How Viking Clothing Was Waterproofed For Sea Voyages?

The Vikings are legendary for their exploration, conquest, and settlement across vast distances. Their reputation as master seafarers stems not just from their expertly crafted longships but also from their ability to survive harsh weather conditions during their perilous sea voyages. One key aspect of their survival was ensuring their clothing remained waterproof, which was crucial for warmth, comfort, and survival.

But how exactly did these early adventurers keep themselves dry and warm in the wet and cold? Let’s take a deep dive into the ingenious techniques and natural materials the Vikings used to waterproof their clothing, and why this was essential for their success as seafaring pioneers.

The Viking Climate: A Constant Challenge

Before we look into their waterproofing methods, it’s essential to note the environment where Vikings lived and traveled. Scandinavia, where the Vikings originated, is known for its harsh climate, with cold winters, heavy rains, and frequent storms. Viking expeditions took them to similarly tough regions like Iceland and Greenland. Staying dry was critical for survival. 

Prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions could lead to hypothermia. Accessories like Viking necklaces and bracelets likely had practical designs, serving both as personal identifiers and status symbols, while their waterproof clothing was vital for protection.

Materials Used by Vikings for Clothing

Viking clothing was made almost entirely from natural materials. These materials, while durable and practical, had to be treated to offer protection from the elements. Let’s start by looking at the primary fabrics and materials they used:

• Wool: The Vikings heavily relied on wool for most of their clothing. Sheep were widespread in the Viking territories, and wool was known for its insulation properties. Wool is naturally somewhat water-resistant due to its lanolin content, and even when wet, it can retain heat. However, for long sea voyages, the natural water resistance of wool needed to be enhanced.
• Linen: Linen, made from the flax plant, was also a popular fabric for lighter clothing, particularly during warmer months. However, linen is not water-resistant by nature and would absorb water easily, requiring additional treatments to make it suitable for sea voyages.
• Leather and Fur: Leather was often used for footwear, belts, and other items that needed to be durable and flexible. Fur-lined garments were common in the colder months, providing extra warmth. While leather can be somewhat water-resistant, it needed to be treated to withstand constant exposure to water during sea voyages.

Viking Methods of Waterproofing Clothing

The Vikings utilized several natural techniques and materials to waterproof their clothing. These methods, while simple by today’s standards, were highly effective and suited the environment in which the Vikings lived. Below are some of the key techniques they used:

Enhanced Lanolin in Wool Clothing

Wool naturally contains lanolin, a waxy substance secreted by sheep that repels water. The Vikings, recognizing this natural property, took full advantage of it by leaving more lanolin in their wool garments than we typically find in modern wool clothing. By not fully washing out the lanolin during the preparation of the wool, they enhanced the fabric's ability to repel water.

• Additional Lanolin Treatment: In some cases, they may have added extra lanolin or animal fats to the wool after the garment was made to further increase water resistance. Lanolin works by creating a hydrophobic barrier, allowing water droplets to bead up and roll off the fabric rather than soaking in.

Application of Beeswax

Beeswax was another material the Vikings used to waterproof their clothing. Beeswax is naturally water-repellent and creates a flexible, durable coating when applied to fabrics or leather.

• Beeswax Waterproofing Process: The process involved melting the beeswax and applying it to wool, linen, or leather garments. Once the wax was absorbed into the fabric, it solidified, forming a protective layer that helped repel water. For leather items such as shoes and belts, beeswax not only made them more waterproof but also kept the leather supple and prevented it from cracking in the cold.

Beeswax would likely have been reapplied periodically, as heavy use and exposure to water would wear down the waterproof coating over time. Despite this, the Vikings would have found it a highly effective and relatively easy method for keeping their clothing dry.

Animal Fat and Oils

Another method the Vikings used to waterproof their garments was applying animal fats or oils. These substances were naturally hydrophobic and provided a flexible, breathable barrier against moisture.

• Types of Oils and Fats Used: The most commonly used fats would have come from animals like sheep, cows, or seals. Seal blubber, in particular, was prized for its ability to repel water, as seals naturally live in aquatic environments and rely on their fat to stay warm and dry.
• How It Was Applied: To waterproof a garment, the fat or oil would be rubbed into the fabric, usually wool or leather. The oils would soak into the fibers, forming a water-repellent layer. Over time, these oils would need to be reapplied, but they were highly effective, especially for garments exposed to constant sea spray and rain.

Oilcloth: A Precursor to Modern Waterproof Fabrics

Though not as common as the other methods, the Vikings may have used a form of oilcloth to waterproof their clothing. Oilcloth was created by soaking fabric (usually linen) in oil, allowing it to absorb into the fibers, and then letting the fabric dry.

• Making Oilcloth: The Vikings would likely have used oils from fish, whales, or seals to create this type of waterproof fabric. The resulting oilcloth would have been useful for outer garments, cloaks, or capes, providing a waterproof layer that could be worn during storms or when facing heavy sea spray.

Oilcloth was particularly valued for its flexibility, which made it more comfortable to wear than stiffer, untreated fabrics. Its waterproof properties also made it ideal for covering equipment or even sails, helping protect against the elements.

Footwear: Keeping Viking Feet Dry

In addition to clothing, waterproof footwear was essential for Viking sailors. Long hours standing in boats filled with water or on wet, rocky shores meant that having dry feet was critical to staying warm and preventing infection.

Leather Shoes and Boots 

Most Viking shoes and boots were made of leather, which is naturally somewhat water-resistant but needed extra treatments to survive long periods in wet conditions. The Vikings would treat their footwear with animal fats, oils, or beeswax, rubbing the substance into the leather to create a waterproof barrier.

Insulating Layers 

In cold conditions, Vikings would sometimes line their footwear with fur or wool to provide extra insulation. Since wool retains heat even when wet, this added layer of warmth helped keep their feet dry and warm, even in icy water.

Seafaring Technology: Waterproofing Viking Ships

Waterproofing clothing wasn’t the only challenge the Vikings faced; they also had to waterproof their iconic longships. Viking longships were made of wood, which, while durable and flexible, is not naturally waterproof.

• Pitch and Tar for Ships: To waterproof their ships, the Vikings used pitch, a tar-like substance derived from pine trees. This was applied to the seams between the wooden planks of the longships, sealing any gaps and preventing water from seeping into the hull. Pitch was also applied to the outside of the ship to create a waterproof coating, ensuring that their vessels could withstand the harsh conditions of the North Sea and beyond.

This method of waterproofing their ships, combined with their waterproof clothing, made the Vikings some of the most formidable and successful seafarers of their time.

Adapting to Different Environments: From Cold Seas to Warmer Climates

While the cold, wet conditions of Scandinavia and the North Atlantic necessitated heavy use of waterproofing techniques, the Vikings also traveled to warmer, drier regions such as the Mediterranean. In these climates, they adapted their clothing accordingly, often using lighter materials like linen.

However, waterproofing remained important, as the occasional storms or sea spray could still present challenges. Even in these warmer climates, Vikings would have used some of their tried-and-tested waterproofing methods, such as oiling their clothing or using beeswax on outer layers, to stay protected.

Modern Parallels: How Viking Techniques Inform Today’s Waterproofing

Although modern waterproofing materials such as Gore-Tex and synthetic coatings are highly advanced compared to Viking methods, many of the same principles still apply. Natural fibers like wool are still prized for their water-resistant properties, and materials like beeswax and lanolin are used in waterproofing outdoor gear, boots, and garments.

• Beeswax and Lanolin Today: Many outdoor enthusiasts still use beeswax or lanolin to treat leather boots or woolen clothing. These natural substances remain effective, eco-friendly, and easy to apply, much like they were in Viking times.
• Oilcloth Revival: Oilcloth, once a staple of outdoor gear, has seen a resurgence in recent years. Modern versions of oilcloth are often used for jackets, tarps, and other waterproof items, showing that the basic principles the Vikings used continue to inspire innovation.

Conclusion

The Vikings’ success as seafarers was not only due to their impressive ships but also their resourceful approach to waterproofing both their clothing and personal items like bracelets. Viking bracelets, often made from durable materials, benefited from similar waterproofing techniques. By using lanolin-rich wool, beeswax, and animal fats, the Vikings ensured their garments and accessories could withstand harsh weather. These methods helped them stay warm and dry on long voyages. The Vikings' ability to adapt and protect themselves in challenging environments contributed to their enduring reputation for resilience and exploration.

5 Most Common FAQs

1. What materials did Vikings use to waterproof their clothing?
   Vikings primarily used lanolin, beeswax, and animal fats to waterproof wool and leather garments.
2. How did wool help keep Vikings dry?
   Wool contains natural lanolin, which repels water and keeps warmth even when wet, making it ideal for harsh climates.
3. Did Vikings use synthetic materials for waterproofing?
   No, Vikings used natural materials like beeswax and animal fats for waterproofing their clothing.
4. What did Vikings use to waterproof their ships?
   They used pitch, a tar-like substance, to seal their longships against water leakage.
5. Are Viking waterproofing techniques still used today?
   Yes, modern outdoor gear still employs beeswax, lanolin, and oilcloth, inspired by Viking methods.