How to Waterproof Your Bushcraft Gear

Bushcraft is all about thriving in the outdoors, working with nature, and being prepared for any weather condition. One critical aspect of preparedness is ensuring your gear stays dry and functional, especially in wet environments. Waterproofing your bushcraft gear can significantly extend the life of your tools and keep you comfortable, safe, and well-prepared, even in heavy rain or snowy conditions. In this guide, we’ll cover the best techniques and products to waterproof your bushcraft gear, including tools, clothing, packs, shelters, and other essentials.

1. Waterproofing Your Backpack

Your backpack is one of the most important pieces of gear in bushcraft, carrying everything from tools and clothing to food and emergency supplies. Keeping it dry ensures that all of your essential items remain protected.

Use a Backpack Rain Cover: A rain cover is a quick and straightforward solution for keeping your backpack dry. Many packs come with a rain cover built-in, but you can purchase a separate one if needed. Look for a cover made from durable, waterproof material, and consider a reflective color so it’s easy to spot.

Internal Waterproof Liners and Dry Bags: For added protection, line the interior of your pack with a large garbage bag or contractor bag. You can also use dry bags to store sensitive items, such as electronics, clothing, and food. Dry bags offer an extra layer of protection, and they come in various sizes for easy organization.

Waterproofing Sprays and Waxes: For packs made of canvas or treated fabric, waterproofing sprays or waxes can add water resistance. Products like Nikwax and Scotchgard are commonly used for synthetic and canvas packs. Apply the waterproofing treatment according to the product instructions, usually involving a spray and dry process, to ensure it penetrates the material.

2. Waterproofing Clothing and Footwear

Staying dry is critical for maintaining body warmth and preventing hypothermia. Waterproofing clothing and footwear will make the single biggest difference when it comes to comfort during your adventure.

Clothing Treatments for Jackets and Pants: For synthetic or canvas bushcraft clothing, consider using a durable water-repellent (DWR) spray. Popular brands like Nikwax, Grangers, and Scotchgard offer sprays that can be used on jackets, pants, and even hats. Apply the spray evenly across the garment, let it dry thoroughly, and repeat the process as needed.

Wax for Canvas and Leather Gear: If you wear canvas or leather bushcraft clothing, wax is a great option. Beeswax or commercial wax treatments like Otter Wax provide a thick, waterproof barrier. Rub the wax onto the fabric, use a hairdryer to melt it in, and repeat the application for full coverage. This technique works well on canvas pants, jackets, and even canvas backpacks.

Waterproofing Boots: Leather and synthetic boots can both benefit from waterproofing. For leather boots, beeswax or mink oil works wonders. Rub the product onto clean, dry boots, focusing on seams and stitching. For synthetic boots, a silicone-based spray like Nikwax Fabric & Leather Spray offers excellent protection without impacting breathability. Repeat the application periodically to keep your boots waterproofed.

3. Protecting Tools and Knives

Your bushcraft tools, especially knives, axes, and saws, are your lifeline in the wild. Keeping them free from rust and moisture damage is essential for their durability and performance.

Use Blade Oils: Blade oils prevent rust and corrosion on metal tools. Apply a light coat of food-grade mineral oil or a specialized blade oil to your knives and other cutting tools after each use. This coating repels moisture and protects the metal.

Waxing and Sealing Wooden Handles: Many bushcraft tools have wooden handles that can swell, crack, or degrade when exposed to moisture. Treat handles with linseed oil or beeswax to protect the wood. Rub the oil or wax into the handle, let it soak for a few minutes, and wipe off any excess. This will prevent moisture from penetrating the wood and keep the handles in good condition.

Rust-Proofing with Paracord Wraps: If you’re particularly concerned about moisture on tools you carry outside of your pack, wrapping the handle with Paracord can provide an additional layer of protection. The paracord keeps the handle covered and also adds an extra layer of grip, making it easier to handle tools in wet conditions.

4. Waterproofing Shelter and Tarps

A dry shelter is crucial for a comfortable night in the wild. Whether you use a tarp, tent, or hammock, waterproofing can ensure your shelter withstands the elements.

Seam Sealing Tents and Tarps: Seams are the weakest points in most shelters. Using a seam sealer like Gear Aid Seam Grip on the seams of your tarp or tent helps prevent leaks. Simply apply the sealer along each seam and let it dry. This step is especially important on tents with sewn-in floors and rain flies.

Reproofing Tarps and Tents: Over time, the waterproof coating on a tent or tarp can wear off. Products like Nikwax Tent and Gear Solarproof are designed to reproof synthetic and canvas shelters. Spray the product evenly across the fabric, let it sit for a few minutes, and then allow it to air dry for long-lasting water resistance.

Ground Protection with Footprints and Pads: A ground pad or footprint under your tent or tarp provides additional protection from ground moisture. This can be as simple as a heavy-duty garbage bag or tarp placed underneath your shelter. The extra layer not only reduces wear but also helps keep moisture from seeping up into your sleeping area.

5. Waterproofing Small Essentials

In addition to your main gear, you’ll likely carry small items that also need protection from water, such as fire-starting tools, maps, and electronics.

Dry Bags for Electronics and Maps: For sensitive items, use small dry bags or waterproof pouches. Ziplock bags can also work in a pinch for storing electronics, batteries, and paper maps. Some bushcrafters opt to laminate important documents to make them waterproof.

Waterproof Match Containers and Fire Starters: Fire-starting tools are essential, so protect them by storing them in waterproof containers. Invest in a waterproof match case or lighter case to ensure your fire tools are ready to go when you need them. For ferro rods and flint, simply storing them in a dry pouch or pocket can often suffice.

Rubbing Alcohol and Vaseline for Fire Tinder: Creating waterproof tinder can be as easy as soaking cotton balls in Vaseline. This DIY fire starter can withstand damp conditions and lights easily, even after a rainstorm. Store your Vaseline-treated cotton balls in a small waterproof container to have a reliable fire starter on hand.

6. General Maintenance for Long-Lasting Waterproofing

Proper maintenance goes a long way in keeping your waterproofing efforts effective. Here are some routine care practices to extend the life of your gear:

Regularly Reapply Treatments: Waterproofing treatments can wear off over time, especially in harsh weather conditions. Reapply sprays, waxes, and oils every few months or as needed. Inspect your gear for signs of wear and weak spots before every trip.

Dry Your Gear After Each Trip: Moisture can linger in fabrics, wood, and metal, so always dry your gear completely after use. Hang tarps, tents, and clothing to dry before storing them to prevent mold and mildew.

Store Gear Properly: Keep your waterproofed gear in a dry, cool place when not in use. Avoid storing items in damp basements or other areas prone to moisture buildup.