You buy Nikwax SoftShell Proof because sometimes you make mistakes. Mistakes like telling your buddies, "There's absolutely no way it's going to rain today." Nikwax SoftShell Proof is a wash-in treatment for any softshell jacket that revitalizes the durable water repellant finish while maintaining the awesome breathability you got the jacket for in the first place. It won't make water bead like you just put a fresh coat of wax on the 'Vet, but it'll be there in a pinch, and work well when there's just a dusting of snow.