Waterproof vs. water-repellent: what’s the difference?

When it comes to staying dry in the rain, not all outdoor jackets are created equal. Browsing the options in store or online, you’ve probably come across the terms waterproof, water-repellent and water-resistant and wondered what they actually mean. And let’s not forget breathability, a key factor for comfort during your activities.

We have put together this practical guide to help you choose the right jacket for your needs, whether you’re in the city or on the trail. Find out exactly how to choose between water-repellent and waterproof protection for your next adventure.

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Water-resistant transitional jackets: what you need to know

Water resistance is your first line of defence against the elements. You will typically find it in soft shells, transitional jackets and lightweight spring and fall layers.

In most cases, when a jacket is described as water-resistant, protection comes from the fabric itself. The fibres (often durable polyester or tough nylon) are woven so tightly that water struggles to get through. That’s what allows the jacket to shrug off light rain or passing showers. Without a waterproof membrane, though, this type of jacket will eventually let water through during a heavy downpour or prolonged rainfall.

What’s the difference with a water-repellent treatment? Water resistance describes a garment’s overall ability to delay the penetration of moisture, which can stem from its construction and weave. When a jacket is described as water-repellent, this property generally results from the application of an invisible water-repellent treatment that causes water to bead up on the surface of the fabric. Columbia’s Omni-Shield technology, for example, allows water to roll off the fabric, helping the garment resist precipitation while adding a bit of stain resistance as a bonus.

Water-resistant jackets and soft shells won’t keep you as dry as fully waterproof jackets, but they pack some serious perks:

• Affordable: they offer solid everyday protection without the higher price tag;
• Breathable and packable: they let excess moisture escape and are easy to stash in a backpack once the sun comes out;
• Soft and quiet: they don’t have the stiff, crinkly feel of some heavier waterproof membranes.

Check out our selection of soft shells and transitional jackets for your next outing:

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Waterproof jackets: the ultimate protection against heavy rain

Waterproofing is the top tier of protection against the elements. Unlike the water-resistant fabric in a transitional jacket, a quality waterproof jacket’s membrane blocks out rain completely, along with dirt, mud and sand.

That said, a fully sealed barrier could trap your own body moisture inside, creating an uncomfortable steam bath effect during high-intensity exercise. That’s why technical outdoor gear is usually built from waterproof, breathable fabric. This waterproof-breathable technology keeps the weather out while letting sweat escape as vapour.

This concept is behind the most trusted technical membranes on the market, including:

• the legendary Gore-Tex: the gold standard for waterproofing and durability;
• Columbia’s Omni-Tech and OutDry Extreme: innovations that deliver excellent value;
• The North Face’s DryVent: highly breathable protection built for changing conditions.

To check a rain jacket’s exact waterproof rating, look for its hydrostatic head rating on the label. This number, measured in millimetres, shows how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before moisture gets through. For example, a 10,000 mm hydrostatic head means the fabric can hold up against a 10,000 mm, or 10-metre, column of water. The higher the number, the better the jacket performs in extreme conditions; most Gore-Tex shells have a rating of 28,000 mm. It’s also worth checking that seams and zippers are sealed or taped, since that’s where water tends to sneak in during a heavy downpour.

Find the perfect protective shell for your rainy-day adventures:

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Water-repellent treatment: what it is and how to maintain it

In simple terms, “water-repellent” describes fabric that lets water bead up and roll off instead of soaking in. To achieve this, a DWR treatment (short for Durable Water Repellent) is applied to the outer layer of technical rain jackets, whether they’re water-resistant or designed with an advanced waterproof-breathable membrane.

So how does that translate to comfort out on the trail? This DWR treatment keeps the outer fabric from soaking up water and turning heavy. If the surface fabric gets saturated, water vapour struggles to escape, leaving you feeling clammy and sticky inside.

Most rain gear now comes with this protection, but friction, dirt and washing can wear it down over time. Once water starts soaking into the outer fabric instead of beading up, it’s time to reactivate or reapply the water-repellent treatment. Ideally, this should be done at least twice a year.

Here’s how to restore your jacket’s water-repellent properties:

• Machine wash first: this clears away dirt, sweat and grime that get in the way of the membrane’s breathability.
• Apply the waterproofing treatment: spray it evenly over the entire outer surface, wet or dry, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Let it air dry, or toss it in the dryer: gentle heat often helps reactivate the water-repellent agents.

Our recommendation for maintaining your technical gear: to restore your jacket’s original performance and extend its lifespan, use a treatment built to reactivate the fabric’s water repellency, such as this Granger’s Clothing Repel waterproofing treatment, an effective and easy-to-use solution.

In short: which type of rain protection is right for your activity?

With technical gear, there’s no one-size-fits-all winner. What matters is finding a jacket that matches the intensity of your outings. Here’s a summary table to help you choose between water-resistant, water-repellent, and waterproof based on different activity profiles: