Gore-Tex Clothing & Footwear

Gore-Tex is not a specific item of clothing but a high-performance, waterproof, and breathable fabric membrane made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Outdoor brands use this membrane as an ingredient in their own products, like jackets and shoes, to provide durable protection from the elements.

The Gore-Tex membrane has billions of microscopic pores per square inch. These pores are about 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, which prevents rain from getting in, but they are 700 times larger than a water vapour molecule, which allows sweat to escape. This makes the fabric both waterproof and breathable.

Most are, but not all. Products in the original Gore-Tex lineup carry the "Guaranteed to Keep You Dry" promise and are fully waterproof, windproof, and breathable. However, the GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ product line is designed for drier conditions, prioritising comfort and performance; these items are windproof and water-resistant but not fully waterproof.

The outer fabric of a Gore-Tex garment is treated with a polymer coating called DWR. This treatment makes water bead up and roll off the surface, preventing the fabric from becoming saturated. If the outer fabric gets waterlogged, it can feel damp and reduce the material's breathability, even though the garment isn't actually leaking.

These terms refer to the construction of the fabric:

• 2-Layer: The membrane is bonded only to the outer fabric, with a separate loose lining for comfort. This construction is often found in lifestyle and general outdoor jackets.

  2.5-Layer: This has a laminated outer and membrane, plus a thin, protective printed or sprayed-on layer on the inside instead of a full lining. This is used in lightweight and packable garments like GORE-TEX PacLite™.

  3-Layer: The membrane is bonded between the outer fabric and an inner lining, creating a single, highly durable fabric. This is the classic construction for high-performance shells.

Gore-Tex itself is not an insulating material. Its primary function is to act as a protective shell that keeps you dry and blocks wind. By preventing your clothes from getting wet and protecting you from wind chill, it helps you stay warm, but it works best when worn over insulating layers.

You should wash your Gore-Tex clothing in a washing machine with warm water (around 40°C or 105°F). First, zip up all zippers and fasten any flaps or straps. It's best to use a small amount of liquid detergent and avoid fabric softeners or powder detergents.

Gore-Tex Pro is a specific 3-layer technology designed for maximum ruggedness and durability. It is engineered for professionals and serious outdoor enthusiasts who face extreme and extended conditions, such as mountaineering and climbing.

These terms refer to the construction of the fabric:

• 2-Layer: The membrane is bonded only to the outer fabric, with a separate loose lining for comfort. This construction is often found in lifestyle and general outdoor jackets.

  2.5-Layer: This has a laminated outer and membrane, plus a thin, protective printed or sprayed-on layer on the inside instead of a full lining. This is used in lightweight and packable garments like GORE-TEX PacLite™.

  3-Layer: The membrane is bonded between the outer fabric and an inner lining, creating a single, highly durable fabric. This is the classic construction for high-performance shells.

Gore-Tex itself is not an insulating material. Its primary function is to act as a protective shell that keeps you dry and blocks wind. By preventing your clothes from getting wet and protecting you from wind chill, it helps you stay warm, but it works best when worn over insulating layers.

You should wash your Gore-Tex clothing in a washing machine with warm water (around 40°C or 105°F). First, zip up all zippers and fasten any flaps or straps. It's best to use a small amount of liquid detergent and avoid fabric softeners or powder detergents.

Gore-Tex Pro is a specific 3-layer technology designed for maximum ruggedness and durability. It is engineered for professionals and serious outdoor enthusiasts who face extreme and extended conditions, such as mountaineering and climbing.

The internal Gore-Tex membrane remains waterproof for the life of the footwear. However, just like with jackets, the outer material (especially leather) benefits from treatment. Applying a re-proofer or conditioner helps maintain the performance of the outer fabric, preventing it from absorbing water, getting heavy, and losing breathability.

To maximise breathability, it is best to wear socks made from synthetic materials or wool. Unlike cotton socks, which hold onto moisture, wool and synthetic fibres wick sweat away from the skin, allowing it to pass through the Gore-Tex membrane more effectively.

Yes, Gore-Tex offers several distinct product lines tailored to specific needs. GORE-TEX PRO is engineered for maximum durability in extreme conditions like mountaineering. GORE-TEX PACLITE® is designed to be lightweight and highly packable for activities like hiking, while GORE-TEX Active is the most breathable option for high-output sports like trail running.

A fully waterproof Gore-Tex jacket (from the original product range) provides a complete barrier to rain and has all its seams sealed to prevent any leakage. A water-resistant jacket, such as one from the GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ line, can withstand light rain for a short time but is not designed for sustained downpours and may not have sealed seams.