{"id":17551,"date":"2026-08-07T12:59:15","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T17:59:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/?p=17551"},"modified":"2026-08-18T13:34:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T18:34:55","slug":"difference-between-waterproof-water-resistant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/difference-between-waterproof-water-resistant\/","title":{"rendered":"Waterproof vs. water-repellent: what&#8217;s the difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you&#8217;re walking around town or through the middle of the woods, this article will go through the various waterproofing technologies available so you can choose the right jacket for your needs and protect yourself from the rain.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":17553,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[252,247,255],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17551","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-transitional-jackets","category-clothing","category-rainwear"],"acf":{"post_flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"<strong>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.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>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.<\/strong>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_anchors_list","anchors_section_title":"In this article, you will learn all about the difference between water-resistant, waterproof and water-repellent:"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/collections\/rainy-days\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Shop rainy day gear[\/stag_button]<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Water-resistant jackets","text_content":"<h2>Water-resistant transitional jackets: what you need to know<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-17555\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Water-resistant.jpg\" alt=\"man and woman wearing water-resistant transitional jackets on a forest hike\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" \/>\r\n\r\nWater 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.\r\n\r\nIn 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.\r\n\r\n<strong>What's the difference with a water-repellent treatment? <\/strong>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.\r\n\r\nWater-resistant jackets and soft shells won't keep you as dry as fully waterproof jackets, but they pack some serious perks:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Affordable: they offer solid everyday protection without the higher price tag;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Breathable and packable: they let excess moisture escape and are easy to stash in a backpack once the sun comes out;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Soft and quiet: they don't have the stiff, crinkly feel of some heavier waterproof membranes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nCheck out our selection of soft shells and transitional jackets for your next outing:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/women\/jackets\/transitional-jackets\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Shop women's water-resistant jackets[\/stag_button] [stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/men\/jackets\/transitional-jackets\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Shop men's water-resistant jackets[\/stag_button]<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Waterproof jackets","text_content":"<h2>Waterproof jackets: the ultimate protection against heavy rain<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-17563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Waterproof-2.jpg\" alt=\"Waterproof jacket with The North Face DryVent technology \" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" \/>\r\n\r\nWaterproofing 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.\r\n\r\nThat 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.\r\n\r\nThis concept is behind the most trusted technical membranes on the market, including:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>the legendary Gore-Tex: the gold standard for waterproofing and durability;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Columbia's Omni-Tech and OutDry Extreme: innovations that deliver excellent value;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The North Face's DryVent: highly breathable protection built for changing conditions.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nTo 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.\r\n\r\nFind the perfect protective shell for your rainy-day adventures:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/women\/jackets\/transitional-jackets\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Shop women's waterproof jackets[\/stag_button] [stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/men\/jackets\/transitional-jackets\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Shop men's waterproof jackets[\/stag_button]<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Water-repellent treatment","text_content":"<h2>Water-repellent treatment: what it is and how to maintain it<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-17559\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Water-repellent.jpg\" alt=\"Woman wearing a jacket with a water-repellent treatment in the rain\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn 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.\r\n\r\nSo 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.\r\n\r\nMost 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.\r\n\r\nHere's how to restore your jacket's water-repellent properties:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Machine wash first: this clears away dirt, sweat and grime that get in the way of the membrane's breathability.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Apply the waterproofing treatment: spray it evenly over the entire outer surface, wet or dry, following the manufacturer's instructions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Let it air dry, or toss it in the dryer: gentle heat often helps reactivate the water-repellent agents.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Our recommendation for maintaining your technical gear:<\/strong> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/granger-s-clothing-repel-300-ml-795735-21-029730001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Granger's Clothing Repel waterproofing treatment<\/a>, an effective and easy-to-use solution."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"The best rain protection for your activities","text_content":"<h2>In short: which type of rain protection is right for your activity?<\/h2>\r\nWith 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:\r\n<table dir=\"ltr\" border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-baot=\"1\"><colgroup> <col width=\"262\" \/> <col width=\"365\" \/> <col width=\"262\" \/> <col width=\"262\" \/><\/colgroup>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Activity and intensity<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Recommended protection type<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Suggested hydrostatic head rating<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Key advantage on the trail<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Everyday city life<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>(commuting, walking the dog, short strolls)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>Water-resistant transitional jacket or water-repellent jacket<\/td>\r\n<td>Under 5,000 mm\r\n\r\n(or a water-repellent treatment)<\/td>\r\n<td>Flexibility and comfort: a light, comfortable fabric that keeps you dry just long enough to reach shelter or grab your umbrella.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>High-intensity sports<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>(trail running, cycling, high-cardio activities)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>Lightweight, breathable jacket with water-repellent treatment<\/td>\r\n<td>5,000 mm to 10,000 mm\r\n\r\n(breathable fabric preferred)<\/td>\r\n<td>Temperature control: breathability keeps you from overheating during exercise, even if it means trading off some waterproofing in a downpour.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Outdoor adventures<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>(day hikes, camping, expeditions)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>Waterproof-breathable shell made of waterproof fabric<\/td>\r\n<td>10,000 mm to 28,000 mm\r\n\r\n(Gore-Tex type membrane)<\/td>\r\n<td>Complete waterproofing: your best bet for staying dry through hours of torrential rain.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"faq_zone","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"FAQ","faq_title":"FAQ","faq_text_content":"","post_faq":[{"post_faq_question":"Which coat to choose according to your activities?","post_faq_response":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no best or worst rain jacket. The key is to find one that suits your needs and matches your budget - and to be aware of the main differences between water-resistant, waterproof and water-repellent products.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those looking for a jacket to wear when walking around town (never too far from a shelter or an umbrella) should find that a water-resistant jacket is sufficient. The same applies to outdoor enthusiasts practising high-intensity cardio activities, such as trail running, which are likely to generate sweat.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, those planning to go on a week-long hiking trip, a canoe-camping expedition or any other moderate-intensity activities where rain is a likely possibility should opt for the kind of waterproof-breathable jacket that will keep them dry whatever the weather.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whichever terrain you choose to explore, whether urban or other, brand <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/stay-dry-with-the-north-face-rainwear-rain-jackets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The North Face offers a wide range of rain jackets and other rainwear<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Have a look at our article on the topic. <\/span>","post_faq_is_response_open":true},{"post_faq_question":"Is a water-resistant jacket enough when it rains?","post_faq_response":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It all depends on how heavily it rains. In case of light or intermittent rain where you have the option to seek shelter nearby, a water-resistant jacket should be enough. However, if heavy downpours are forecasted, or if the rain is expected to last for several hours, you will need to equip yourself with a jacket that has a waterproof-breathable membrane, which will keep you dry while also letting sweat escape. <\/span>","post_faq_is_response_open":true},{"post_faq_question":"At what hydrostatic head rating is a fabric considered waterproof?","post_faq_response":"In the outdoor industry, a fabric officially counts as waterproof once it hits 5,000 mm hydrostatic head. That said, this baseline only holds up for very light rain or short outings. When it comes to outdoor adventures, performance is measured as follows:\r\n<table dir=\"ltr\" border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-baot=\"1\"><colgroup> <col width=\"262\" \/> <col width=\"365\" \/> <col width=\"262\" \/><\/colgroup>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Rating (mm)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Protection level<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Recommended use<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>5,000 \u2013 10,000 mm<\/td>\r\n<td>Light waterproofing<\/td>\r\n<td>City walks, short strolls, intermittent light rain.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>10,000 \u2013 15,000 mm<\/td>\r\n<td>Excellent waterproofing<\/td>\r\n<td>Day hikes, resort skiing; the jacket holds up against most rain showers.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>20,000 mm and up<\/td>\r\n<td>Complete waterproofing<\/td>\r\n<td>Multi-day rain expeditions, canoe camping, intense backcountry skiing (high pressure from backpacks, strong wind); the standard for high-end membranes like Gore-Tex (28,000\u00a0mm).<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>","post_faq_is_response_open":true},{"post_faq_question":"Does the difference between water-repellent and waterproof also apply to snow?","post_faq_response":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After a few hours spent outside, snow will indeed saturate your jacket. If your coat has a water-repellent outer layer, the snow will bead up on the surface, which may be enough to prevent water infiltration in the short-term. However, if you plan to spend the day hiking, skiing or fatbiking, it\u2019s important to equip yourself with a hard shell waterproof-breathable jacket to protect yourself against the elements.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/soft-shell-or-hard-shell-jackets-what-are-the-differences\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">difference between hard shell and soft shell jackets<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, read our article on the topic.<\/span>","post_faq_is_response_open":true}]}],"author_type":"wordpress","partnership_options":{"partnership_label":"","partner_logo":null,"partner_link":"","partnership_text":""},"override_related_posts":false,"related_posts":null,"right_cta_visibility":false,"sidebar_cta_content_override":false,"sidebar_cta_title":"","sidebar_cta_description":"","sidebar_cta_button":null},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Rain jacket: waterproof vs. water-repellent fabric | SAIL<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Light drizzle or heavy downpour? Understand the difference between waterproof and water-repellent so you can pick the right rain jacket.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/difference-between-waterproof-water-resistant\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Waterproof or water-resistant: here\u2019s a guide to staying dry.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Read our guide on the waterproof technologies of outdoor jackets.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/difference-between-waterproof-water-resistant\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"SAIL Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SAILpleinairoutdoors\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-07T17:59:15+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-18T18:34:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Waterproof-vs-Water-resistant.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"960\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"SAIL\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Waterproof vs. water-repellent: what&#039;s the difference?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"SAIL\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sail.ca\\\/blog\\\/difference-between-waterproof-water-resistant\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sail.ca\\\/blog\\\/difference-between-waterproof-water-resistant\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"SAIL\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sail.ca\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/ec271341caea16ddcb7cc3b6a04133cf\"},\"headline\":\"Waterproof vs. water-repellent: what&#8217;s the difference?\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-07T17:59:15+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-18T18:34:55+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sail.ca\\\/blog\\\/difference-between-waterproof-water-resistant\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":7,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sail.ca\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sail.ca\\\/blog\\\/difference-between-waterproof-water-resistant\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sail.ca\\\/blog\\\/app\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Waterproof-vs-Water-resistant.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Transitional Jackets\",\"Clothing\",\"Rainwear\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-CA\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sail.ca\\\/blog\\\/difference-between-waterproof-water-resistant\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sail.ca\\\/blog\\\/difference-between-waterproof-water-resistant\\\/\",\"name\":\"Rain jacket: waterproof vs. water-repellent fabric | SAIL\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sail.ca\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sail.ca\\\/blog\\\/difference-between-waterproof-water-resistant\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sail.ca\\\/blog\\\/difference-between-waterproof-water-resistant\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.sail.ca\\\/blog\\\/app\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Waterproof-vs-Water-resistant.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-07T17:59:15+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-18T18:34:55+00:00\",\"description\":\"Light drizzle or heavy downpour? 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