Water Resistant, Water Repellent or Waterproof – What’s the Difference?

When it comes to outerwear, words matter. Understanding the difference between water resistant, water repellent, and waterproof can help you choose the right gear — and stay comfortable in the mountains.

Why It Matters

There’s no shortage of weather out there. Sudden rain. Wind-driven snow. Wet chairlifts and long skin tracks. And while all technical fabrics are designed to deal with moisture in some way, not all levels of protection are the same.

That’s why knowing what your jacket or pants are built to do is just as important as how they look or feel.

Water Resistant – Minimal Barrier, Maximum Breathability

Water resistant fabrics are lightly treated to slow down water absorption, but they’re not meant to keep you dry in real precipitation. They can handle light drizzle or short exposure, but eventually, moisture gets through.

• Best for: windy hikes, urban commuting, or as a lightweight layer on dry days with chance of mist
• Not made for: sustained rain or wet snow

These fabrics often shine in breathability and packability — great when weight matters and full waterproofing isn’t needed.

Water Repellent – Treated to Keep You Dry (for a While)

Water repellent fabrics have been treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating that causes water to bead up and roll off the surface. While they offer better moisture resistance than water-resistant fabrics, they’re still not fully waterproof.

At Elevenate, we use PFC-free DWR finishes in our outerwear — a safer choice for the environment, without sacrificing performance.

• Best for: light rain, snow flurries, or stop-and-go activity in variable conditions
• Reapplication: DWR treatments wear off over time and should be refreshed for best performance

Waterproof – The Real Deal

Waterproof gear is made with membranes or coatings that physically block water from penetrating — even under pressure — and often includes fully taped seams and stormproof construction.

At Elevenate, both GORE-TEX Pro and EPS 3-layer laminates meet strict standards for waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability:

• Waterproof rating: at least 20,000 mm
• Breathability: 15,000 g/m²/24h or more
• Windproof: 100%
• Construction: fully taped seams, technical fit, and reinforced zones

Best for: heavy snow, persistent rain, ski touring, lift-accessed terrain, alpine expeditions

Waterproof outerwear is your first line of defense when conditions shift.

What Should You Choose?

Choosing between water resistant, water repellent and waterproof comes down to how wet it gets — and how long you’ll be out.

• For light wind or fog, water resistant is enough. It offers basic protection and high breathability.
• For drizzle or flurries, go with water repellent. It sheds moisture but won’t hold up in heavy rain.
• For persistent rain, wet snow or alpine conditions, only waterproof gear will do — with sealed seams and a protective membrane.

The more exposed you are, the more waterproofing you need.

The Elevenate Approach

We don’t believe in overbuilding. But we do believe in building right. That’s why we choose waterproofing technologies based on how they perform in real mountain conditions — from skin tracks in Åre to storm days in the Alps.

Many of our shell jackets and pants combine GORE-TEX laminates, EPS standards, and PFC-free DWR coatings to deliver full-spectrum protection — without compromising breathability, mobility, or sustainability.

Curious about the fabrics we use — or how to make your gear last longer?
Explore our materials and get our best product care tips.

Explore our Shell Jackets and Pants

• Shell jackets for men and women
• Shell pants for men and women

Stay dry. Stay out. And know what you’re wearing.