BR1 Inshore vs BR2 Offshore — What’s the Difference?
Discover the difference between BR1 & BR2
What to know
- BR1 and BR2 are Musto waterproof fabric ratings designed for different sailing conditions.
- BR2 is built for harsher, more unpredictable offshore weather and delivers a higher waterproof rating.
- BR1 is ideal for inshore/coastal sailing and persistent rain, with protection designed for calmer conditions closer to shore.
- Both are highly breathable, helping you stay comfortable inside the jacket as conditions (and effort) ramp up.
BR1 vs BR2 can look similar at a glance, but they’re built for different environments. The difference isn’t “waterproof or not” — it’s how much weather they’re engineered to handle, and how they balance waterproofing with breathability for the type of sailing you’re doing.
It all comes down to waterproof rating
BR1 and BR2 are both designed to keep you dry, but BR2 is made for greater exposure and more extreme rainfall over longer periods. In simple terms: the tougher the conditions and the longer you’re out there, the more you’ll benefit from BR2.
BR1 (Inshore) is built for reliable protection in a persistent downpour — ideal for coastal and inshore sailing where you’re more likely to have breaks in exposure and easier access to shelter.
BR2 (Offshore) is designed to stay protective and comfortable when conditions are more demanding — the kind of days where the forecast is uncertain and you’re dealing with sustained wet weather and higher exposure.
“What does BR1 and BR2 mean?”
BR1 and BR2 refer to the waterproof fabric technology used in the garment. BR1 delivers dependable protection in sustained rain. BR2 is engineered to keep you dry and comfortable in heavier rain over longer periods — suited to more exposed, offshore conditions.
BR1 Inshore Jacket waterproof rating
BR1 has a minimum hydrostatic head of 5,000mm, and maintains performance after wash testing.
BR2 Offshore Jacket waterproof rating
BR2 has a higher hydrostatic head rating (often referenced around 30k/15k, depending on the specific product and testing standard).
“But what does that mean exactly?”
Both are waterproof within their designed limits. The difference is how much pressure and exposure they’re built to withstand — BR2 is engineered for higher exposure and harsher weather.
How Musto measures waterproofness (Hydrostatic Head)
Waterproofness is measured using a hydrostatic head test. Fabric is pulled tightly over a tube, then the tube is filled with water. Over a set time period, the test measures how much water passes through the fabric.
The final number — measured in millimetres — represents the height of the water column the fabric can withstand before water begins to penetrate. The higher the number, the greater the waterproof performance under pressure.
Choosing the right rating
If you’re mostly sailing closer to shore or in more predictable conditions, BR1 delivers reliable waterproof protection and everyday comfort.
If you’re regularly sailing in more exposed conditions, longer sessions, or unpredictable weather, BR2 is the better choice for higher waterproof performance and breathability under effort.
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