When shopping for outdoor clothing-whether for hiking, camping, skiing, or hunting-you'll often see two key terms: "waterproof" and "water resistant." While they sound similar, they describe two distinct levels of protection against moisture, and choosing the right one can make or break your outdoor experience. Wearing the wrong type can leave you soaked, uncomfortable, and even at risk in harsh weather. In this guide, we'll break down the key differences between waterproof and water resistant outdoor clothing, how they work, their ideal uses, and how to choose the right option for your adventures.
What Does "Water Resistant" Mean for Outdoor Clothing?
Water resistant outdoor clothing is designed to repel light moisture, but it is not fully impermeable to water. This type of clothing typically features a treated fabric or a thin water-repellent coating (often DWR, or Durable Water Repellent) that causes water to bead up and roll off the surface. However, if exposed to heavy rain, prolonged moisture, or high pressure (like standing in a downpour or hiking through wet brush), water will eventually seep through the fabric.
Water resistant clothing is engineered for mild to moderate wet conditions, where you won't be exposed to constant or heavy moisture. The level of water resistance can vary-some garments repel only light drizzle, while others can withstand short bursts of rain. This type of clothing is often lighter, more breathable, and more affordable than fully waterproof options, making it a popular choice for casual outdoor activities.
How Water Resistant Clothing Works
Most water resistant outdoor clothing uses a DWR coating applied to the outer fabric. This coating creates a hydrophobic barrier that repels water droplets, preventing them from soaking into the fabric. Some garments also use tightly woven fabrics (like ripstop nylon or polyester) to reduce water penetration, even without a coating. Over time, the DWR coating can wear off due to washing, friction, or exposure to sunlight, but it can be reapplied with a spray-on or wash-in treatment to restore its effectiveness.
Ideal Uses for Water Resistant Outdoor Clothing
Water resistant clothing is perfect for activities where you'll encounter light moisture or unpredictable weather, such as:
Casual hiking or walking in light drizzle or morning dew
Cycling in mild rain or windy, damp conditions
Outdoor workouts or running in light showers
Spring or autumn activities where rain is brief and not heavy
Everyday outdoor wear where breathability is a priority
What Does "Waterproof" Mean for Outdoor Clothing?
Waterproof outdoor clothing is designed to be completely impermeable to water-meaning no water can seep through the fabric, even in heavy rain, snow, or prolonged exposure to moisture. This level of protection is achieved through specialized materials and construction, such as waterproof membranes, sealed seams, and durable outer fabrics. Waterproof clothing is essential for harsh weather conditions where staying dry is critical for comfort and safety.
Unlike water resistant clothing, waterproof garments are tested to meet specific standards (such as ISO 20811) that measure their ability to resist water under pressure. They are rated by how much water pressure they can withstand, often measured in millimeters (mm)-the higher the mm rating, the more waterproof the garment.
How Waterproof Clothing Works
Waterproof outdoor clothing relies on three key components to keep water out:
Waterproof Membrane: A thin, porous layer (often made of materials like Gore-Tex, eVent, or proprietary fabrics) that blocks water droplets while allowing water vapor (sweat) to escape-this is called "breathability." The membrane has tiny pores that are smaller than water droplets but larger than water vapor molecules, ensuring you stay dry from both the outside and the inside.
Sealed Seams: Even the most waterproof fabric will leak if the seams are not sealed. Waterproof clothing has taped or sealed seams to prevent water from seeping through the stitching.
DWR Coating: Most waterproof garments also have a DWR coating on the outer fabric to repel water beads, reducing the amount of water that comes into contact with the waterproof membrane. This helps keep the membrane breathable and prevents it from becoming saturated.
Waterproof Rating Guide
Waterproof ratings (measured in mm) indicate how much water pressure a garment can withstand. Here's a quick guide to what different ratings mean for outdoor use:
1,000–5,000 mm: Light waterproofing-suitable for light rain and short exposures (e.g., casual hiking, light snow).
5,000–10,000 mm: Moderate waterproofing-ideal for moderate rain, snow, and all-day outdoor activities (e.g., hiking, camping, skiing).
10,000–20,000 mm: Heavy-duty waterproofing-for heavy rain, snow, and extreme outdoor conditions (e.g., mountain climbing, backcountry skiing, hunting in heavy rain).
20,000+ mm: Professional-grade waterproofing-for severe weather and extended exposure (e.g., expeditions, professional outdoor work).
Ideal Uses for Waterproof Outdoor Clothing
Waterproof clothing is a must for activities where you'll face heavy or prolonged moisture, such as:
Hiking or backpacking in heavy rain or thunderstorms
Skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing in snow or freezing rain
Hunting, fishing, or boating in wet, open environments
Backcountry or wilderness adventures where weather conditions are unpredictable
Any activity where staying dry is critical for safety (e.g., cold weather, long durations outdoors)