Question

What is the difference of water resistant and waterproof?

Answer 1

The word ‘waterproof’ refers to a product’s ability to repel water from it. For example a bag that is waterproof it would not allow water to seep into the bag, keeping the contents of the bag water free. Now, waterproof means that it allows absolutely no water into the product. Waterproof is also listed with the amount of pressure the bag, fabric or electronic can sustain. For example, certain high atmospheric pressures can cause the seams to pull apart or can cause the water to seep in. However, true waterproof products boast sustaining high amounts of atmospheric pressure.

Water resistant is basically that it will repel water or protect against water but only under certain circumstances. The specific circumstances will be mentioned on the product that is being purchased. Water resistance does not guarantee that the product will not ruin if it is in the conditions that are not mentioned. This means that the product will not be able to sustain high atmospheric pressures and may not be able to be completely submerged under water. For example: water resistance watches can be worn under rain, not in the pool or for going scuba diving. Water resistant bags will be able to take rain slight water spill, but the owner won’t be able to dunk the bag in a bucket of water.