech

Cold
Line dry

Huntech's high-performance synthetic mid layer, made from recycled REPREVE fibres and treated with Silvadur Scent Control. Not DWR treated — no reproofing required.

How to wash

  • Use Nikwax Sports Refresh, gentle cycle, cold water.
  • Cleans thoroughly without leaving detergent residue in synthetic fibres.
  • Regular cleaning keeps wicking channels open and preserves scent-control treatment.
  • Avoid fabric softeners — they coat synthetic fibres and reduce moisture management.
  • Line dry in the shade.
Fabric family 04

Nucleus Base Layers

Cold
Line dry

Combines thermal base-layer insulation with synthetic moisture management. Like Glaciertech, not DWR treated — no reproofing required.

How to wash

  • Machine wash on a gentle or delicate cycle in cold water.
  • Use Nikwax Sports Refresh — gentler than standard detergent on thermal fibres.
  • Don't use fabric softener or bleach.
  • Line dry, avoiding high heat, which can damage synthetic thermal fibres.
Fabric family 05

Merino

Cold / wool
Lay flat

Delivers natural temperature regulation, odour resistance and comfort in cool to cold conditions. Wool needs a gentler approach than synthetic fabrics.

How to wash

  • Machine wash on a wool or delicate cycle in cold water.
  • Use Nikwax Wool Wash — standard detergent can strip wool's natural lanolin, causing shrinkage and pilling.
  • Never wring, tumble dry or iron.
  • Lay flat to dry, or line dry in the shade.

Merino's natural odour resistance means it doesn't need washing after every use — air it out between trips and wash when visibly soiled.

How to deal with mud, blood and stains

Let mud dry before brushing off as much as possible. Avoid scrubbing aggressively, as this can damage face fabrics and membranes.

For blood or organic stains, rinse with cold water as soon as possible. Don't use hot water, as heat can set stains into the fabric.

Use Nikwax Stain Scrub on stubborn marks, then wash with the correct Nikwax product for the garment type.

What to avoid, for all garments

Dry cleaning
Ironing, unless the care label says otherwise
Bleach or harsh chemical cleaners
Fabric softeners
Tumble drying on high heat
Storing garments wet, damp, or sealed in bags
Direct heat sources — heaters, campfires, hot dashboards
Direct flame and sparks

Protecting your gear in the field

Huntech garments are built for demanding New Zealand hunting environments — wet native bush, alpine country, scrubby river margins, frosty clearings and exposed tops. Some conditions call for extra care.

Sharp vegetation such as matagouri, gorse, blackberry, mānuka, kānuka and thick scrub can puncture waterproof membranes. Inspect your gear after pushing through rough country, checking seams and membrane panels first.

Keep garments as clean as possible during trips, and don't leave gear in direct sunlight for extended periods — UV exposure degrades fabrics and can soften seam-tape adhesive.

How often to wash

Wash waterproof and softshell outer layers when visibly dirty or when DWR performance drops. Wash Glaciertech and Nucleus base layers after two to three days of active use. Wash Merino when visibly soiled.

Overwashing technical garments isn't recommended — it accelerates wear on DWR coatings and synthetic fibres. Huntech garments are designed to last many seasons, not just one trip.

FAQ

Can I use regular laundry detergent on my Huntech jacket?

Please don't. Regular detergents leave a film that blocks DWR performance and reduces breathability. Use Nikwax Tech Wash, Sports Refresh or Wool Wash depending on the fabric.

My jacket is leaking. Does it need to be replaced?

Not necessarily — it's usually DWR wet-out, not membrane failure. Wash with Tech Wash, then reproof with TX.Direct. If leaking continues, contact us.

Can I tumble dry my waterproof jacket?

Line dry in the shade where possible. Only tumble dry on a cool cycle if the care label allows it.

How do I know when to reproof?

When water spreads across the surface instead of beading and running off. Clean first, then apply the right Nikwax waterproofing product.

Can I wash all Huntech garments together?

It's better to keep types separate — Tech Wash for shells and softshells, Sports Refresh for synthetics, Wool Wash for Merino.

Is Nikwax safe for the environment?

Yes — water-based and PFAS-free since the company was founded in 1977, formulated to be safer for aquatic environments than standard laundry products.

How often should I reproof my waterproof hunting jacket?

Reproof when water stops beading on the outer fabric — there's no fixed schedule, it depends on use and exposure.

Can I wash Huntech gear after every hunt?

You can, but it isn't always necessary — wash when visibly dirty, heavily sweated in, or underperforming.

Can I use a top loader washing machine?

Yes, provided it has a gentle cycle and doesn't use hot water. Avoid overloading the machine.

Stock up on Nikwax

Tech Wash, TX.Direct, Sports Refresh, Softshell Proof, Wool Wash and Polar Proof — all in the Huntech accessories range.

Shop Nikwax range