Waterproof vs water-resistant

[SaraB]

One simple question.
I am walking the Camino Portugues (coastal) at the beginning of April. I am taking a windproof and rainproof jacket, and I'm planning to buy waterproof socks.
So this leaves the trousers... are water-repellent trousers enough? Can anyone share their experience?

 

[Tincatinker]

Try shorts. Legs are a damn sight easier to dry than trousers. Waterproof trousers = sweaty legs: water-repellant trousers = not quite so sweaty but still sweaty legs.

Waterproof socks? Hmmm.

 

[dougfitz]

Try shorts. Legs are a damn sight easier to dry than trousers. Waterproof trousers = sweaty legs: water-repellant trousers = not quite so sweaty but still sweaty legs.

If you are working hard, excess sweat will build up under any waterproof or water-resistant layer. The time it takes varies on the conditions, and it is not a foregone conclusion as might be interpreted from this pretty simplistic comment above. I think I might have been lucky when I have walked in Spain, and didn't have many rainy days in Apr. On those that were sufficiently wet to wear rain-pants, it was never hot enough to sweat excessively and it become a problem. In other places and times it has been a problem, but not on either of the caminos that I walked in Apr.

As for waterproof socks - if you are wearing these, it will be important to stop water getting in through the one big hole - the one at the top! It seems to me that walking in shorts will not do that, and wearing shorts and waterproof socks would not be a useful combination without, for example, wearing gaiters.

 

[Introibo]

I've tried waterproof socks when sailing. Wasn't impressed. I seem to sweat more in them
and my feet have always been freezing. I much prefer the warmth or a merino wool sock

 

[Kanga]

I wear waterproof socks with my sandals but only in pouring, cold, rain. They are too sweaty otherwise, although they are supposed to breath. They are effective in keeping water out; quite tight around the tops so no water gets in. The fabric is rather like wet suit material. Oh, and I wear a thin merino sock inside them.

 

[SaraB]

Thanks for your comments on waterproof socks. I have read the other thread in this section, and after many days of pondering I have come to the conclusion that buying just one pair might be a good compromise.
However my main question is about the trousers. I do need to buy a pair, and I don't know whether to go for the waterproof or for the water repellent solution.
Obviously the waterproof ones would be a lot more protective in case of torrential rain, but useless otherwise. Whereas wouldn't I be able to use the water-resistant ones even when it's not raining? (this is a genuine question, I don't own any water-resistant trousers so have no idea if it is the case!)
If so, I would be able to carry only one pair instead of two. Thoughts?

 

[SaraB]

Try shorts. Legs are a damn sight easier to dry than trousers. Waterproof trousers = sweaty legs: water-repellant trousers = not quite so sweaty but still sweaty legs.

And yes, I will still bring one pair of shorts, but my question relates to the pair of long trousers that I want to bring.

 

[Theo]

Hi,

I'm using these by mountain biking :

http://www.sealskinz.com/UK/socks?activity=trekking

... I like them !

By walking, I don't know ?

Théo

 

[Maxie]

Check out Patagonia Houdini pants. Wind proof, DWR finish, weighs 85g, packs down to the size of a small apple, will dry in minutes.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Our trek trousers are water resistant and we have waterproof over-trousers. The trek trousers are zip off so could be worn as long shorts and if the bottoms are wet/muddy they can be easily washed or dried without having to wash the whole thing. We have not found the trousers sweaty and they do keep light rain off. The waterproof trousers are breathable and we wear them under our ponchos (no jackets) - good for keeping the cold out as well as rain, but they can be sweaty. We made sure that they went on, and off, over our boots!!

 

[newfydog]

Water resistant means you get soaked quickly. Waterproof means you get soaked gradually.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I don't take waterproof pants anymore.
I found I never wore them.
With a good ALTUS poncho, I'm covered.
If my Macabi gets wet, it dries in an hour.

 

[Urban Trekker]

Try shorts. Legs are a damn sight easier to dry than trousers. Waterproof trousers = sweaty legs: water-repellant trousers = not quite so sweaty but still sweaty legs.

Waterproof socks? Hmmm.

Probably neoprene socks. Stay dry on the outside but will fill up with sweat on the inside.

 

[Tincatinker]

Thanks for your comments on waterproof socks. I have read the other thread in this section, and after many days of pondering I have come to the conclusion that buying just one pair might be a good compromise.
However my main question is about the trousers. I do need to buy a pair, and I don't know whether to go for the waterproof or for the water repellent solution.
Obviously the waterproof ones would be a lot more protective in case of torrential rain, but useless otherwise. Whereas wouldn't I be able to use the water-resistant ones even when it's not raining? (this is a genuine question, I don't own any water-resistant trousers so have no idea if it is the case!)
If so, I would be able to carry only one pair instead of two. Thoughts?

HI @SaraB despite my somewhat frivolous ( simplistic pace Doug) comment above I do appreciate your dilemma but there may be a fundamental misunderstanding at the root of this issue. Waterproof trousers tend to be made of high-density nylon, oiled, waxed or silicon coated fabrics or rubberised canvas or cotton. They are literally water-proof. If you tie knots in the ankles you can fill them with water and the water will not leak out. Similarly, if when wearing them you sit in a puddle the water will not leak / seep in. You nether regions will remain dry. However, if you hike vigorously while wearing such trousers the natural perspiration that your body generates will not evaporate, it will accumulate on the inside of your waterproof trousers and soak into whatever you are wearing beneath. I wear waterproof trousers when fishing the lakes and rivers of the UK. Even in heavy rain my legs stay dry and if I choose to sit on the bank so does my bum. I take them off before hiking back to my car - even if it is raining.

Water-repellant trousers - at least those marketed by 'outdoor clothing specialists' (why would any-one wear clothing indoors (not a topic for this forum)) tend to be made of medium density polyesters / cotton/ polyester mixes. They are usually treated with a silicon coating that causes water (rainfall) to bead and run-off rather than soak in to the fabric. High end quality versions are quite effective under light to moderate rainfall. However, the effectiveness of the repellant coating is reduced by dirt accumulation, abrasion and washing with any form of detergent. The abrasion effect is perhaps the most disappointing to anyone hoping to stay dry. The friction of your coat hem, thighs and knees will attenuate the effectiveness of the coating very quickly. Thereafter you may as well be wearing standard cotton / polyester fabrics. That said virtually all "hiking" trousers are marketed as 'water-repellant' and still function as trousers long after the repellant function has failed.

Hence my entirely frivolous suggestion that in inclement weather you wear shorts, preferably under a poncho that will keep your pack dry as well as your upper body. From my own experience of walking in torrential rain: you get wet. Staying warm is more important than staying dry. Keeping your change of clothing and your sleeping bag dry is what is important. Legs can be dried with a towel.

I hope this helps, it is meant to be helpful.

 

[dougfitz]

Waterproof trousers tend to be made of high-density nylon, oiled, waxed or silicon coated fabrics or rubberised canvas or cotton.

We must shop in quite different places. I have not seen this old fashioned approach to rain wear in outdoors outfitters for many years. Most modern hiking rain wear appears to be 2.5 or 3 layer fabrics that transpire vapour, not the sort of completely impermeable fabrics one might find in industrial applications. That said, you face the same issues that if you are working hard enough, your sweat doesn't evaporate and builds up as a liquid under the fabric. After all, the fabric is waterproof - both ways. I would rather be walking in rain pants and jacket in cold, wet and windy conditions than not to have the benefit of that protection.

 

[Tincatinker]

Doug that was the distinction I am obviously failing miserably to make. The difference between water-proof and water / repellant/ resistant hiking wear. I have a 30 year old suit - jacket trousers smart enough for a business meeting type suit- made by Rohan (other good makes may exist) that is still water-repellant. It was last cleaned and reproofed by Rohan in 2008. I've got other excellent, proficient activity related ( and shudderingly expensive) gear that I use when circumstances prevail. None of it will keep me dry and sweat free in extreme adverse conditions but all of it will keep me in a reasonable state of comfort and allow me to endure those conditions until I can find appropriate shelter.

Personally I prefer to walk wet and change in to dry but that is a personal preference. I really don't worry about wet legs, they are easily dried. Its why I use an umbrella most of the time unless winds are very high.