super-hydrophobic spray

[mmeyers]

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-06/super-hydrophobic-spray-makes-all-your-stuff-liquid-proof?src=SOC&dom=fb

 

anybody see this yet? DWR?

 

Matt

[JasonG]

For $20, I would give it a shot. I wonder if it changes the breathability of the fabric it is sprayed on? Pretty interesting that it is at Home Depot and not a gear store, nothing like economies of scale to bring the price down.

[Blake]

It's probably awesome for making something waterproof, but so is scotchguard and a bunch of other stuff already on the market. The trick is making it breathable as well, and I bet you that whatever you spray with that magical new formula will have the permeability of a hefty trash bag. If it really works wonders on metal, the best climbing application may be on crampons and tools that tend to collect snow.

[JasonG]

Good points, I wouldn't want to hose a nice shell or something with it. Might be great for a backpack though.

 

I wonder if there would there be any concern spraying this on a rope?

[Phil K]

Skiers should be interested too. People spend big bucks on fluorocarbon waxes because of their high water repellant qualities. It would be interesting and worth a try for $19.95.

[tvashtarkatena]

On somebody else's bases, perhaps.

 

You may not want to put untested chemicals on ski bases you actually care about.

[powdrx]

Might work nicely for the tops of skis to keep snow from collecting and freezing.

 

[Phil K]

On somebody else's bases, perhaps.

 

You may not want to put untested chemicals on ski bases you actually care about.

 

Sintered polyethylene is pretty inert stuff. OK, try it on the rock skis first.

[Jens]

So long W.L Gore?