Nikwax

Nikwax waterproofing

Nick Brown invented Nikwax simply because he was dissatisfied with the range of waterproofing products available to outdoor adventurers. From an early age he enjoyed walking with his father and got to understand outdoor equipment. He wanted a product that would waterproof his boots without softening them and in 1977, Nick (aged 22), mixed his first order of Nick's wax (Nikwax).

He created his first batch of Nikwax using a tea urn, a primus stove, a jug and materials from a hardware store and sold it to outdoor shops in Britain and then Europe. He quickly moved his manufacture to a workshop in London and the Nikwax waterproofing brand became increasingly popular.

Because of his knowledge and experience as a walker, Nick understood the need for outdoor garments such as rain jackets and overtrousers (as well as boots) to retain their waterproof, wind resistant and breathable qualities. The Nikwax range now includes cleaning products as well as re-proofers for leather, suede and fabric boots, down insulated clothing, waterproof clothing such as Gore-Tex jackets as well as tents and other outdoor gear. Their green initiative now also means that their products have as little environmental impact as possible. Nikwax was the first company in the world to create a range of waterproofing products with a water, rather than solvent base.

Nikwax has an extensive range of specialised products to take care of all your outdoor kit.