What’s the best IP waterproof rating?

IP waterproof ratings convey how well a device or enclosure protects from the intrusion of solid objects (including dust and dirt particles) and liquids. The abbreviation IP represents “ingress protection.”

IP68, IPX6, IP78…

You’ve come across these codes when looking at backpacks, raingear, and your iPhone. The short answer is that these codes are a rating system representing just how waterproof and dust-proof something really is. Instead of saying something is “very waterproof” versus “kind of waterproof” versus “fully airtight,” these codes provide additional information in their last 2 characters.

The first two characters in a rating are always “IP” as these are IP codes, or Ingress Protection ratings. They classify the level of protection a device or enclosure provides against the intrusion of solid objects (rocks, dirt, dust, sand, or other particles) and liquids. They’re often used for electronic devices, appliances, lighting fixtures, and other equipment like backpacks, raingear, and footwear.

Follow closely here: the actual rated capability is the two characters after the letters “IP,” such as “IP68” or “IP54,” with each digit representing an aspect of protection. Read on for more detail.

The First Digit: Solid Objects

1. First Digit (Protection against Solid Objects): The first digit ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates the degree of protection against solid objects and foreign particles. Here’s what each number signifies:

• 0: No protection (i.e., not protected against any solid objects).
• 1: Protection against objects > 50mm in size (e.g., a hand).
• 2: Protection against objects > 12.5mm (e.g., fingers).
• 3: Protection against objects > 2.5mm (e.g., tools and wires).
• 4: Protection against objects > 1mm (e.g., small wires).
• 5: Dust-protected (limited ingress of dust, but not completely).
• 6: Dust-tight (completely protected against dust and particles).

The Second Digit: Liquids

2. Second Digit (Protection against Liquids): The second digit ranges from 0 to 9 and indicates the level of protection against liquids. Here’s what each number signifies:

• 0: No protection (i.e., not protected against any liquids).
• 1: Protection against vertically falling water drops (dripping water).
• 2: Protection against water droplets at a 15-degree angle (e.g., light rain).
• 3: Protection against water sprays at a 60-degree angle (e.g., heavy rain).
• 4: Protection against water splashes from all directions (e.g., splashes from a faucet).
• 5: Protection against low-pressure jets of water (e.g., hose spray).
• 6: Protection against high-pressure jets of water (e.g., powerful water jets).
• 7: Protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for a limited time (usually specified by the manufacturer).
• 8: Protection against continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter (the depth and duration are specified by the manufacturer).
• 9K: Protection against high-temperature, high-pressure water jets (not commonly used).

The Wildcard: Letter X

The wildcard to this rating system is the letter “X,” which does not mean 0. X signifies that the device is not specifically tested or rated for the corresponding protection. This is common for headphones ratings, which will usually list as IPX5 or IPX6. This means the manufacturer has tested for water/sweat protection, but not for protection from dirt or other particles.

In general, the higher the numerical values in the IP rating, the greater the protection offered. Your average winter coat with stitched seams is likely in the realm of IP42, or IPX2. Sure, nothing large will get through the seams, but dust or dirt will make its way through. And a light mist of rain won’t bother you, but a heavier rain will soak through.

So what’s the best?

The best rating you’ll find on a consumer product is IP68. An IP68-rated device is airtight and can be submerged in water for an extended period, making it highly waterproof and dustproof. The difference between IP67 (which is also airtight and extremely waterproof) and IP68 is that IP67 covers tested submersion down to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. When a device or enclosure provides protection that exceeds the IP67 measures, the device is classified as IP68.

Should I always choose IP68?

Water is a shapeshifter. If you’re spending significant time on or around water (like taking a quick swim), or even in a humid environment, humid air will find its way into a non-airtight enclosure, and when temperatures drop, the humid air will condense into water droplets. Because of this, we recommend airtight IP68 equipment if you need to keep important gear dry, such as laptops and other electronics.

The exception to this rule is clothing. Your body needs to breathe, and your clothing needs proper venting to prevent that clammy feeling. That’s why wearing a rubbery raincoat isn’t ideal for extended time.

Our Pick for IP68 Protection is the Fogland Backpack