Waterproof vs. Water Resistant: What’s the Difference?
Matthew Holland
When the Rain Arrives Uninvited
October on the riverbank, in the field, or up on the hill. The first cast feels hopeful, the sky over the high seat looks harmless, the clay-day clouds are behaving – well, that’s until the autumn weather changes its mind, and lo and behold, not just a gentle shower but a proper British downpour sets in.
We all see the words “waterproof” and “water-resistant” stitched into tags and product descriptions, but what’s the real difference out in the field?
In this Serious Country Sports Guide, we’ll be cutting through the technical terms and debunking the myths to find out what these two seemingly similar terms actually mean; when water resistance is enough, when waterproofing is necessary, and which technical features can help you make the right clothing choice for your country sport.
What Does Water Resistant Really Mean?
To put it simply, think of water-resistance as a good friend in a light shower. These fabrics are designed to shed water on the surface, so droplets bead and roll away, which means they’re perfectly fine for a passing drizzle, but they won’t stand up to a downpour on a drive.
On a cloudy clay day, a light water-resistant coat will shrug off the odd shower, but stretch that to a soggy shoot in November, or three hours on the watch, and those determined droplets will start making their way in. Concentration slips, fingers go cold, and if you’ve ever tried to hold a rifle or a rod with numb fingers, you’ll know exactly how quickly enjoyment dissipates once water starts to seep through!
So, the key takeaway? Water-resistant clothing is a compromise, and it still has its place in the field. It’s a lighter, often quieter, and efficient option in spring and summer when you’re more likely to face passing showers than driving rain, but avoid the rookie error of mistaking resistance for waterproofing- or you could end up slightly soggier than planned!
Why Waterproof Gear Matters for Country Sports
In country sports, waterproofing is like the difference between a well-trained gundog and one that bolts; solid and reliable. It's where waterproof gear proves its worth in the field.
By the rainy riverbank, a waterproof smock is what allows you to carry on casting, or when out scoping in morning showers, waterproof trousers are the difference between a steady wait and a cold stalk cut short.
Comfort in country sports isn’t just about looking the part; it’s about performance and protection where it matters, and the right waterproof clothing lets you focus on the sport, not the weather when you’re up against the elements.
Waterproof Features to Look Out For
We know that a lot of technical terminology can be confusing when choosing the right country sports kit. So, we’ve identified the key terms and features to consider when selecting a high-quality waterproof that makes sense in the field.
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Waterproof membranes: Look for trusted membranes such as Gore-Tex (the universal gold standard) or each brand’s own standard, e.g. HWS for Harkila, SEETEX for Seeland, Deer-Tex for Deerhunter.
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Hydrostatic Head Rating: It sounds technical, but think of this as a simple pressure test. Anything below 5,000mm resists light showers, so the higher the number, the more water protection you’re getting. For sports that involve hours in the rain, we recommend looking for a rating of 10,000mm or more.
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Seam sealing: Don’t overlook zips. Water-resistant YKK zips with protective storm flaps keep rain from funnelling straight inside, and seam sealing gives that extra protection. Remember, a jacket is only as strong as its weakest seam!
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Adjustable Features: The smallest features can make the biggest difference, such as adjustable cuffs, hems and waist drawcords to cinch out the rain, and high collars and adjustable hoods for all-round protection.
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Pockets designed for Country Sports: A gamechanger on any cold, wet field day, look for drainage holes in cartridge pockets, and large hand warmer or chest pockets to keep your hands dry, warm and ready for action.
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Breathability: There’s no point keeping the rain out if you’re drenched from sweat inside! For active sports, look for breathability ratings of 10,000g or more and pair with a good moisture-wicking base layer to stay dry from both sides.
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Footwear: To avoid soggy socks, look for full-grain leather with a waterproof membrane (as mentioned above). Vibram soles also enhance your grip on wet terrain, making sure you stay dry and on your feet.
Waterproof vs. Water Resistant: Which Should You Choose?
When it comes to the choice between waterproof and water-resistant, both have their place in a country sports wardrobe.
The trick is knowing when to lean on each, and that comes with choosing the Right Kit for both the season and the sport. A handy formula to remember is: Think season, duration, and exertion- that’s the simple field test.
When matching clothes to the season for October onwards, waterproof is the best choice. Here are some of our top waterproof picks to keep you protected and performing through the wettest of British weather:
Harkila Pro Hunter Endure Shooting Jacket
A durable hunting jacket fitted with a two-layer GORE-TEX membrane and DWR treatment, pockets with drain holes, a detachable hood and adjustable waist, bottom hem, and sleeve cuffs- the Harkila Pro Endure Jacket has everything you need to stay bone dry on a rainy autumn drive.
Deerhunter Pro Gamekeeper Trousers
A dependable pair of trousers designed for stalking, the Deerhunter Gamekeeper trousers are fully waterproof, including waterproof zips as well as water repellent in the bottom leg. With a breathable mesh lining in the rest of the trousers too, there’s no excuse not to pack them for any wet adventure.
Ridgeline Torrent Jacket
Tackling a torrent rather than a trout? Ridgeline's number one hard-wearing field jacket has you covered. With features like storm flaps, an adjustable waist, hem, cuffs, and hood, to add to its two-layer QUIET-TEX waterproof membrane, you’re sure to stay dry, warm, and protected by performance with the Ridgeline Torrent Jacket.
Seeland Taxus Waterproof Rain Poncho
The ultimate rain-proof classic, the Seeland Taxus Poncho is designed to keep you dry, whatever the weather. Featuring Seetex membrane with that 10,000/10,000 rating for waterproofness we mentioned, this waterproof poncho offers lightweight, packable protection for real wet-weather sports.
Hoggs of Fife Aonach Boots
Made from the finest Anfibio leathers, these Aonach waterproof shooting boots feature an H-Tex membrane as well as ankle support and Vibram Bifida soles for excellent grip on tough terrain, keeping you covered and comfortable through the soggiest ground.
Stay Dry, Stay in the Field
So, we’ve pinned down the differences between waterproof and water-resistant, and pulled out some waterproof winners, so let's finish with a myth-busting rain-wear round-up.
- It may sound obvious, but resistant doesn’t mean waterproof, and each has its own place in the country sports wardrobe.
- Investing in the right gear for both the season and your sport will keep you warm, dry, and focused - so you can enjoy a day in the field without the weather being a spoil sport!
- Technical terminology may seem daunting when choosing the right kit, but once you understand the basics, it’s simply a case of matching the right kit to the right day.
Ready to kit out your waterproof winter wardrobe? Look no further. At Serious Country Sports, we only stock gear we’d trust ourselves, tested in the same British fields, rivers, and woods you’re heading into.
Check out our full rain-ready collection, from Härkila to Hoggs of Fife, waterproof jackets to trusted trousers. And if you want to keep your kit performing season after season, don’t miss our guide on Caring for your Technical Clothing, so you can stay dry, stay sharp, and stay in the field.
About The Author
Matt Holland is passionate about sharing tips on enjoying the British countryside. From field sports to woodland walks, Matt is a proud enthusiast of all country pursuits, with a keen interest in country sports and the heritage, traditions, and tales they offer. Living and working in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, Matt combines his love for rural life with practical advice, helping others make the most of the seasons while embracing the thrill of country sports and the beauty of country life.