Spray waterproofing for clothes?

[JohnnoMcJohnno]

Hi fellow forum folk. I am wondering if anyone has experience/recommendations with spray waterproofing products, scotchguard or the like, and specifically on clothes. I'm not talking about making something super water resistant (I have raingear for that), but something you could spray on a light jacket say to make it drizzle proof, so you don't automatically have to reach for the rain gear. Would prefer to hear any experience/problems/shortcomings before investing $12.50

[Gadgetgeek]

In my experience, they don't really work great, can change the way the surface finish looks, only last a short time, and are pretty nasty from an environmental standpoint. If I was going to try something, I'd go with a nikwax solarproof, soft-shellproof, or Granger's xtreme repel. I've yet to make a scotchguard product do anything super useful. Maybe as a stain preventer, but little else.
Just don't have super high hopes, and see what happens I guess.

[JohnnoMcJohnno]

Thanks for that. The nikwax products might be a goer. I didn't consider the environmental aspect with the sprays so that's a valid concern. Maybe its better to bite the bullet and invest a new softshell.

[Gadgetgeek]

Is it the biggest deal? Not really, but we all have an impact, and its worth knowing, so that you can make those choices for yourself. Anaconda carried graingers, I think Paddy carries Nikwax, not sure.