If you've ever shopped for dog collars and leashes, you've probably seen terms like "waterproof," "water-resistant," and "water-repellent" thrown around interchangeably. But here's the thing: they're not the same, and the difference matters more than you might think—especially if you and your dog spend time outdoors.

Let's cut through the marketing jargon and talk about what these terms actually mean, why truly waterproof gear performs differently, and what to look for when you're investing in equipment that needs to handle real-world conditions.

Understanding the Terminology

Water-Repellent

Water-repellent materials have a coating or treatment that causes water to bead up and roll off the surface—at least initially. Think of a freshly waxed car. This treatment wears off over time with use, washing, and UV exposure. Most water-repellent dog gear will start absorbing water after a few months of regular use.

Water-Resistant

Water-resistant gear can withstand some moisture but will eventually absorb water if exposed long enough or submerged. It's designed to handle light rain or splashes, not sustained wet conditions. The material itself isn't waterproof—it's just treated or woven tightly enough to slow water penetration.

Waterproof

Truly waterproof materials don't absorb water at all. The material itself is impermeable, meaning water can't penetrate the surface no matter how long it's exposed. There's no coating to wear off because the waterproofing is built into the material's structure.

Why Coated Fabrics Eventually Fail

Most "waterproof" nylon collars and leashes rely on a polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating applied to fabric. Here's the problem: coatings degrade.

What breaks down coatings:

• UV exposure from sunlight
• Friction from daily wear and movement
• Flexing and bending at stress points
• Salt water exposure
• Cleaning products and detergents
• Temperature fluctuations

Once the coating cracks or wears through—which can happen in as little as 6-12 months with active use—the fabric underneath absorbs water like a sponge. You'll notice the gear takes longer to dry, starts to smell, and feels heavier when wet.

The coating failure isn't always visible either. Your gear might still look fine but perform completely differently than when it was new.

How Water Absorption Affects Performance

When dog gear absorbs water, several things happen that impact both you and your dog:

Weight Increase

Wet nylon can absorb up to 8% of its weight in water. A leash that weighs 4 ounces dry can gain an extra half-ounce or more when soaked. That might not sound like much, but it affects how the leash handles and adds unnecessary weight your dog is pulling against.

Odor Development

Moisture trapped in fabric fibers creates the perfect environment for bacteria and mildew. That distinctive "wet dog gear" smell isn't just unpleasant—it's a sign of bacterial growth. Even after drying, the odor often persists because bacteria remain in the fibers.

Extended Drying Time

Absorbed water takes hours to fully evaporate from fabric gear. If you're on a multi-day camping trip or your dog swims daily, your gear never fully dries. This creates a cycle of dampness that accelerates material breakdown and odor issues.

Stiffness and Reduced Flexibility

Some materials become stiff when wet, making them less comfortable for your dog and harder for you to handle. Others become stretchy and lose their structure, which can affect control and safety.

Color Fading and Staining

Water absorption often brings dirt, minerals, and organic matter into the material. Over time, this causes discoloration and permanent staining that won't wash out.

BioThane's® Waterproof Construction Explained

BioThane® is fundamentally different from coated fabrics. It's a polyester webbing with a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or PVC coating that's bonded to the webbing under heat and pressure—not just painted on.

Key differences:

• The coating is fused to the webbing, not applied as a surface layer
• The bond is permanent and doesn't degrade with normal use
• The material itself doesn't have fibers that can absorb water
• There are no seams or stitching that create water entry points (when properly constructed)

When water hits BioThane®, it literally has nowhere to go. It sits on the surface until you wipe it off or it evaporates. The material doesn't change weight, doesn't develop odor, and performs identically whether it's dry or soaking wet.

See our complete range of waterproof BioThane® gear including Traditional Leashes, Rolled Leashes, and Collar & Leash Sets.

Real-World Testing: How Different Materials Perform

Beach Conditions

Salt water is particularly harsh on gear. Coated nylon absorbs salt water, and when it dries, salt crystals remain in the fibers. This accelerates coating breakdown and creates a rough, stiff texture. BioThane® rinses clean with fresh water—no salt retention, no stiffness.

River and Lake Swimming

Organic matter in natural water sources (algae, tannins, bacteria) gets absorbed into fabric gear and creates persistent odors. After a summer of lake swimming, most fabric leashes develop a smell that never fully goes away. BioThane® wipes clean and doesn't retain organic material.

Rain and Mud

Wet, muddy trails are where water-resistant gear shows its limitations. Mud mixed with water penetrates fabric quickly, and cleaning becomes a multi-step process involving soaking, scrubbing, and waiting for everything to dry. BioThane® requires a 30-second rinse under a hose.

Snow and Ice

Snow that melts on fabric gear creates the same absorption issues as rain, but with the added problem of freezing. Wet fabric can freeze stiff in cold temperatures. BioThane® sheds snow and doesn't hold moisture that can freeze.

Long-Term Waterproofing: Does It Degrade?

This is the critical question: Will your "waterproof" gear still be waterproof in two years? Five years?

Coated fabrics: No. The coating will degrade, and waterproofing will diminish over time. You can reapply treatments, but you're fighting a losing battle against wear and UV damage.

BioThane®: Yes. The waterproof properties are inherent to the material's construction. Barring physical damage (cuts, tears), BioThane® maintains its waterproof performance indefinitely. We regularly hear from customers using the same collar or leash for 5+ years with no change in performance.

The difference comes down to whether waterproofing is something applied to the material or built into it.

What to Look for in Truly Waterproof Gear

If you need gear that will actually stay waterproof, here's what to verify:

Material composition: Look for solid materials like BioThane®, TPU, or PVC rather than coated fabrics. If the product description mentions a "coating" or "treatment," it will eventually wear off.

Construction method: Check how components are attached. Stitching creates holes where water can penetrate. Riveted or welded construction is more waterproof.

Hardware quality: Stainless steel or brass hardware won't rust. Cheap metal hardware will corrode when constantly exposed to moisture, even if the material itself is waterproof.

Manufacturer claims: Be skeptical of vague terms like "water-friendly" or "all-weather." Look for specific statements about the material being waterproof, not just water-resistant.

Customer reviews: Long-term reviews (6+ months of use) will reveal whether waterproofing holds up. Look for mentions of odor, drying time, and performance after extended use.

Best Use Cases for Truly Waterproof Gear

Not everyone needs fully waterproof gear, but it's essential if your dog:

• Swims regularly (beach, lake, river, pool)
• Hikes in wet or muddy conditions
• Lives in a rainy climate
• Plays in snow frequently
• Has a strong odor when wet
• Needs gear that's quick to clean between uses

Waterproof gear is also ideal for multi-dog households where you're cleaning equipment frequently, or for working dogs (hunting, search and rescue, service work) where reliability in all conditions is critical.

Explore our Hands-Free Dog Leashes for trail running and hiking, or check out our Slip Collars for training and water activities.

The Bottom Line

"Waterproof" is one of the most misused terms in dog gear marketing. True waterproof performance requires materials that are inherently water-impermeable, not just treated or coated.

If you're investing in gear for an active dog, look beyond the marketing claims. Ask about material composition, construction methods, and long-term performance. The difference between water-resistant and waterproof might seem minor on a product page, but it's significant when you're rinsing mud off a leash for the third time this week—or replacing gear that failed after six months.

Quality waterproof gear costs more upfront, but it eliminates the cycle of replacement, reduces maintenance time, and performs consistently regardless of conditions. That's not marketing hype—it's basic material science.

Ready to experience truly waterproof dog gear? Browse our BioThane® Waterproof Dog Collars and BioThane® Dog Leash Collection.