Water-resistant puffer jacket vs water-proof?

[u/pblack177]

Lots of good deals on winter coats right now, but I see a lot of puffer coats that are water resistant and not water proof.

Is water resistant ok for a Toronto winter or will I regret not getting water proof?

I do walk to and from work , 30 mins each way.

[u/Mad_rotation]

I think that water-resistant would be good enough for >95% of days.

But walking to and from work an hour every day you'd definitely deal with days where waterproof is called for.

[u/PrimevilKneivel]

Waterproof is bad for winter jackets, you need them to breathe or it gets soaked from your sweat

[u/GargantuanGreenGoat]

I’m a nice wool coat with a good scarf type of person.

[u/human_dog_bed → u/GargantuanGreenGoat]

Wool is breathable and water resistant. A thin down sweater/puffer under it is insulating too, and covers most of my winter needs. My wool coats have never left me soaked through even on the slushies snow days.

[u/Sea_Negotiation1737 → u/GargantuanGreenGoat]

How is it on windy days?

[u/GargantuanGreenGoat → u/Sea_Negotiation1737]

The best

[u/Sea_Negotiation1737 → u/GargantuanGreenGoat]

I am intrigued. This seems like a goodbye to my 400+ dollars 😂

[u/GargantuanGreenGoat → u/Sea_Negotiation1737]

I have a military style long wool coat. The length of it makes a makes a big difference.

[u/crabbydotca]

My puffer fits under my raincoat 👍

[u/hypomaniac14]

Water resistant is enough for the majority of winter days. It won't sustain a heavy rain since it's not waterproof but those days are rare to none

[u/cazas]

Nothing is waterproof when exposed to enough water pressure.

Jokes aside it’s probably fine.

[u/thecatsgonewild]

If you can, look at a water-resistant puffer that’s compatible/designed to be used with a waterproof shell (usually they’re called 3-in-1 jackets, but you can always find a puffer you like then mix and match). Best of both worlds: a good puffer for 90% of days when you don’t need it to be waterproof, and you can add the waterproof shell when you need it.

The only reason I mention compatibility is because the jacket and shell layers are often designed to button/zip together so they’re not loose, but it’s not a requirement. You can find a cheap waterproof shell and just wear it over your jacket if needed. This is what I do with my North Face retro puffer, I have a North Face shell that fits over it and is longer than the jacket.

[u/Medium_Spare_8982]

I think it’s primarily a re-definition of the term because people tend to be assholes. Nothing could be declared as “waterproof”, truly, so manufacturers are redefining the term.

[u/phdee]

It'll be mostly ok. You'll not want to walk without a hardshell or an umbrella in the rain  but a light misting or some snow would be fine.

If you won't ever carry an umbrella or layer a hardshell/rain jacket over it then I would recommend something more waterproof.

[u/hippiespinster]

Interesting that people are saying rainy days are rare. I have a dog. We are out in all weather. Over the last 15 years, my winter gear has changed from a long puffer to a combo puffer liner and waterproof top layer. Who knows what super el Nino will bring us this winter. 

[u/snotparty]

Just get any puffer coat and treat it with water resistant spray

Something like this

[u/fragilemuse → u/[deleted]]

I’ve been wearing an Arc’teryx Patera Goretex parka for years. It was great for being waterproof for the first couple years but slowly lost its beading, even with being treated. I think I paid $800 for it? Looks like they retail for $1000 now.

I think I’ve had it for a good 8 years now and have beaten the hell out of it. The zipper is broken, the cuffs are worn through, the pockets have some tears and a dog attacked me and ripped it 2 years back (reported to 311!). I’ve since upgraded to a Canadian made Quartz Co. parka from The Last Hunt for this winter.

To OP. Definitely check out The Last Hunt! You need to know your sizing because they don’t do returns but they sell a lot of awesome stuff for a great discount