Maintenance and CareUpdated a month ago
A Cortazu jacket, maintained well, will perform for years. Here's how to keep Barrier CT performing the way it did on day one.
We design our outerwear to handle changing weather, long days outdoors, and everyday use. But performance apparel performs best when it’s cared for intentionally.
Regular maintenance helps preserve breathability, water protection, comfort, and the overall lifespan of your jacket—so it’s ready for whatever comes next.
Below are our care recommendations.
1. Keep It Clean
Dirt, sweat, sunscreen, salt, and everyday buildup gradually affect how technical fabrics perform.
After use—especially after exposure to mud, sand, saltwater, or heavy rain:
- Shake off loose dirt and debris
- Wipe down surface areas with a soft cloth
- Spot-clean where needed
- Don’t let dirt sit for extended periods
Keeping the fabric clean helps maintain breathability and supports the effectiveness of the water-repellent finish.
2. Wash When Performance Drops
Technical outerwear doesn’t need constant washing—but it does benefit from being washed properly.
Signs it’s time:
- Water stops beading on the surface
- The fabric feels saturated more quickly
- Reduced breathability
- Visible dirt, sweat, sunscreen, or buildup
Washing your jacket removes residue that gradually affects membrane performance and water repellency. In many cases, a proper wash is enough to restore how the jacket feels and performs.
For complete step-by-step instructions—including preparation, detergent recommendations, drying guidance, and best practices—follow our dedicated washing guide:
How to Wash Your Hardshell Jacket
Taking a few extra minutes to wash technical gear correctly can significantly extend the lifespan and performance of your jacket.
3. Restore Water Repellency (DWR)
Over time, the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment on the outer fabric naturally wears down.
This doesn’t mean your jacket is no longer waterproof.
If water stops beading and starts wetting out on the surface, it may simply be time to refresh the DWR treatment.
A renewed DWR finish helps maintain:
- Better water shedding
- Improved breathability
- Faster drying performance
- More consistent comfort in wet conditions
(See our dedicated DWR care guide for full instructions.)
4. Store It Properly
How you store your jacket matters almost as much as how you use it.
To keep materials performing at their best:
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Hang when possible instead of compressing for long periods
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never store while damp
- Use breathable storage—not sealed containers
Long-term compression and trapped moisture can affect fabric structure and performance.
5. Avoid Excessive Heat
Heat can shorten the lifespan of technical fabrics.
Avoid:
- Radiators and heaters
- Direct, prolonged sun exposure
- High heat drying
- Leaving gear in hot enclosed spaces for extended periods
When drying, let your jacket air dry naturally.
6. Inspect Early. Repair Early.
Check your jacket occasionally for:
- Zippers
- Seams
- Velcro closures
- Drawcords
- Elastic components
Small fixes early can prevent bigger repairs later and extend the life of your gear.
And if it's beyond care, it's not beyond repair.
Head to our Repair Section to learn about repair options and getting your jacket back into performance condition.
Caring with Purpose
Taking good care of your gear isn’t just good for performance—it’s good for the planet. With proper maintenance, you’ll extend the life of your products, reduce waste, and minimize the need for replacements. It's one more way we can all contribute to a more sustainable outdoor industry.