Buying used arcteryx or other pre-owned waterproof jackets can save you serious money, but you need to know what you’re getting.
The membrane technology that keeps you dry might look fine on the outside while failing where it counts.
Here’s how to check if that bargain jacket will actually protect you when the weather turns nasty.
What Makes Waterproof Clothing Work?
Most outdoor jackets use a thin membrane sandwiched between fabric layers. This membrane has microscopic pores that let sweat vapor escape while blocking water droplets.
Gore-Tex, eVent, and similar technologies all work on this principle, but they can deteriorate over time.
The membrane itself is incredibly thin – typically just 0.01mm thick. That’s thinner than a human hair.
When you buy used gear, this delicate layer might have developed cracks, holes, or contamination that kills its waterproof ability.
Visual Inspection Techniques
Start by examining the jacket in bright light. Look for obvious damage like holes, tears, or worn spots where the fabric looks thin or discolored.
Pay special attention to high-stress areas like shoulders, elbows, and anywhere you’d wear a backpack.
Check all seams carefully. Waterproof jackets need sealed seams to work properly, and the tape that creates this seal can peel off over time. Run your finger along every seam – you should feel smooth, continuous tape coverage. Any gaps or loose edges mean water will get through.
Don’t forget the zippers. Water-resistant zippers should move smoothly without catching.
Look for missing teeth, damaged pulls, or areas where the waterproof coating has worn away.
Testing Water Resistance
The most reliable test is simple but effective. Lay the jacket flat and pour a small amount of water on different areas. Fresh, untreated water should bead up and roll off immediately.
If water soaks in or spreads out, the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating has failed.
You can also try the shower test. Hang the jacket and spray it with water from different angles.
Watch for any spots where water penetrates the fabric. This test reveals problems that might not show up with static water drops.
Test Method | What It Reveals | Time Required |
Water drop test | DWR coating condition | 2-3 minutes |
Shower spray test | Overall waterproofing | 5-10 minutes |
Seam examination | Tape seal integrity | 10-15 minutes |
Breathability Assessment
Waterproof membranes need to breathe, or you’ll get soaked from your own sweat.
Testing breathability is trickier than checking waterproofing, but there are ways to get a sense of how well the membrane is working.
Put on the jacket and do some light exercise for 10-15 minutes. You should feel moisture escaping rather than building up inside. If the jacket feels clammy or you notice condensation forming on the inside, the membrane might be compromised.
Another method involves placing your mouth against the fabric and breathing out gently.
You should feel some air movement through the membrane, but it shouldn’t be easy to blow through.
Common Problem Areas
Used waterproof gear fails in predictable places. Shoulder areas take heavy abuse from backpack straps and often show the first signs of membrane damage.
Pocket zippers and entry points are also vulnerable because they get the most handling.
Cuffs and hem areas frequently lose their water repellency first because they contact other surfaces more often. These spots collect dirt and oils that can clog the membrane’s pores.
The back panel of jackets often suffers from prolonged contact with sweaty backs and backpack frames.
Look for discoloration or stiffness in these areas – both can indicate membrane problems.
Professional Testing Options
Some outdoor gear shops offer professional waterproofing tests using specialized equipment.
These tests measure actual water column pressure – the standard measurement for waterproof ratings.
Most quality outdoor jackets should handle at least 10,000mm of water pressure.
You can also send gear to manufacturers for inspection, though this usually costs more than it’s worth for used items.
The feedback can be valuable if you’re considering expensive repairs or re-treatment.
Restoration Possibilities
Not all membrane problems mean the end of your jacket’s useful life. DWR coating failures are often fixable with aftermarket treatments like Nikwax or Grangers products.
These treatments can restore water beading and improve overall performance.
Minor seam tape failures might be repairable with seam sealing products, though this requires some skill to do properly.
Membrane damage from punctures or tears usually can’t be fixed effectively.
Issue Type | Repair Difficulty | Success Rate |
DWR coating loss | Easy | 80-90% |
Minor seam tape lifting | Moderate | 60-70% |
Membrane punctures | Difficult | 20-30% |
Making the Purchase Decision
When buying used waterproof gear, factor in potential restoration costs. A jacket that needs $30 worth of DWR treatment might still be a good deal if the base price is right. But gear with membrane damage rarely performs like new, even after professional repair attempts.
Consider the jacket’s age and original quality level. High-end membranes typically last longer and maintain performance better than budget alternatives.
A five-year-old premium jacket might outperform a two-year-old economy model.
Remember that even perfectly maintained waterproof gear eventually wears out. Most membranes start showing significant performance drops after 5-7 years of regular use, regardless of brand or initial quality level.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a used Arc’teryx jacket is still waterproof?
Ans: Check seams, zippers, and fabric under bright light. Do a water drop or shower test. If water soaks in, the DWR coating has failed. Look out for peeling seam tape or worn shoulders.
Can I restore the waterproofing on a used Arc’teryx jacket?
Ans: Yes. DWR failures are fixable with products like Nikwax or Grangers. Minor seam tape lifting can sometimes be repaired. But membrane damage (cracks, punctures, or delamination) usually can’t be fully restored.
What’s the lifespan of Arc’teryx waterproof membranes?
Ans: High-quality membranes often last 5–7 years with regular use. Premium Arc’teryx jackets tend to outperform budget alternatives, even when used.
Is buying a used Arc’teryx jacket worth it?
Ans: Absolutely, if the jacket only needs minor reproofing. However, if the membrane is compromised, it won’t perform like new. Factor in the cost of re-treatment before deciding.
What areas should I check most carefully when buying pre-owned Arc’teryx?
Ans: Focus on shoulders (from pack straps), cuffs and hems (high wear), zippers, and the back panel (sweat + pack frame damage).
What’s the difference between DWR failure and membrane failure?
Ans: DWR failure = water no longer beads on the surface but can be fixed. Membrane failure = water penetrates the jacket itself and usually can’t be repaired effectively.