Homemade DIY Waterproofing — Without Wax

Waterproof gear is better than non-waterproof gear — it’s as simple as that. But how best to waterproof your gear? Well, that varies depending on what it’s made of… but for fabric stuff such as hats, light jackets, backpacks, ditty bags and such, this formula should work just fine. In fact, I’m tempted to call it do-it-yourself Scotchgard.

Sadly, we have another annoying background music video… making this a prime candidate for using closed captions along with the mute button.

Find a two-quart container in which you can mix a quart of mineral spirits with HALF of a 2.8-ounce tube of clear, 100% silicone sealant. Pour in the mineral spirits, add the sealant, and mix the heck out of it.

Next, paint it onto the fabric you’d like to waterproof. Let it dry for about 24 hours, and you’re done.

This should provide a lot more coverage — especially per dollar — than spraying with Scotchgard.

I think I’m going to try this on my hunting pack…

Russ Chastain

Editor & Contributing Writer Russ Chastain is a lifelong hunter and shooter who has spent his life learning about hunting, shooting, guns, ammunition, gunsmithing, reloading, and bullet casting. He started toting his own gun in the woods at age nine and he's pursued deer with rifles since 1982, so his hunting knowledge has been growing for more than three and a half decades. His desire and ability to share this knowledge with others has also grown, and Russ has been professionally writing and editing original hunting & shooting content since 1998. Russ Chastain has a passion for sharing accurate, honest, interesting hunting & shooting knowledge and stories with people of all skill levels.