Durable Water Repellent – Protection That Performs, Naturally

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) is the invisible barrier that helps your gear resist light rain, snow, and moisture — without sacrificing breathability. At Elevenate, we use PFC-free DWR treatments on our outerwear to ensure lasting performance in changing mountain conditions.

When you're on the move in unpredictable weather, your gear needs to work with you. Durable Water Repellent finishes help keep the outer fabric from becoming saturated, so your jacket or pants stay lighter, drier, and more breathable. It’s the first line of defense in a well-built layering system — and one that matters more than many realize.

What Is Durable Water Repellent?

Durable Water Repellent is a treatment applied to the surface of technical fabrics that causes water to bead and roll off instead of soaking in. While not the same as full waterproofing, a good DWR finish helps maintain comfort and performance — especially when combined with waterproof membranes like GORE-TEX® or Elevenate Performance Standard laminates.

Over time, dirt, wear, and repeated washing can reduce the effectiveness of a DWR coating. That’s why reproofing and proper care are key to maintaining your gear’s performance.

PFC-Free, High-Performance, and Built to Last

We believe in doing things the right way — for the mountains and for the people who move through them. That’s why we’ve transitioned to PFC-free DWR finishes that offer strong water resistance without harmful environmental impact.

You’ll find DWR treatments on many of our most-used layers:

• Lightweight shell jackets
• Insulated ski pants
• Backcountry outerwear
• Everyday mountain essentials

Each garment is tested to meet our high standards for weather protection, breathability, and long-term durability, without compromising on comfort or sustainability.

Care Tips to Maximize DWR Performance

A well-maintained DWR finish can extend the life of your gear and keep you dry longer. Here’s how to take care of it:

• Wash your outerwear regularly using technical detergent (no softeners)
• Tumble dry on low heat to help reactivate the DWR coating
• Reproof as needed using a spray-on or wash-in DWR product
• Avoid harsh chemicals and over-washing, which can break down performance coatings

For a full guide, visit our Product Care page.

Engineered for Real Weather

Whether you're skiing steep lines, navigating rain-soaked trails or just commuting in winter weather, DWR is a small detail that makes a big difference. It keeps your gear performing longer, so you can keep exploring further.

Explore our full collections for men and women to find gear treated with durable water repellent — and made to last through the wild, wet, and everything in between.

Stay dry. Move free. Trust your gear.