Layers Of Escapism: Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant

We’ve all been there, up sh*t creek without a waterproof. The wind picking up, sky drained of colour and car well out of sight. Do you run for cover? Wait it out and tuck into some trail mix, or is it pretty set in? The last thing you want is to be caught short, sodden and having no fun at all… Not saying that dancing in the rain isn’t fun. It really is.

But getting to grips with the difference between waterproof and water-resistant outdoor gear is key to a good time. So, grab a brew, sit back and let’s get into it.

They’re waterproof for a good half-day hike, breathable to help with overheating when the terrain gets tough. Lightweight to keep the focus on the trail and designed to work as part of season-specific layering systems. Whether over a tee on a summer hike with intermittent showers or alongside a fleece or insulator on a cooler spring day of rain—they’ll fit just right. If you’re in a muggy spot and feeling the heat, open up the underarm zips to increase airflow and let those pits breathe.

As our first outing into the waterproof realm, the team thought long and hard about layering, packability and the needs of our roamers. For the Rainstorm and Downpour, we opted for a 2-layer construction made up of the face (or outer) fabric and an inner breathable waterproof membrane. This makes them lightweight and stuffable for spur-of-the-moment escapes and an ideal ‘just in case’ addition to your adventure packing list.

Water-Resistant

If met by off-shore winds on exposed cliffs, dark clouds up in the hills, or a spot of drizzle as you swing the van door shut, sometimes a waterproof isn't needed, but some weather protection is. An added later to keep you dry in misty conditions or a short stint under the soggy stuff.

Designed to repel some rain, a water-resistant jacket can't keep it out completely, so you will eventually get a little wet if you stay out under it for too long.

As the name suggests, gear that’s water-resistant is made from materials that can resist water to a certain level, via coatings, treatments, or tightly woven fabrics. But it can seep through after a while, giving you just enough time to run for cover or throw on a more techy waterproof layer.

We’ll cover Water Resistance Ratings (WR) and gear upkeep a little further down, but before then, take a browse through our water-resistant jackets for men and water-resistant jackets for women. Well-suited to time spent under dreary skies—think drizzle over downpour.

Check out our Made To Roam: What To Wear Backpacking for more trail ramblings. 

• >1,500mm - Water resistant, over waterproof.

• 1,500-2,000mm - Good for short stints, drizzly half-day roams and dog walks.

• 5,000-10,000mm - Will keep you dry on most low-level trails and escapes in the hills.

• 10,000-20,000mm - A buffer from almost all conditions, through to winter and forrays over exposed terrain.

• 20,000-30,000mm - For extreme adventuring in wild landscapes and up high. Protection prioritisied over breathability, however.

5,000mm (or 5K) is at the bottom end of the scale, being the minimum rating for a product to be classed as ‘waterproof’. Our Downpour and Rainstorm jackets have been tested to 10,000mm (or 10K)—fit for far-off roams in sketchy weather conditions. The 20,000mm (20K), 3-layer end of the scale is more for hardcore roamers heading out in heavy rain and snow. 

Here’s what to look out for on our labels:

All of our waterproof gear is treated with PFC-free durable water repellents (DWRs). Committing to PFC-free (or PFAS-free) puts less stress on the environment and zero reliance on forever chemicals.

A slightly mind-bending piece of abbreviation, but with a simple enough story behind it. PFC stands for ‘Perfluorinated Compound’, or more simply ‘Fluorocarbons’. These are a whole load of human-made (forever) chemicals found in everything from pizza boxes to non-stick pans.

In short, they’re really good at repelling water, dirt and oil, but quite frankly terrible for the planet. Hence why we give them a wide berth and treat our waterproof gear with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating that’s PFC-free.

Note: The Downpour and Rainstorm are both treated with a PFC-free DWR known as NEOSEED. Our Viento, Gusto, Shasta, and Daybreak water-resistant jackets are treated with a PFC-free DWR called Nanotex Aquapel™.

To extend the life of your waterproof gear, it’s super important to reproof after washing. Chuck a Nikwax Wash In Waterproofer in your Passenger basket and you’ll be good to go puddle hoppin’ in no time.

We caught up with Nikwax to learn a little more about their products and how to care for your (and our) new waterproof gear. Both well worth a read: How To Wash A Waterproof Jacket and How To Reproof A Waterproof Jacket.

Is a water-resistant jacket waterproof?

A water-resistant jacket is never completely waterproof. It does a decent job of resisting light rain and heavy fog, but in time, water will soak through the fabric, especially in a heavy downpour.

Can I wear a water-resistant jacket in the rain?

You can wear a water-resistant jacket in light rain or drizzle, but you might end up with some water on the inside if you’re out for hours on end or the rain is particularly heavy. For heavy rain or wet conditions, it's always best to have a waterproof jacket.

How can I know if my jacket is water-resistant or waterproof?

First up, check the product label on the jacket and you should see a Light Rain with Water Resistant DWR icon, plus one for Water Repellency. The Water Repellency icon is visible on both the Passenger Rainstorm and Downpour Recycled Waterproof Jackets.

How many layers of fabric should a waterproof jacket have?

Most waterproof jackets have a 2-layer, 2.5-layer or 3-layer construction. For the Rainstorm and Downpour, we opted for a 2-layer construction made up of the face (or outer) fabric and an inner breathable waterproof membrane. This helps to shed (or bead) the rain off the outer layer, whilst keeping the jacket lightweight and packable.

What rating should a good waterproof jacket have?

A good waterproof jacket should have a Waterproof Rating of at least 5K for basic protection against drizzle and misty conditions. For light to moderate rain, consider a jacket with a 10K rating such as our Rainstorm and Downpour. For heavy rain and snow, 15K - 20K would be preferable.