Nikwax, Nikwacks, Nickwax, Nick Waks… The Name That Keeps You Dry in Australia

Nikwax. Or is it Nikwacks? Nickwax? Nikwacks? However you’ve ended up here, by spelling it spot on, half right, or wildly off, you’re in the right place to discover the story behind this little green bottle that’s become a big deal for outdoor lovers.

It all kicked off back in 1977 with a young Brit named Nick Brown. Keen on bushwalking and climbing, Nick was fed up with his leather boots soaking through every time it rained. So he started mixing up his own waterproofing brew in a coffee grinder at his parents’ kitchen table. He wanted something that’d keep water out but still let the leather breathe, so his feet wouldn’t stew on long treks.

Nick’s homemade concoction was a winner. It kept his boots going stronger for longer, without making them heavy or stiff like the old beeswax treatments. Soon enough, his mates wanted some too. Then their mates. Before long, what started on a kitchen bench turned into Nikwax Waterproofing.

Leading the way with water-based tech

Nick was well ahead of the pack. While most treatments back then were packed with smelly solvents, he wanted something safer for people and kinder to the environment. By the early 80s, he’d nailed the world’s first water-based waterproofing products. Easy to use at home, eco-friendly and incredibly effective, Nikwax quickly stood out in a crowded market of harsh chemicals.

These days, Nick still runs the show and stays fiercely committed to low-impact manufacturing and conservation. The company has never touched aerosols or nasty fluorocarbons, and has been carbon balanced since 1977, long before most brands even thought about their climate footprint.

More than just leather boots

Nikwax’s range has grown well beyond the original leather waterproofing. Now you’ll find specialist treatments for rain jackets, tents, backpacks, down sleeping bags, even wool and fleece. Their products clean, restore water repellency, and keep your outdoor gear performing like new, so you can stay dry, warm and comfortable, wherever your next adventure takes you.

However you spell it, the important thing is that it works. And behind it all is Nick Brown’s simple philosophy: look after your gear, and it’ll look after you.

PS: However you spell it, we’ve got you sorted

Nikwax, Nikwacks, Nickwax, Nik wax, or even Nick wacks, we’ve seen the lot. No worries if you found us with a creative spelling. Whether you’re chasing Nikwacks waterproof, Nickwax cleaner, Nik wax for boots, Nick wacks spray, Nikwacks jacket wash or Nik wax tent proof, you’re right where you need to be.

Take care of your gear, and it’ll take care of you. That’s the Nikwax way, Aussie adventures and all.