Bushwalk Australia

Hi All,
I've got a couple of old Hallmark rain jackets which are no longer very water resistant.
They were basic jackets, similar in style to old japaras, made of single thickness poly cotton and manufactured by Sunshine Ellis in NZ in the mid 90's (or so).

I'm wondering if it's possible (and worthwhile) to restore the waterproofing.
Does anyone know what the original treatment would have been - and what current product could be used?

BTW, they were not oiled, and I don't think waxed either.
They show no visible signs of a surface coating peeling / self-destructing.

Thanks.

bushwalking shops dont tend to sell those types of jackets anymore and arent likely to have anything to reproof them with, you might want to go to a shop that sells jackets like dry as a bone's that might have something to proof it with...

Try the proofer used for canvas (cotton or poly/cotton) tents. It is a liquid which is painted on but may be able to be applied by soaking the garment in it.

http://www.josephlyddy.com.au/category/ ... t/dry-cote

http://www.josephlyddy.com.au/files/haz ... SDS_09.pdf

https://www.josephlyddy.com.au/product/ ... terproofer
Or just mix your own silicon and turps together and paint the inside surface
Nikwax also works well but more temporary
Wash before sealing tho, given that reproofing will cost about $50- you will need to do the usual cost/benefit analysis to determine whether or not it's worthwhile. They do make good windbreakers tho so washing and using Nikwax may be the best way to use them. I have found that the Dry Japara lasts about 20 years so check for seam leakage and make sure it isn't sweat condensation as well

Thanks all for the suggestions.
As Moondog said, they are good windbreakers.
I'll need to think through the value of doing it, but as they don't seem too worn, I thought it at least worth asking the question.

I was using Dr Google to find a Hallmark rain jacket to replace the one I lost. AND I found this page with your email question.
Long story: I was ‘issued’ with a Hallmark rain jacket in 1984 when I went trekking in Nepal with the then Australian Himalayan Expedition company.
It went on to serve me brilliantly on trips to East Africa, India, the Middle East. Europe, Central Asia and many trips to Adelaide and Melbourne.
Unfortunately I took it on a trip to Mongolia in June/July 2010.
I managed to leave it behind in a home-stay and the weather was so dry and warm I didn’t realise until the day it rained (5 days later) and I went searching for it.
There was no chance of recovery so it was my ‘donation’ to a local Mongol family. I did try to replace when I got home but could never find one of the same length (I am a 5 foot 6 inches ‘older’ female) and the right ‘size’ which would allow me to layer warm clothing when travelling in winter. I gave up.
I am now packing for a trip to Eastern Europe in a week’s time.
I asked my partner if I could borrow his rain jacket since I don’t really have something suitable.
That is when I saw the brand and thought I should ‘search n the internet for a replacement. And Bingo – the link with Bushwalk Australia appeared.
So after that great saga – do you still have your ‘..couple of old Hallmark rain jackets ..´ and would you like to sell me one IF it is the right size? IF it is the right size, I will pay for all postage of course. Many thanks for any advice.