Waterproof vs Water-repellent: A guide to rainwear | RevolutionRace

*While some garments feature waterproof membranes that provide wind protection and extra resistance against water pressure, such as sitting in the snow, we do not classify them as waterproof due to the lack of fully taped seams and water-resistant zippers.

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But to make a garment waterproof, you also need to consider other weak points where water could seep through, such as the seams and zippers.

What does water-repellent mean?

A water-repellent fabric has a higher level of water protection than water-resistant, but still not waterproof. It refers to a material's ability to resist absorption or shed water droplets upon contact. Water-repellent fabrics are treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) to create a surface that repels water, causing it to bead up and roll off rather than being absorbed. Wax is also a popular water-repellent treatment for some materials in outdoor gear, like cotton canvas.

Adding a water-repellent treatment to your clothing can give them a higher level of protection against rain. Still, water will eventually penetrate in heavy rain or during prolonged exposure to water. Over time and with heavy use, the water-repellent treatment must be reapplied to maintain its effectiveness.

Read more: What is DWR (Durable Water Repellent)?

What does waterproof mean?

A waterproof material has a high level of water protection. The two main ways to make a material waterproof are a membrane or a coating. Most outdoor clothing designed for intense activities is constructed with a membrane.

A membrane is a technical barrier that allows water vapor from inside the garment to escape while preventing water droplets from entering. Clothing made with waterproof membranes offers good breathability while providing excellent water protection.

But to make a garment waterproof, you also need to consider other weak points where water could seep through, such as the seams and zippers.

How are waterproof fabrics with membranes constructed?

Breathable, waterproof materials are made of an outer fabric, a waterproof membrane laminated on the inside and often a third material as an inner lining for comfort.

There are different types of membranes, but they all prevent water from penetrating the garment while allowing water vapor inside the garment to escape. This clever design ensures you stay comfortable and dry, even in wet conditions, without feeling sweaty or uncomfortable inside your clothing.

The waterproof membrane is fragile, and any rips or tears will compromise its water protection. To add durability, the membrane is laminated on the inside of a more durable fabric that acts as an outer layer. The outer layer is often a tightly woven material treated with DWR to prevent water from soaking through the outer fabric and affecting the garment's breathability.

The inside of the membrane also needs to be protected to prevent it from being damaged. This can be done with a loose inner liner, a protective coating, or a bonded inner layer. The different construction types are often called 2, 2.5, or 3 layers.

What is a waterproof rating?

A standard called the Hydrostatic Head (HH) measures a material's waterproofness. The waterproof rating indicates how much water pressure the membrane can withstand before water penetrates and is expressed in millimeters (mm).

In the past, this type of test was done by pouring water into a column and measuring how much pressure the fabric could withstand before it leaked. Therefore, it is common to refer to the water column as another name for the rating. Nowadays, the tests are automated, and the measured values can differ significantly depending on how quickly you increase the pressure. We use the Japanese standard, JIS L , when testing the waterproofness of our materials.

The higher the waterproof rating, the more waterproof the material. The construction of the garment, weather conditions, and use also affect waterproofness.

The importance of breathability

It’s often when the breathability is compromised that you feel like your waterproof clothing has soaked through. Without breathability, warm and moist air inside your clothing can not escape, making you feel damp and clammy.

The breathability can be compromised when the outer fabric of your clothing is saturated with water since it prevents water vapor from escaping through the weave. The DWR treatment on the outer fabric makes the water bead up and roll off, thus extending the time it takes for the material to get saturated.

The more active you are, the more moist air you have to vent, and the membrane’s breathability might not be able to keep up. That is why you should look for ventilation zippers in your waterproof garments. They allow you to vent hot and moist air during high-intensive activities quickly.

Breathability is measured in a lab and indicates a material’s ability to release body moisture. It is measured in g/m²/24h, i.e. the amount of water, measured in grams, a square meter of fabric can release in a day. The higher the breathability rating, the more breathable the material is.

It’s 8am and raining here in normally sunny Cyprus. This means it’s time to break out my rainwear and think about which walking shoes I’m going to wear. Cocooned in my high-tech wet weather gear, I’ll be able to stay pretty dry and warm in even a torrential downpour.

This has not always been the case…

Growing up, I had one raincoat – a yellow rubberised nylon monstrosity that kept water out but trapped sweat in. Needless to say, after wearing this garment for an hour or so, I was wet anyway, as the moisture had no way to escape and condensed inside the coat.

And, if I wanted to keep my feet dry, I had to rely on waxed leather boots or rubber wellies.

My, how things have changed!

Modern adventurers have access to a vast array of garments and materials to protect them from the elements. However, faced with so many choices, it’s not always easy to know what to buy.

For example, what’s the difference between waterproof and water resistant? Which is best, and what do you need?

In this article, we explore the difference between waterproof vs. water-resistant so you can choose the best option for your adventure needs.

• Water-resistant vs. waterproof – the basics
• Waterproof ratings
• Common waterproof fabrics and materials
• Waterproof fabrics: membrane vs non-membrane
• Waterproof vs. water-resistant – FAQs

Water-resistant vs. waterproof – the basics

While it’s easy to confuse water resistant with waterproof (and don’t forget water repellent, too!), they are very different things.

Water-resistant fabrics

Water-resistant fabrics and materials can repel modest amounts of moisture, such as light rainfall or mist. They are usually lightweight, windproof, and often very breathable, so you won’t sweat too much.

This makes water-resistant clothing ideal for fair-weather athletes and fast-moving outdoor enthusiasts who value a small pack size and low weight more than staying completely dry.

Water-resistant clothing is ideal for keeping in your pack so you can break it out if needed. Or you can wear it just in case it rains but accept that if the weather gets really bad, you’ll probably get wet anyway.

Waterproof fabrics

Waterproof fabrics are virtually impervious to water. I say virtually because the actual degree of waterproofness will depend on the rating and construction of the garment. For example, seams and zips can leak, and some materials are more waterproof than others.

However, a waterproof fabric should keep water out for quite a long time, and water should “bead” or gather on the surface of the material rather than soak into it.

Waterproof fabrics are often breathable but are usually a little less so than water-resistant garments and tend to be heavier and bulkier.

Water-repellent fabrics

Water-repellent fabrics work as well as some so-called waterproof materials. They usually cause water to bead on the surface. However, most water-repellent fabrics rely on a coating applied to the outside of the garment rather than the material itself. They also tend not to be very breathable.

You can buy sprays and wash-in treatments to restore water repellence or even weather-proof a non-water repellent item, e.g., a pair of standard running shoes. I once treated a pair of regular walking trousers to make them water-repellent and it worked like a charm. However, the effect was only temporary.

Are you interested in learning more about Waterproof Breathable Membrane(mn,ur,in)? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Waterproof ratings

Waterproofing is rated in one of two ways – hydrostatic head and ingress protection. However, hydrostatic head is most commonly used for clothing, while ingress protection is used for equipment and devices.

Hydrostatic head scale

Hydrostatic head (HH) is a measurement used to calculate how waterproof a garment or fabric is. The HH score, displayed in millimetres, refers to the height of a column of water. The higher the column, the more pressure on the material, and the better the material is as keeping water out.

For something to be considered waterproof, it should have a HH rating of or more. For example, a good waterproof coat could have a HH of 20,000 and a premium backpacking tent 5,000.

However, to be fully waterproof, things like zips and seams must also be considered, and even a jacket with an HH of 30,000 will leak if the seams are not taped correctly. It’s also worth noting that a high HH may mean that the material is less breathable, and condensation can become a problem.

Ingress protection waterproof scale

The ingress protection or IP waterproof scale measures how well a device or object can withstand water. It’s used on things like handheld GPS devices, earphones, adventure watches, waterproof cameras, mobile phones, etc.

Like the HH scale, the higher the IP score, the better your device or equipment is protected.

• IPX0: No special protection from water.
• IPX1: Can resist water that drips vertically.
• IPX2: Can resist water that hits the product at a 15° angle or less.
• IPX3: Can take water sprays of up to 60°.
• IPX4: Is resistant to water splashes from any direction.
• IPX5: Can resist a sustained, low-pressure water jet spray.
• IPX6: Can resist high-pressure, heavy sprays of water.
• IPX6K: Can resist water jets of extremely high pressure.
• IPX7: Can be submerged up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes.
• IPX8: Can be submerged deeper than one meter.
• IPX9K: Resists high-pressure, high-temperature sprays at close range.

Not having an IP rating does not mean your device isn’t waterproof, as some manufacturers may just describe in words how waterproof their products are, e.g., up to one meter of water for five minutes.

Common waterproof fabrics and materials

Manufacturers use a range of fabrics and materials to keep you dry, and the best waterproof fabrics work in much the same way – they’re semi-permeable.

In simple terms, this means the fabric’s weave is so small that water molecules cannot pass through them. However, water vapour molecules are much smaller, so sweat can escape with less condensation on the inside of the material.

Depending on the product and manufacturer, these waterproof fabrics can be used alone or bonded to other materials in single or multiple layers. More layers mean a higher degree of waterproofing.

Not all waterproof materials are breathable, and while they do an excellent job of keeping water out, they also trap moisture in, which can lead to sweating.

Some of the most common waterproof fabrics include:

Gore-Tex

The original Gore-Tex was invented in . Initially, it was very expensive and hard to get hold of, but it is now the standard material used to make outdoor clothing and footwear waterproof. If you see GTX on your jacket or shoes, that usually denotes the use of Gore-Tex in the construction.

The great thing about Gore-Tex is its breathability. As well as keeping water out, it lets sweat evaporate away from your skin.

The degree of waterproofness depends on the number of layers of Gore-Tex used, and there are single, double, and triple-layered garments available. However, more layers mean more weight and bulk and less breathability.

There are also several types of Gore-Tex material, including:

• Gore-Tex Shake Dry

• Gore-Tex Paclite
• Gore-Tex Paclite Plus
• Gore-Tex Active
• Gore-Tex Performance
• Gore-Tex Pro

Gore-Tex materials tend not to be rated using the HH scale. Instead, the manufacturer will detail how waterproof their products are.

Pertex

After Gore-Tex came Pertex. Pertex is usually a little cheaper than Gore-Tex and often lighter, too. However, it may not be as breathable. The two most common Pertex variations are Pertex Shield and Pertex Shield Pro.

Dermizax

Dermizax is a waterproof laminate from Japan. It’s fully recyclable and breathable and available in two and three layers. Dermizax is highly waterproof and commonly used in mountain wear.

Polartec Neo Shell

Polartec Neo Shell is a nano-spun material that is micro-porous, so it won’t let water in but can let water vapour out. It’s widely used by many outdoor clothing companies, including Berghaus, Mountain Hardware, and 66North.

Futurelight

Made by outdoor company The North Face, Futurelight is one of the newest waterproof materials on the market and was only launched in . It’s made from 60% recycled material and is 100% reusable. It’s highly waterproof, light, flexible, and breathable, so it’s ideal for active outdoor adventurists.

Sympatex

Sympatex garments are available in two, three, or four layers. It’s made from 100% polyester, so it’s fully recyclable. Vaude is one of the most notable users of Sympatex. It’s often used to make ski and mountain wear.

Proflex

Made and used by outdoor company RAB, this waterproof yet breathable material is soft and flexible and gives a softshell feel to hardshell clothing.

Waxed fabric/leather

Jackets and boots treated with wax are very waterproof but not breathable. They also need to be retreated to stay waterproof, often after just a few uses. However, waxed fabrics and leather can be a good choice for casual use, and as they age, they tend to take on a pleasing weathered look. Think traditional leather hiking boots (sans Gore-Tex liner) and waxed cotton hunting jackets.

Other waterproof but non-breathable materials include:

• PVC-coated nylon, polyester, etc.

• Rubberised nylon
• Laminated cotton
• Oil cloth
• Polyester fleece
• Vinyl
• PEVA
• Coated leather

Waterproof fabrics: membrane vs non-membrane

Unlike Gore-Tex, which bases its concept on a waterproof breathable membrane that is laminated to fabric, some waterproof garments adopt a membrane-free waterproofing method. Páramo clothing is an example of this. Their waterproofs last longer than conventional waterproofs, offering renewable waterproofing and repairability. Páramo waterproofs also use fabrics designed NOT to become obsolete. The unique Nikwax Analogy fabric system provides fantastic ultra-breathable and Directional performance, keeping the weather out without recourse to laminates, membranes or taped seams. As a result, there is no element to break down or fail over time. Instead, the waterproofing is renewable indefinitely with water-based Nikwax aftercare products.

The PFC-Free Nikwax Analogy Waterproof System used by Páramo was the first of its kind when it was launched and introduced a whole new concept of waterproof clothing to the international stage. The system mimics the way that furry mammals keep warm and dry, but without the weight and bulk of a mammal fleece. Nikwax Analogy is directional, which means that it forces moisture away from the wearer, pushing out condensation (liquid water) as well as moisture vapour. It manages condensation much better than membrane systems, and has already been shown to be the waterproof system of choice for Mountain Rescue teams, Arctic explorers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The non-membrane waterproof garments, such as those produced by Páramo, are constructed using a 2-layer approach. This approach consists of a pump liner that mimics the action of animal fur – pushing liquid water outwards to protect you from rain, condensation and perspiration, while protecting your insulation. This is combined with a Directional outer that’s treated with PFC-Free DWR to deflect wind and rain. The pump liner isn’t bonded to the face fabric, creating an air gap between the two materials and provides insulation whilst maintaining breathability. This liner is not only designed to allow moisture vapour to pass through, as with Gore-Tex, but also to actively transport liquid water – like sweat – away from the body.

Additionally, non-membrane waterproof garments are easily repairable and are not compromised by puncture (you could stick pins all over a Páramo waterproof, take them out and it will still keep the rain out). As a result, many non-membrane waterproof jackets continue to perform as well after years of use and abuse as they do when new.

Waterproof vs. water-resistant – FAQs

Do you have a question about waterproof vs. water-resistant materials and clothing? We’ve got the answers you seek!

Water-resistant vs. waterproof – closing thoughts

Even in sunny Cyprus, I occasionally need to break out my waterproof jacket, trousers, and walking shoes. That said, I know some of you will need your waterproof gear far more often than I do!

If you only go out in light or occasional rain, water-resistant clothing will probably suffice. Still, if you expect to face heavier or more frequent downpours, waterproofs are the way to go, and breathable is better so you don’t sweat too much.

The good news is that you are no longer limited to Gore-Tex, and there are plenty of similarly excellent fabrics to choose from. So, take your time picking your next waterproof jacket, trousers, shoes, etc., and buy the right product for your budget and needs.

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