Gear Tips: Why Beeswax Is Essential In Your Outdoor Kit
When it comes to weatherproofing and preserving your outdoor gear, beeswax is well known to be a natural and effective solution. Beyond its role in honey production, beeswax has been a trusted ally in the world of outdoor gear care for centuries.
As you know, here at Falko, we’re pretty big fans of natural materials that are suitable for a range of applications. Be it wood, canvas, or steel, these classic materials help to create items that look beautiful and last a life-time. Beeswax is one of these materials, so this little article is written in tribute to this fantastic multi-use resource.
Why Beeswax?
Protection from Moisture.
Waxes excel at forming a protective barrier against moisture, and once it goes on, it can be difficult to remove - ideal for gear that gets a thrashing outdoors. Whether it's your favourite jacket or a pair of leather boots, a coating of beeswax helps keep the water out, ensuring your gear stays dry and ready for the unpredictable.
Pro tip: we use beeswax on our high-carbon steel axes and tools to help repel moisture too.
2. Preserving the Fibers.
Outdoor gear takes a beating, but beeswax is an ideal way to extend the lifetime of natural fibers. Applying a thin layer to your cotton canvas bags not only repels water but also nourishes the fibers, extending the life of your gear, keeping it supple, and in top-notch condition.
3. It’s Eco-Friendly & Sustainable.
We value sustainability, and beeswax fits the bill. It’s a by product of the honey industry and can be sourced responsibly from bees as they build their hives, making it a renewable resource. Its extraction is eco-friendly and does not require chemicals or solvents to process, meaning it aligns perfectly with our commitment to building outdoor gear that has minimal effect on the environment.
4. Versatile Application.
The beauty of beeswax lies in its versatility. Whether you're reviving a waxed canvas jacket, protecting leather boots, or conditioning wooden tool handles, beeswax gets the job done.
Our BushWax Puck, crafted with a blend of New Zealand Beeswax and other natural waxes, is a testament to the practicality of this natural solution.
Summary
In the realm of outdoor gear care, beeswax really can’t be beat. It’s simple, effective, environmentally friendly, and ensures your gear stands strong against the elements. We don’t like to use the word miracle lightly, but beeswax really is a miracle material.
