Water resistant

In clothing

Some garments, and tents, are designed to give greater or lesser protection against rain. For urban use, raincoats and jackets are used; for outdoor activities in rough weather, there is a range of hiking apparel. Typical descriptions are "showerproof", "water resistant", and "waterproof". These terms are not precisely defined. A showerproof garment will usually be treated with a water-resisting coating but is not rated to resist a specific hydrostatic head. This is suitable for protection against light rain, but after a short time, water will penetrate. A water-resistant garment is similar, perhaps slightly more resistant to water, but also not rated to resist a specific hydrostatic head. A garment described as waterproof will have a water-repellent coating, with the seams also taped to prevent water ingress there. Better waterproof garments have a membrane lining designed to keep water out but allow trapped moisture to escape ("breathability")—a totally waterproof garment would retain body sweat and become clammy. Waterproof garments specify their hydrostatic rating, ranging from 1,500 for light rain to 20,000 for heavy rain.