Atsko manufactures a wide selection of products – UV protection to skin care - that come in various mediums. Fabric spray, washer formula, and even beeswax are all part of the company’s product lines. Avid outdoorsmen are especially interested in Atsko’s waterproofing product line.

Outdoorsmen and women have used countless methods to restore the water repellency of boots, tents, and clothing. Rarely does a product do what it professes – make your gear waterproof again.

The Atsko Silicone Water-Guard DWR (Durable Water Repellent) claims that suede, leather, cotton, canvas, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics can have the factory water-repellency restored and replaced in one treatment. It also claims its high water-repellent layer resists stains, dries odorless, and allows the fabric to breathe.

Is the company wrong? It just sounds too good.

To see if the Silicone Water-Guard’s claims checked out, the spray was applied on the nylon side walls of a well-used backpacking tent which had lost its factory water-repellent properties. After letting the tent dry, it was then tested for water-repellency. Where the Water-Guard had been sprayed, the water beaded and ran down the outside of the tent.

The fabric did not darken. Atsko does state lighter colored fabrics may be slightly darker or cause adhesive or rubber to turn yellow after their product is applied. No dimpling was visible which indicates if the water drops had not started to soak into the fabric.

images/AtskoThe Atsko Silicone Water-Guard does what it claims as a water-repellent treatment. It was not been tested over a long period, but months after the first test there wasn’t a change in repellency.

The only possible opportunity for improvement is to reduce the slight odor the Water-Guard has, it still does have. Atsko says that the Silicone Water-Guard is odorless but it does emit a minor smell after application. (MSRP $7.00)

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