Waterproof vs. water-resistant
- A waterproof jacket keeps out hard, driving rain
- A water-resistant jacket can handle light rain for a brief time and is more breathable
Windproof vs. wind-resistant
- Any waterproof jacket is also windproof to shield you in stormy weather
- A wind-resistant jacket will offer much lighter protection
Hard shell vs. soft shell
Like a waterproof and windproof rain jacket, a hard shell will offer the most protection, but less breathability than a soft shell.
Do you need insulation?
For very cold rainy weather, consider an insulated shell, which will have down or synthetic fill for warmth while being waterproof and windproof.
Read full article: How to Choose Rainwear