What’s the difference between water-resistant and waterproof? | The North Face (2024)

FAQs

What’s the difference between water-resistant and waterproof? | The North Face? ›

But a water-resistant jacket can only stand up to so much rain. A waterproof material

A waterproof product does not let any water in and will withstand the weather whereas water-resistant jackets are perfect for drier conditions. Water-resistant materials are usually made from a tightly woven fabric that's harder for water to get through and penetrate.

Waterproof flooring stands up to water, resisting any damage from it, but it still may be susceptible to damage from pH extremes introduced to the water. On the other hand, flooring labeled as water-resistant handles common liquid spills but offers little protection from water and the duration of exposure is critical.

Waterproof shoes and jackets are designed to keep water out completely, and water-resistant materials will repel water for a little bit but will eventually “wet out” and let water in. Confusingly, some companies like to call things waterproof when, in reality, they're built with materials that are only water resistant.

'Water-resistant' means the device can resist immediate penetration of water to some degree but not for very long or completely. 'Waterproof' refers to an item's ability to keep working even when submerged underwater.

In the outdoors, this means that a water resistant jacket will protect you from light drizzle or even a light shower, but if the weather takes a turn for the worse and the rain becomes heavier, you can expect the garment to not provide adequate protection from the rain.

A watch stamped with "Water Resistant" means that it is humidity-protected. It can endure a bit of water splashes from washing your hands or being caught in the rain. However, water resistance does not mean you should swim or shower with your watch on. Water is the biggest enemy of a watch.

The protection both waterproof and water-resistant laminate offer against moisture makes them ideal flooring choices for spaces that tend to get the most spills like bathrooms, kitchens and even laundry rooms.

Unlike other products that claim to be waterproof — and are actually water-resistant — Aquatec Flooring® truly is 100% waterproof from our bottom EVA Rubber Padding to our topmost UV Wear Layer, and every layer in between.

If your budget allows we always suggest waterproof flooring in areas you KNOW are going to be exposed to water at some time or another like bathrooms and basem*nts. Those are the areas we always caution our customers on when it comes to weather-resistant flooring.

Can you wear water resistant shoes in the rain? ›

Water-resistant boots are designed for outdoor use when it rains or falls snow. They often have canvas or leather uppers and robust rubber outsoles. These are treated with a special coating to repel water and discourage water penetration.

Simply put the shoes on and step in some water that doesn't come over the top edge of the shoes. Stand still for 5 or ten minutes. If at the end of 5 to ten minutes your feet don't feel wet, they can be considered waterproof. If your feet feel wet and soggy, it will be safe to assume that they are not waterproof.

Level of protection: Water-resistant materials have less ingress protection (or lower IP ratings) than waterproof products, meaning it's easier for liquids or solid particles to permeate water-resistant materials. This makes water-resistant materials more susceptible than waterproof materials to water damage.

Waterproof flooring is usually noted as being able to withstand exposure to water indefinitely, while water-resistant flooring can only be exposed to water for a specified amount of time, typically 24-72 hours. For most consumers, this window is plenty of time — most spills are wiped up as soon as they are discovered.

Since 8 is the highest number on the IP water rating scale, any IP enclosure with a rating ending in 8 offers the best possible waterproof protection. However, IP68 is usually acknowledged as the most protective IP waterproof rating in common use.

While water-resistant clothing will repel water, causing it to run off the surface, it is mostly suitable for light showers, hence the term showerproof. In most cases where workers need protection against wet weather, water-resistant or showerproof options won't be up to the job.

But a water-resistant jacket can only stand up to so much rain. A waterproof material, on the other hand, provides a complete barrier to water. In this sense a plastic bag is waterproof. But you'd totally overheat if you were hiking or snowboarding in a plastic bag, getting wet from the inside – from your own sweat.

If it is stamped water resistant without any depths indicated, that typically means it is just humidity protected. Maybe it can get caught in the rain with you, but don't swim with it on.

Water-resistant jackets will repel water to some degree but are not designed to withstand substantial downpours or heavy, wet snow. Conversely, a truly waterproof ski jacket provides an impenetrable shield against water.