Nikwax Wins Its Second Outdoor Industry Award In Two Years.

Nikwax, the global leader for over 40 years in aftercare products for outdoor performance gear and apparel, has won the highly coveted international OutDoor Industry Award for its Nikwax Hydrophobic Down (NHD). With nearly 250 products submitted, just 37 products were selected by the six-member expert panel. Each submission was debated on its degree of innovation, sustainability and functionality.

NHD is a technology designed to resist water. Individual down fibers are treated with Nikwax, making NHD 50x more water-repellent than conventional down. It maintains its ability to insulate even after being shaken with water for 16 hours (1,000 minute shake test), extending the range of conditions in which users can stay warm and dry. Working with leading industry partners including Mountain Hardwear, NEMO, Therm-A-Rest and Rab, NHD is found in top performing sleeping bags and apparel.

NHD was ranked Outstanding for its Functionality and Sustainability. According to the jury statement, “A new step forward for eco-friendly, innovative, functional down production. Nikwax Hydrophobic technology makes down fifty times more water repellent than conventional down.”

Nikwax’s revolutionary Hydrophobic Down is a water resistant down fill that retains loft and recovers quickly after a downpour; all without adding weight. By adding a flexible PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish to each individual down filament, the absorption of moisture is reduced – whether from the inside (perspiration, condensation) or the outside (rain and snow). NHD maintains its high performance loft and insulation properties in cold and damp conditions. Because it stays moisture free, there’s less bacteria trapped inside a garment or sleeping bag, which can result in the breakdown of damp down. This increases the useable lifetime of the gear and also provides odour resistance.

“Nikwax Hydrophobic Down is proof that fluorocarbon-free products can outperform other waterproofing products. There is no reason why brands should not be using fluorocarbon-free alternatives,” said Nick Brown, founder & CEO of Nikwax.

This OutDoor Industry Award is Nikwax’s second in the last two years. In 2017, the brand’s BaseFresh advanced laundry conditioner that deodorizes technical underwear and wicking base layers won for its Functionality, Sustainability, and Price-performance ratio.