10 Best Waterproofing Sprays to Keep Your Gear Bone-Dry

Although there’s a wide range of outdoor clothing and fishing gear in the market, virtually all products need to be waterproofed to ensure maximum utility. In most cases, waterproofing is integrated into the original design, but that’s not true every single time. And even if the products boast a waterproofed design, they might lose their water-repellent properties after a few months of use. 

Luckily, that’s where waterproofing sprays come in. They add an additional layer of protection to your gear and clothing, allowing them to effectively repel water. The best waterproofing sprays even prevent condensation from locking in and maintain the breathability of the fabric. 

But with so many options available it can be difficult to find a spray that’s easy to apply, stands the test of time, and works on several different fabrics. To help you make the right decision, we’ve reviewed some of the best waterproofing sprays and even included a comprehensive buyer’s guide, so you know exactly what to look for. 

Top 10 Best Waterproofing Sprays

Not every waterproofing spray is made equal, but rest assured, we’ve found and reviewed 10 of the best waterproofing sprays available in the market: 

Our Top Pick

Scotchgard Water Shield - Best Waterproofing Sprays

Editors Choice  

NIkwax T.X.Direct Waterproofer - Best Waterproofing Sprays

Best Value  

Sof Sole Waterproofer Spray - Best Waterproofing Sprays

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# 1
OUR TOP PICK
Scotchgard Water Shield - Best Waterproofing Sprays

Scotchgard Water Shield

Truly a “water shield,” the Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield works overtime to protect your gear and clothing from the damaging effects of water. Scotchgard is one of the best and most trusted brands in the waterproofing industry, and this odorless, quick-drying, and effective spray is the go-to option for many outdoor enthusiasts. 

Each can provides 20 feet of water resistance on heavier fabrics and up to 60 feet of water resistance on lighter fabrics. This makes it perfect for campers, hikers, and anglers who have a lot of gear they need to protect from the elements.

In fact, you can spray the Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield on your tents, clothing, and backpacks without worrying about the fabric losing its breathability. The only downside is that it has an overpowering odor, so make sure you avoid spraying your gear indoors.

Final Thoughts

Whether your patio furniture needs serious water repellency, or your coat needs an additional level of defense, the Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield’s improved formulation helps keep your gear and clothes drier for a longer time. However, it does have an overpowering odor, so it’s better to spray it outside.

Pros:

✔️ Ideal for household items, including curtains, backpacks, upholstery, pillows, and luggage. 

✔️ Repels water during use and in storage. 

✔️ Safe for use on dry-clean-only and delicate fabrics. 

✔️ Does not affect fabric breathability.

Cons:

Overpowering odor.

# 2
EDITORS CHOICE
NIkwax T.X.Direct Waterproofer - Best Waterproofing Sprays

Nikwax T.X.Direct Waterproofer

The Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On Waterproofer is formulated to add breathability and water repellency to outdoor gear. It’s specially designed for clothing that has absorbent liners, making it ideal for coated, microfiber, laminated, and breathable waterproof fabrics.

Also recommended for SympaTex, eVent, and Gore-Tex fabrics, this spray offers a water-repellent finish without impeding the fabric’s breathability.

It’s water-based and available in a non-aerosol package as well, making it non-hazardous and environmentally friendly. Along with being non-flammable and 100% fluorocarbon free, the spray also doesn’t contain any volatile organic compounds, making it one of the best waterproofing sprays available.

 

Final Thoughts

Primarily formulated for garment materials like sleeping bags, jackets, and tents, the Nikwax T.X.Direct Spray-On Waterproofer is biodegradable and made without any VOCs or PFCs. However, keep in mind that the added breathability and water repellency come at a hefty price. 

Pros:

✔️ Good sprayer ensures even and easy application. 

✔️ More eco-friendly than other aerosol options. 

✔️ PFC-free product. 

✔️ No chemical odor. 

✔️ Excellent repellent property.

Cons:

A bit costly.

# 3
 BEST VALUE
Sof Sole Waterproofer Spray - Best Waterproofing Sprays

Sof Sole Waterproofer Spray

The Sof Sole Waterproofer Spray protects your clothes and gear from the damaging effects of water without impeding the fabric’s breathability. Ideal for use on boots, jackets, shoes, hats, and other apparel, its design allows quick, easy, and thorough application and ensures effective protection within a few minutes. 

The invisible protection also helps prevent stains and protects your gear and clothes for up to two months. Although the Sof Sole Waterproofer Spray is safe to use on nubuck and suede, it’s not recommended for patent leather or vinyl.

 

Final Thoughts

Designed specifically for outdoor gear, the affordable Sof Sole Waterproofer Spray repels dirt, oil, and water while maintaining the breathability of the fabric. It’s a popular choice for anglers and hikers, but make sure you avoid using it on leather or vinyl. 

Pros:

✔️ Protects the fabric from water and stains. 

✔️ Maintains breathability of the fabric. 

✔️ Easy and quick application. 

✔️ Perfect for use on boots, jackets, shoes, and hats.

Cons:

Not ideal for leather. 

Spray nozzle design can be improved for better usability. 

 

# 4
Nikwax Tent Waterproofing Spray - Best Waterproofing Sprays

Nikwax Tent Waterproofing Spray

This Tent and Gear Waterproofing spray from Nikwax is designed for two purposes: to provide UV ray blocker protection and to waterproof your gear and apparel. To ensure effective protection, it first removes dirt, contaminants, and everyday grime from your footwear, clothing, and gear, and then applies the water-repellent coating. 

The spray maintains the breathability of the fabric, prevents moisture from building up on the inside of your gear, and keeps your body at just the right temperature. At the same time, it also repels water from the outside, keeping your body dry from both directions.  

The Nikwax Tent and Gear Waterproofing Spray also boasts elastic water-repellent polymers that successfully bond to the fibers of the fabric while leaving the spaces in between breathable and open. This means that the polymers move and stretch with the fabric, so they last longer and work better. 

 

Final Thoughts

Perfect for use on backpacks, boat covers, tents, awnings, umbrellas, panniers, and patio furniture, the Nikwax Tent and Gear Waterproofing Spray waterproofs and provides UV protection weatherproof projects. It’s biodegradable, water-based, and made without any VOCs, PFCs, or added scent, earning it a place on our list of best waterproofing sprays.

Pros:

✔️ Protects against both water and sun. 

✔️ Effective water repellency. 

✔️ Extends the life of your gear. 

✔️ Contains no VOCs, PFCs, added scent, or optical brighteners.

Cons:

Application takes a long time on large items.

 

# 5
Sof Sole Silicone Waterproofer - Best Waterproofing Sprays

Sof Sole Silicone Waterproofer

Specially formulated for boots, the Sof Sole Silicone Waterproofer creates a long-lasting waterproof bond with the fabric, keeping your gear dry for a long time.

Along with repelling water, oil, and dirt, the silicone formula also protects the fabric from stains, making it ideal for outdoor, hiking, and work gear, such as tents, boots, and more. It’s easy to use right out of the package as well, and holds up well on multiple tents, even if you spray a lot of water on them. 

However, it’s not safe for use on athletic shoes or more technical fabrics, such as Gore-Tex, as it can create discoloration and even decrease the breathability of the fabric.

 

Final Thoughts

Boasting a 12% silicone formula, this waterproofing spray from Sof Sole creates a durable waterproof bond to repel dirt, oil, and water. Although it’s ideal for use on tents, work or hiking boots, and outdoor gear, it’s not recommended for athletic shoes or breathable technical fibers. 

Pros:

✔️ Silicone formula ensures longer protection. 

✔️ Perfect for long trips. 

✔️ Incredibly easy to use. 

✔️ High-quality waterproofing on tents. 

Cons:

Not ideal for Gore-Tex.

# 6
Grangers Footwear Care Repel Spray - Best Waterproofing Sprays

Grangers Footwear Care Repel Spray

An effective waterproofing spray that provides a breathable protective finish, the Grangers Footwear Care Repel Spray is perfect for suede, nubuck, and leather. 

It adds water-repellency to all kinds of footwear without affecting their breathability and moisture-wicking ability, earning it a place on our list of best waterproofing sprays. It’s also water-based and VOC-free, making it incredibly environmentally friendly. 

 

Final Thoughts

The Grangers Footwear Care Repel Spray offers superior water repellency and ensures your feet are adventure-ready, regardless of the weather. It’s ideal for almost all upper materials and keeps your feet warm and dry. However, it does have an overpowering odor, so it’s best to avoid using it indoors. 

Pros:

✔️ Offers exceptional all-around protection for all kinds of footwear. 

✔️ Quick and easy application. 

✔️ Protects against water and oil. 

✔️ Maintains breathability of the fabric.

Cons:

Might stain white shoes. 

Overpowering odor.

# 7
Liquiproof LABS Premium Protector - Best Waterproofn=ing Sprays

Liquiproof LABS Premium Protector

Boasting advanced nanotechnology, the Liquiproof LABS Premium Protector creates an invisible protective coating that effectively repels mud, dirt, and liquid from the fabric.

It also prevents water and alcohol stains and is suitable for use on all kinds of absorbent fabric, including suede, sheepskin, nubuck, and leather. Along with being water-basic, non-toxic, and non-flammable, the spray is also odorless and incredibly long-lasting. 

However, keep in mind that it’s not recommended for pre-treated fabrics, such as oiled, waxed, or patent leather. 

 

Final Thoughts

The Liquiproof LABS Premium Protector allows you to protect your favorite footwear and fashion items from stains, spills, and rain. The long-lasting spray makes an invisible barrier on the fabric, preventing stains and repelling liquids, dirt, and spills. However, it’s a bit more expensive than other waterproofing sprays.

Pros:

✔️ Non-toxic and eco-friendly. 

✔️ Water-based formula ensures longer protection. 

✔️ Does not change the feel, smell, or look of your gear or apparel. 

✔️ Ideal for use on all types of absorbent fabrics. 

Cons:

Costly. 

Design of the spray bottle could be improved.

# 8
Nanoman Water Repellent Spray - Best Waterproofing Sprays

Nanoman Water Repellent Spray

Quick and easy to apply, the Nanoman Water Repellent Spray is great for your jackets, socks, clothing, and outdoor gear. In fact, you can even use the spray for your carpet, couch, and car interior. 

Instead of smothering the fabric with a strong, heavy coating, Nanoman has designed an enhanced formula using nanotechnology. Tiny molecules permanently bond to the fabric fibers without clogging the fabric weaves, ensuring a superior performance without compromising the feel, comfort, or look of the fabric. 

In simpler words, this Nanoman Water Repellent Spray creates an invisible, protective, and UV-resistant barrier that actually strengthens the surface of the fiber. Since the barrier is only around 150 nanometers thick, it doesn’t impede the breathability of the fabric as well. 

It also doesn’t stain the fabric, so your gear and apparel always look great while being completely protected from the elements at the same time. 

 

Final Thoughts

The Nanoman Water Repellent/Waterproof Spray creates an invisible, UV-resistant barrier that protects your gear and apparel from dirt, contaminants, water, and stains. It doesn’t affect the fabric’s breathability, look, or feel, making it one of the best waterproofing sprays available on the market. However, it is a bit expensive. 

Pros:

✔️ Doesn’t affect the feel or look of the fabric. 

✔️ Water-based formula is completely harmless. 

✔️ Suitable for all textiles and fabrics, including leather, silks, cotton, polyester, and wool. 

✔️ Prevents liquids from permeating the fabric.

Cons:

Costly. 

Not suitable for leather.

# 9
NANOMAN Water-Repellent Protector Spray - Best Waterproofing Sprays

Nanoman Water-Repellent Protector Spray 

The Nanoman Water-Repellent Protector Spray is an incredibly powerful, non-toxic, and VOC-free sealant that protects your bags and shoes from dirt, contaminants, water, and stains.

Completely invisible and breathable, the spray doesn’t change the look or feel of your gear or apparel and ensures that it’s completely protected from the elements. It’s also formulated with nanotechnology, adding superior performance characteristics without impeding the breathability of the fabric. 

Along with being incredibly easy to use, the spray also provides you with more coverage, so you don’t use it as much and end up saving money. 

 

Final Thoughts

The Nanoman Water-Repellent Protector Spray creates an invisible barrier, which repels liquids and minimizes the stains on your gear and apparel. It ensures quick and easy application and is perfect for suede, nubuck, and leather. 

Pros:

✔️ Ensures long-lasting protection. 

✔️ Extremely easy to use. 

✔️ Non-toxic formula. 

✔️ Repels liquids and minimizes stains. 

Cons:

Poorly designed nozzle.

# 10
KIWI Waterproof Spray - Best Waterproofing Sprays

KIWI Water Protection Spray

From coats and outdoor equipment to shoes and bags, this Water Protection Spray from KIWI helps waterproof everything for up to 15 days. It creates an invisible barrier, which prevents dirt and water from penetrating your gear and apparel without affecting their breathability. 

Besides water, the spray also protects your leather, suede, and textile accessories against mud, stains, and snow, earning it a place on our list of best waterproofing sprays. 

 

Final Thoughts

Ideal for leather, suede, and textile accessories, the KIWI Water Protection Spray protects your outdoor gear and apparel from snow, mud, and rain for up to 15 days. Although it’s incredibly easy to use, the spray nozzle is susceptible to clogging after a few uses.

Pros:

✔️ Protects the fabric from rain, mud, snow, and stains. 

✔️ Does not affect the fabric’s breathability. 

✔️ Small size makes it perfect for traveling. 

✔️ Extremely easy to use. 

Cons:

Spray nozzle may clog if not properly cleaned after use. 

Meet The Author

 

William O’Reilly is an Australian land-based fishing enthusiast. He discovered his passion for fishing from the shore as a child, when his grandfather would take him out on the water and teach him the ropes. He encourages others to try land-based fishing and believes it is a unique and sustainable way to connect with nature.

He also advocates for responsible fishing practices and conservation. His passion for land-based fishing led him to pursue a career in writing about it, sharing his experiences, knowledge and thoughts about the sport, and inspiring others to appreciate and explore it.

William O'Reilly

Contributing Author