Difference in Weatherproof and Weather-Resistant Gear

In the market for rainwear, outerwear, or tech gear, but dont know whether to browse for weatherproof or weather-resistant options? Although the two types may sound alike, knowing the difference could save you money in the long run.   Weather-Resistant Definition Weather resistance offers the lowest level of protection against Mother Nature. If a product  is labeled weather resistant, it means its designed to withstand light exposure to the elements -- sun, rain, and wind. If a product resists the penetration of water to some degree (but not entirely) its said to be water- or rain-resistant. If this resistance is achieved through a treatment or coating, it is said to be water- or rain-repellent. Weatherproof Definition On the other hand, if something is weatherproof (rainproof, windproof, etc.) it means its able to withstand routine  exposure to the elements yet still remain in like new condition. Weatherproof items are considered longer-lasting. Of course, this rugged durability also comes at a steeper price. How Weatherproof Is Weatherproof?   So youve found the perfect product and its got the weatherproof stamp of approval. Thats all you need to know, right? Not exactly. Contrary to what you may think, weatherproofing isnt a one-size-fits-all kind of spec. As persnickety as it sounds, there are actually degrees of weatherproof-ness. For example, if you want to know how wind resistant a garment is, youll want to pay close attention to something called its CFM rating. This rating expresses how easily air (typically at a speed of 30 mph) can pass through a fabric. The lower the  rating number, the more wind-resistant the fabric is, with 0 being the most wind-resistant (100% windproof). In general, the more ​hard-shelled  the garment, the less able winds are to cut through it.   To measure a materials rainproof performance, companies test to see that no water leaks through it when subjected to a water pressure test. While there isnt an industry standard, youll want a material tested under a pressure of at least 3 psi. (The force of wind-driven rain is about 2 psi, so anything in the 3 psi range is sure to keep you dry during spring and summer downpours.) However, if youre planning on hunting hurricanes, youll want a jacket that exceeds 10 psi. Similar  to how SPF ratings tell how well sunscreen protects your skin from the suns UV, textiles, too, are rated for their level of UV protection. A fabrics Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF informs you how many sunburn-causing or color-fading UV rays will pass through. The lower the rating, the less UV resistant the product. A rating of UPF 30 is typical of sunproof  fabrics and blocks nearly 97% of UV radiation.  (It means that if 30 units of UV fall on the fabric, only 1 unit will pass through.) A rating of 50 provides the maximum level of UV protection. If you cant find a mention of UPF rating, look for fabrics having a tight or heavy weave and dark color -- these will typically offer the most  sun protection.  And dont forget about moisture-wicking features -- these will offer cooling and breathability. These ratings dont just apply to apparel. To check durability for tech gear and electronics, youll want to  check its outdoor durability by looking at whats called an IP code.   And the Winner Is. While which spec you need -- weather-resistance or weatherproof-ness -- largely depends on what kind of product youre buying and how much youre willing to pay for it, weather-resistant is all most of us need. (Unless of course, youre a meteorologist.) One final word of advice when considering weather-resistant vs. weatherproof: No matter how  weather resistant something claims to be, remember nothing is 100% weatherproof forever.  Eventually, Mother Nature will have her way.   Source: ​Rainwear: How it Works  REI, July 2016