Keep it working. Keep it fishing.
This page covers product care, reproofing and non-warranty repairs. If you’ve damaged something, worn it hard or just want to get it back to performing at its best, this is the place. If you’re here because you think you’ve got a manufacturing fault, please head to our Záruka page instead.
In short: Warranty = “is it faulty?”
Aftercare & Repairs = “can you help me sort it out?”
Good maintenance massively extends the life of your kit. Before you think “it’s ruined,” try this:
Rinse first, then wipe: Grit on a dry lens = scratches. Always blow/rinse dust before wiping.
Use approved cleaner only: We recommend Fortis lens cleaner and a microfibre cloth. Household glass cleaner or T-shirt wiping can destroy mirror coatings.
Always case them: Store lenses in a hard case or pouch when not in use. Loose in a rucksack is how lenses get scratched.
Waterproof shells (Marine / outer jackets / waterproof trousers)
Rinse off mud and grit: Grit in zips and seams will wreck performance quickly.
Wash cool with technical wash: Avoid normal detergent and fabric softener — they can block the fabric’s breathability and kill the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish.
Refresh the DWR: After washing, reproof with a suitable spray or wash-in reproofing product. This helps water bead and roll off instead of soaking in. We recommend the NikWax TX Direct Twin Pack.
Low heat activation: Some DWR finishes reactivate with gentle warmth. Check the care label — a cool tumble or cool iron (if allowed) can make a big difference.
Low spin, gentle wash: Use mild detergent. Don’t blast it on a harsh cycle.
Air dry or tumble low: High heat can damage insulation loft. Loft = warmth.
Store dry: Never pack away insulation damp. It will smell and the fill will clump.
Wash inside-out, cool: Protects the outer face fabric and print/embroidery.
Avoid heavy softeners on performance fleece: Softeners can flatten the pile and reduce warmth.
Line dry where possible: Keeps the fabric feeling right for longer.
If you’re not sure how to wash or reproof something, ask us — the wrong detergent can do more harm than good.
Water not beading on your waterproofs any more? Getting soaked quicker than you used to? That doesn’t always mean “it’s blown” — most of the time it just needs cleaning and refreshing.
DWR (Durable Water Repellent) top-up: Reapplying or reactivating the DWR helps rain bead and roll off instead of soaking into the face fabric.
Breathability restore: Sweat, dirt and fish slime clog the pores of technical fabrics. A proper wash in the right detergent brings breathability back so you’re not stewing inside your jacket.
Taped seams check: If water is coming through an actual seam rather than just “wetting out,” we may need to inspect — see Repairs below.
If you’re unsure whether you just need to reproof or whether you’ve actually got a fault, email us some clear photos and we’ll point you in the right direction.
E-mail: aftercare@fortiseyewear.co.uk
Call: 0203 441 6495
Stuff gets dragged across swims, snagged on barrows, caught in zips, melted by stoves… we’ve seen it all. Not every issue is a warranty fault — but that doesn’t mean you’re on your own.
We can often advise on or help with:
Zip issues: Stiff, gritty or misaligned zips, pullers coming off, sliders you can’t seat properly.
Small fabric damage: Nicks, minor tears, abrasion on cuffs/knees/seat areas from bank wear.
Hardware problems: Poppers, adjusters, toggles, drawcord exits, buckles.
Delamination / peeling of coatings: We’ll tell you if this looks like wear or if it might be a manufacturing fault (if it’s the latter, that’s a warranty discussion, not a paid repair).
How it works:
Be honest with us. If you tore it climbing through a fence, just say. We’re still going to try to help you get back on the bank.
Your lenses are the difference between “guesswork” and “I can literally see that fish.” Keeping them clean and protected matters.
Cleaning: Rinse grit first, then use Fortis lens cleaner and a clean microfibre cloth. Do not dry-wipe sandy lenses — that’s how coatings get scratched.
Mirror / XBLOK coatings: These coatings boost glare reduction and contrast. They’re tough, but not bombproof. Household cleaners or salt crystals can damage them permanently. Treat them like optics, not car windows.
Cases & spares: Use a hard case or padded pouch when you’re not wearing them. We can advise on replacement cases and aftercare kits if you’ve lost yours.
If your issue is a cracked frame, bent arm or lens popped from impact, that’s not normally warranty — but send us photos and we’ll tell you realistically what can be done.
This page is for:
How to look after your kit so it lasts.
How to reproof and refresh waterproof performance.
Advice on repairs for damage or heavy wear.
Asking “can this be fixed?” before you bin it.
This page is not for:
Claiming a manufacturing fault.
Requesting a replacement or refund for a defective item.
Sending anything back without approval.
If you believe your item has failed due to a manufacturing fault, please use our Warranty & Returns process instead. That’s the route for assessment, approval and return authorisation.
We’re here to help. Call +44 (0) 203 441 6495 or email aftercare@fortiseyewear.co.uk and we’ll point you in the right direction — whether it’s aftercare, maintenance or repair.
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