waterproof - water-resistant - water-repellent
We all know how annoying it is to wear a jacket that doesn't keep us dry in the rain. This is often because there are differences between the terms waterproof, water-repellent and water-resistant. To avoid misunderstandings, it's worth knowing exactly what these terms mean.
Do you know the problem? You bought a jacket to protect you from the rain and then you still get wet? This happens because not all jackets are made the same. There are significant differences between waterproof, water-repellent and water-resistant. If you also want a jacket that is breathable, it gets even more complex.
Let's look at the differences in detail so you know which jacket is best for which weather conditions.
water-repellent
A water-repellent jacket offers the least protection from the wet. It usually only protects against light rain, as the material itself is so tightly woven that it can keep water out for a while. If the garment has also been treated with a special coating or impregnation, it becomes water-repellent.
water-resistant
water-resistant materials offer better protection against moisture than waterproof materials. They are designed so that water rolls off the surface and is less likely to penetrate. In technical terms, this property is called ‘hydrophobic’.
Waterproof
If your equipment is subjected to heavy use, for example in a sudden, heavy downpour, you need a waterproof jacket. This will keep it waterproof even under heavy water pressure and will not allow moisture to penetrate the coating or the material. The waterproofness of a jacket is often measured by the so-called water column, which indicates how much water the material can withstand before it becomes permeable.
For example, our new High Coast Hydratic Jackets have a water column of 10,000 mm. This means that the material only lets water through when the pressure of a 10 metre high water column is exerted on a single point. For extremely wet conditions, our SoftSkin items offer even more protection with a water column of 30,000 mm.
To summarise:
- Water-resistant jackets are often made of tightly woven material and offer short-term protection in light rain.
- Water-repellent jackets, such as our SoftShell models, are ideal for rain showers.
- Waterproof jackets and trousers made from materials such as SoftSkin or SoftLan are the best choice for permanently wet and rainy conditions.