What’s the Difference Between Waterproof and Weatherproof?

Nowadays, you can see a lot of products made from weatherproof materials. But, what exactly does weatherproof mean, and how is it different from waterproof?

Basically, the difference can be seen in what they repel. If waterproof repels water, then weatherproof repels… weather?

In a way, yes. 

Waterproof prevents water from sinking inside a material. For example, plastic and metal are waterproof because water would only slip or slide on its surface, preventing it from entering or moving to the other side.

However, over the years, these materials take on damage from heavy rain or even just for getting outdoor exposure. Like when your blue backpack suddenly turns gray after years of hiking. 

Here’s where weatherproof materials come in. They are made to withstand deterioration and aging. 

Now, here’s an important piece of information. Not all weatherproof materials are waterproof, and not all waterproof materials are weatherproof. 

However, there is an exception to this rule, and that is leather. 

Good authentic leather not just repels water, but can also last for more than 100 years before it begins to disintegrate. (see list of leather bags for you)

Regardless, leather is not the only material or fabric used in creating bags that can fight deterioration and aging. Nowadays, special coatings are used on top of any type of fabric to make them weatherproof.

So, the bigger question now is, are weatherproof coatings better than leather? 

Nothing beats authentic leather; however, this isn’t cheap nor easy to come by, and so alternatives were made in its place. In terms of manufacturing efficiency, it would be easier to produce multiple products using special materials, but this doesn’t mean that manufacturers choose to replace quantity of quality. No!

Modern innovation has allowed us to create bags that can repel water and deal with degradation almost as good as authentic leather. 

This is what Camel Mountain Intelligent Concept series is all about. We want to provide modern backpacks that meet the quality expectation of our customers.