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.

Waterproof gear is your best defense against rain, snow, and wet conditions. Unlike water-resistant clothing, it’s designed to keep moisture out completely in consistent showers. Whether you're caught in a storm or wading through wet terrain, waterproof fabrics and sealed seams help you stay dry and comfortable no matter the adventure.

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. 

The Diablo and Skyline Waterproof Smocks are your van-lifers, easy-goers and likely to become a staple for the road. They have the same 2-layer construction as the Rainstorm and Downpour, but an added mesh liner keeps them nice and comfy against the skin. The hood can be packed away in the collar with poppers to hold in place, framing a more casual look. Multi-tone or single-colour options available—roamer’s choice. Both smocks are also fully taped, with a large pocket under the chest and a zipper on the side to make de-layering a breeze. If you’re out hiking or looking to pack light, we’d go for the Rainstorm or Downpour. For road trips, weekends away or as a multi-use waterproof to withstand the daily grind…the Diablo and Skyline are sure to fill the gap.

The Elevate and Eclipse Insulated Waterproof Jackets keep you both warm and dry, acting as a double-layer for colder days under grey skies. These are great for when you’re unlikely to be shedding layers; think autumn and winter roams. The waterproof zips keep your stored gear safe, with Thermore® insulation keeping you toasty—made from durable recycled insulation.

For daily ambles and 5-9 escapes on the coldest winter days, reach for the Telluride and Rainier - featuring a quilt-lined interior with 200g of Imitation Down Wadding Insulation and a 2-layer laminated waterproof breathable outer. These jackets offer a longer and looser fit to house a full cold-weather layering system—base, mid, fleece etc. After the success of our well-worn Alaska (women’s) and Baltic (men’s), we wanted to amplify the offering. An investment in warmth and weather protection with long-lasting durability, made for adventure.

For next-level warmth without the weight, we bring you the Cloudmont and Explorer. Both jackets are built around a Downlite® interior down insulation - responsibly sourced and 650 fill power. Combine that with a trusted parka silhouette and 2-layer laminated waterproof fabric, you’re set for the coldest trail routes, daily local stomps and commuter miles. The added length, secure front pockets and varied insulating fabrics make our Waterproof Parkas and Waterproof Down Parkas a true staple for winter.

Water-resistant gear can handle light rain and splashes but isn’t built for heavy downpours. It helps keep you dry for a while, but eventually, moisture will seep through. Think of it as your first line of defense against the elements: great for misty hikes or drizzly mornings, but if you're heading into serious rain, you'll want fully waterproof protection.

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 adventurers heading out in heavy rain and snow. 

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

A waterproof jacket is designed to block out water, keeping you completely dry when the weather takes a turn. It uses specialised waterproof membranes and sealed seams to prevent water from getting through. On the other hand, a water-resistant jacket is built to withstand light rain but will eventually let water in if the rain persists.

When picking your gear, consider the conditions you’ll be facing. Water-resistant is fine if you’re heading out for a light coastal stroll. Go waterproof if you're hitting the mountains or trekking through stormy landscapes.

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.

Whether you need waterproof or water-resistant gear, choosing the right layer makes all the difference when adventure calls.

Shop Waterproof Gear: Men's Waterproof Jackets | Women's Waterproof Jackets

How do I make my jacket waterproof again?

Over time, DWR coatings can wear off. Reproofing your jacket with a product like Nikwax TX Direct helps restore its water-repellent finish.

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.