Maintain Your Shooting Jacket With Five Easy Steps

Maintain Your Shooting Jacket With Five Easy Steps

A shooting jacket is an essential piece of gear for anyone who enjoys spending time at the shooting range or in the field.

Not only does it provide protection from the elements, but it also helps to improve accuracy through its design and materials. However, like any piece of clothing, the jacket needs proper care and maintenance in order to prolong its lifespan.

Maintaining your shooting jacket is a simple process that can be done in just five easy steps. By taking a few simple precautions and following some basic cleaning and storage guidelines, you can ensure that your jacket stays in top condition for many shooting seasons to come.

 

Why Maintaining Your Shooting Jacket is Important

Maintaining your jacket should be an important part of any shooter's routine, as it can provide several benefits beyond just looking clean and stylish.

These benefits are:

• Prolong Durability - ensuring it can withstand the rigorous conditions of a shoot
• Optimised Performance - move with ease and remain focused on the shoot
• Hygienic Purposes - prevents the build-up of harmful bacteria and keeps unpleasant odours at bay
• Professional Appearance - shooters should take pride in displaying their well-kept jackets, particularly when shooting in a group
• Value - keeping your jacket in good condition means it retains its value, which subsequently helps its resale value further down the line 
• Comfort & Fit - helps to keep your shooting coat in a condition that makes wearing it a breeze.

 

Five Easy Steps for Maintaining Your Shooting Jacket

By following these five easy steps, you can keep your jacket looking and performing like new, shoot after shoot, hunt after hunt.

The five simple steps are:

1. Cleaning
2. Remove Any Stains
3. Reproof the Membrane
4. Correct Storage
5. Regular Inspection.

Let's explore them in further detail below.

 

Step One: Cleaning

To keep your hunting jacket in top shape, it's crucial to clean it regularly.

However, different materials require different care, so make sure to check the care label and follow the manufacturer's care guidance. Also, make sure you check the pockets, including the internal pockets, beforehand!

For machine washing, follow the instructions on the label regarding the temperature, detergent, and cycle settings. Some shooting coats may be machine washable, while others require specific care instructions.

For hand washing, it's suggested to:

• Use your hands to gently submerge the jacket in cool water with an appropriate detergent
• Lift it out of the water and carefully squeeze out the excess water - do not wring the jacket as this may damage the fabric or breathable membrane
• Repeat the process, but this time use cool water without any detergent in. Repeat again until all the soap has been removed
• After cleaning, air dry the jacket away from direct sunlight or heat to avoid any damage or shrinkage.

Proper cleaning is essential to maintain your waterproof shooting jacket's performance and durability. Neglecting this task can compromise the jacket's breathability, waterproof membranes, and overall effectiveness in harsh outdoor conditions.

Whether you go for hand washing or machine washing, ensure you follow the correct procedure for the specific hunting jacket.

 

Step Two: Remove Any Stains

Shooting jackets are designed for use in the great outdoors, and they are often exposed to dirt, dust, and other stubborn stains.

To keep your jacket looking its best, you need to treat any stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting. Failure to address the stain quickly can cause it to penetrate deep into the fabric, making it a lot harder to remove.

How to remove stains:

• Start by using a clean cloth to blot the stain, soaking up as much of the affected area as possible
• Once you have removed as much as you can, apply a small amount of soap to the affected area, gently working it in with a soft-bristled brush. Avoid rubbing aggressively, as this can damage the fabric and make the stain worse
• After applying the soap, leave the jacket to sit for a short while, allowing the soap to work its magic
• Then rinse the area thoroughly with clean water, ensuring that you remove all soap residue
• It's best to air dry the jacket away from direct sunlight or heat to prevent any shrinkage or damage.

When removing stains from your shooting jacket, it's important to avoid commercial stain removers as they may contain bleach or chlorine. These chemicals can damage the jacket's waterproof membrane. Instead, stick to gentle soaps or detergents and avoid rubbing the fabric too hard.

 

Step Three: Reproof the Membrane

Over time, your shooting jacket's waterproof membrane may lose its ability to repel water.

When this happens, it's essential to reproof the membrane using a specialist waterproofing product. This is usually either a spray or a wash-in product.

Before applying the reproofing treatment, it's important to clean your jacket thoroughly, following the steps above. Once the jacket is clean and dry, apply the waterproofing product according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Be sure to apply the treatment evenly, covering all areas of the jacket, paying close attention to the seams. After application, hang the jacket to dry naturally, avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources.

Reproofing your jacket's waterproof membrane will help you stay dry and comfortable in the British weather, making it an essential step in your gear maintenance routine.

 

Step Four: Correct Storage

After a long day out in the British countryside, it's essential to store your hunting jacket correctly to ensure it remains in top condition for future use.

Our top tips:

• Avoid storing your jacket in damp or humid areas. It's best to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• When it comes to hanging your jacket, it's important to use a wide, padded hanger to help maintain its shape. Avoid using wire hangers as they can deform the shoulders and collar of your jacket over time
• Consider using a garment bag to protect your jacket from dust and dirt, particularly if it will be out of use for a little while
• Make sure it is completely dry before putting away - any remaining moisture trapped in the fibres can contribute to mould or mildew growth, which can cause permanent damage.

 

Step Five: Regular Inspection

To ensure that your hunting jacket is ready for your next shoot, it's important to conduct regular inspections. This will allow you to identify any areas that need repair or replacement, as well as ensure that your jacket still fits properly.

There are three parts to a good jacket inspection:

• It might sound simple, but start by trying on your jacket before your next shoot! This will help you determine if it still fits well and provides freedom of movement. It's important to make sure that your jacket fits properly, as it will aid movement and keep you comfortable during long days
• Next, inspect the quality of the seams, zippers, buttons, and snaps. Check that they are still functioning properly and are not showing any signs of damage or wear. You may also want to inspect any cartridge pockets or other unique features on your shooting jacket to ensure they are still in good condition
• Finally, take a look at the inside of your jacket, as well as the outer layer. Check for any signs of wear and tear as this can impact the overall quality of your jacket. If any areas need repair or replacement, get these fixed as soon as you can to avoid any unwanted surprises during your next shoot.

By regularly inspecting your jacket, you can ensure that it's in good condition and will provide you with the protection and comfort you need when out in the field.

 

Summary

Maintaining your shooting jacket is essential for its longevity and performance.

By following the five easy steps mentioned above, you can keep your jacket clean, functional, and looking great. With proper care, your jacket will not only last longer, but it will also provide you with the comfort and protection you need whilst engaging in your shooting and hunting activities.

Interested in what makes a shooting jacket stand out from the rest? From wax jackets to tweed coats and many more, check out our blog post explaining all about the key features and characteristics to look for!