Gore-Tex Clothing & Footwear
The magic behind GORE-TEX is its unique microporous structure. The membrane has billions of pores, each about 20,000 times smaller than a raindrop, so rain and snow simply can't get in. But here's the clever part: those same pores are around 700 times bigger than a molecule of sweat vapour. This means your sweat can escape, keeping you comfortable and dry from the inside out. This two-way action protects you from both the weather and your own hard work, whether you're in a GORE-TEX waterproof jacket in a downpour or trail running shoes on a muddy path.
To turn this tech into the gear you love, the GORE-TEX membrane is laminated to a face fabric in either a 2-layer or a more robust 3-layer construction, often found in GORE-TEX Pro jackets. The outer fabric is treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating, which makes water bead up and roll straight off. This stops the material from getting waterlogged and allows it to keep breathing. To ensure complete waterproof integrity, every single seam is sealed with special GORE-SEAM tape, backing the brand's "Guaranteed To Keep You Dry" promise.
GORE-TEX also comes in different types for different conditions. The classic GORE-TEX range (look for the black diamond logo) is all about delivering uncompromising waterproof protection. In contrast, GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ products (identified by a white diamond logo) prioritise versatile performance, focusing on windproofing, insulation, and comfort in drier weather where full waterproofness is not the top priority.
Gore-Tex: Beyond Waterproof
Outsmart The Elements
Meet the benchmark in waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection. GORE-TEX fabric is built on the clear-cut promise: Guaranteed To Keep You Dry™. It is the core technology for any serious outdoor enthusiast who needs gear that performs without question.
Feel The Freedom
GORE-TEX is the technology that liberates you from the forecast. You’ll find it integrated into the equipment that takes you further: from versatile jackets and pants to rugged hiking boots, responsive running shoes, and protective gloves. This is true liberation in every thread.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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