Softening and waterproofing suede buckskin

[Trond]

Hi.
I recently bought a BearPaw Big Back quiver, which is made in a suede buckskin leather. This quiver feels a kind of stiff and dry, and is not waterproof. What can I treat it with to soften it up a bit, as well as getting it waterproof? I don't care if the color is darkened a little... that will only add a nice touch to it.

[Jim Wright]

Truly waterproofing leather is a pretty "hard row to hoe". Neetsfoot Oil will soften. SnoSeal applied warm will soften and make it water resistant. Someone may follow with a better suggestion but waterproofing leather again is tough.

[Pat B]

Any oil you add to the suede will darken it considerably. Is the suede backing another material that makes it stiff?
 You might try spray silicon as a water repellent. Do a test first to be sure it won't discolor the suede.

[traditional_archer]

Good morning Trond,
  I wear brain tan mocs a lot.  The only product that I have found to make them water resistant is a mixture of bear tallow and bees wax.  I have yet to find any product natural or synthetic that will totally waterproof leather of any kind.  Anything I have tried will darken the leather, if you don't want color change be careful like Pat B said.  There are some excellent suggestions already listed.  Hope this helps.

[Trond]

Total waterproofing is not the goal here, only making it water-repellent and softening it. In my case the softening part is more important than the actual waterproofing. The fact of darkening is not a problem.
The quiver is this one:  https://shop.bearpaw-products.com/WebshopB2C/Home/Product?ProductID=437&SelectedPage=1

[slowbowjoe]

I've been using Montana Pitch Blend. Softens pretty well, and water repellant. Doesn't have a strong smell at all.
Found something at the local farm supply recently, which I'm using a bit - again, no petrochemicals, barely any scent at all, and appears to condition the leather well.
I prefer the conditioners with natural ingredients rather than those with petroleum base.
Just my .02.

[tim roberts]

X2 on the Montana Pitch Blend. It will naturally soften it with out the use of petroleum or synthetic chemicals, and will aid well in the repelling of water.
Thanks,

[reddogge]

Usually these things are applied to the skin side, not the suede side of leather. It may just make a mess but Tim above may know different.

[tim roberts]

Suede, (fuzzy, rough both sides) about the only thing for it is a silicon spray for the most part anything else will mess up the finish on it.
Other types of leathers, Montana Pitch Blend will work.
As far as putting it on the hair side only, every Absorkee Quiver gets it on both sides, as they are equally exposed to the elements.
Thanks,