Waterproof vs. water-resistant
- Waterproof/breathable: keeps out hard, driving rain while also being breathable
- Waterproof/nonbreathable: a slicker or poncho—inexpensive but traps heat
- Water-resistant: can handle light to moderate rain, breathable but permeable
Windproof vs. wind-resistant
- Waterproof jackets are also windproof, do not let wind pass through fibers
- Wind-resistant jackets are lighterweight but won't handle a squall
Hard shell vs. soft shell
- Hard shell: the most protection, less breathability, not insulated
- Soft shell: stretchy and breathable, best for high-exertion, typically water-resistant, not -proof
Rainwear layers
- 2-layer: quietest, midweight, durable moderately priced
- 2.5-layer: lightweight, good protection, lowest priced
- 3-layer: best protection, best protection and breathability, highest price
Read full article: How to Choose Rainwear
