Waterproofing La Sportiva Nepal Evos

[Bigtree]

Would be interested in hearing what folks are using to waterproof their La Sportiva Nepal Evos. I recently bought a pair and am expecting that over time the factory applied repellent will wear off.

[dgleighton]

Nikwax Waterproofing Wax. It comes in a white tube.

[summitchaserCJB]

Just curious- are you supposed to nikwax those particular boots?

[Jon H]

Just be aware that any surface-applied wax (I use Sno-Seal) will severely impair breathability.

[iceclimber]

La Sportiva recommends Nikwax Aqueous Wax Leather Waterproofing for treating their leather boots, including those with Gore-Tex liner. I've used it on my Nepal Evo GTX's, and every other rough-out leather boot I've owned, without issue.

Edited June 22, 2010 by iceclimber

[Bigtree]

Nice, thx.

[summitchaserCJB]

Just be aware that any surface-applied wax (I use Sno-Seal) will severely impair breathability.

That's what I worry about.

[dgleighton]

I have had a pair of the Khumbu GTX for a few years now and only have to treat the boots once a season with the wax. I do also treat them with the Aqueous between. Below is from La Sportiva's website:

 

What should I use to treat my new boots?

 

* For a general purpose waterproofing product, we have found that Nikwax Aqueous Wax Leather Waterproofing performs the best.

* Re-apply this product as necessary or after every use in severe conditions.

* We also recommend that you occasionally condition the leather Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather.

* It is possible to use petroleum-based products too much, so apply only occasionally.

* A seam sealer will also help to keep water out

* Please note these products may darken the color of the leather

 

[dorianlee]

What about waterproofing boots with little to no leather, would sno seal work? I have Vasque m finity boots and they're in need of some good sealing.

[dgleighton]

Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof, in a blue bottle. Aqueous Wax is in a yellow bottle.

[matchswain]

Do any of you seam-seal your boots? Is it overkill on the Nepal EVO's?

[OlympicMtnBoy]

I have the older non-goretex Nepal Extremes but have use the above mentioned wax stuff for years with no problems. I do try to work it in to the seams and stitches pretty well, but haven't used a real "seam sealer" for it.

 

The wax stuff may impair the breathability a bit but I haven't noticed it that much, my feet still generally stay much drier than in my impermeable double boot lines, so it must be breathing a little bit.

 

On my leather and fabric hiking boots I use a combination of wax on the leather parts and the aquaseal fabric stuff on the fabric bits (get the fabric wet first) and it seems to work ok. Ultimately no amount of goretex and sealer will keep any breathable boot totally dry after a day in really wet snow, at least in my experience. Those things help stave it off though.