A guide to waterproof Gore-Tex gear
Many manufacturers make their own waterproof shell materials. The most common is Gore-Tex, often shortened to GTX.
This guide covers the basics of waterproof Gore-Tex membranes. It explains how the different GTX membranes differ and which activities each one suits best.
Johanna works as an outdoor and hiking specialist at our Kuninkoja store in Raisio. She has been hiking and trekking since childhood, and she still spends most of her free time outdoors. Johanna is also the hiking expert behind our guides.
What makes Gore-Tex waterproof yet breathable?
A Gore-Tex jacket or shoe differs from basic rainwear and rubber boots because it breathes. A rain jacket can leave your shirt soaked with sweat, but you'll sweat noticeably less in a shell jacket. The principle behind the Gore-Tex membrane is fairly simple.
The Gore-Tex membrane sits inside the garment and is full of microscopic “holes”. Water droplets are too large to get in through them, but warm water vapour from your body can still escape. The outer fabric also usually has a water-repellent finish that makes water bead on the surface, which helps the fabric keep breathing. Once the outer fabric wets out completely, it generally won't breathe as well.
Gore-Tex products need the right washing and care to keep performing as they should. Read more here.
All Gore-Tex fabrics are also windproof. Waterproofing has traditionally been measured by hydrostatic head, and a higher figure means a more waterproof fabric. Around 20,000 mm is usually enough to keep a jacket waterproof when a backpack is pressing against the fabric. Trousers can also let moisture through when you sit down and put a lot of pressure on the fabric. Every product mentioned in this article has a hydrostatic head of at least 28,000 mm, although the industry is now moving away from quoting these figures.
Breathability can be measured in several ways, but the most common is the RET value. With RET, a lower number means better breathability. A garment under 6 RET is considered highly breathable. Many face fabrics breathe less well than the membrane itself, though, so the final result also depends on the fabrics used.
There are several different Gore-Tex technologies
The basic idea of a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex membrane is easy to grasp, but there is more to it than that. Our range carries many different Gore-Tex labels, and this guide explains how they differ and which activities each one suits.
Choose the right layer construction
3-layer (3L) material consists of three parts laminated together into a single fabric. 3-layer garments are very durable and built for tougher use.
2-layer (2L) material has the Gore-Tex membrane bonded to the back of the face fabric, with a separate lining as the innermost layer. 2-layer material is supple and quiet. The lining also adds a little “warmth” and helps with breathability.
2-layer (2L) material with insulation provides real warmth. This Gore-Tex construction is used in some winter clothing.
Gore-Tex Classic for all-round use
Gore-Tex without any extra name is also known as Classic. This waterproof membrane comes in 2-layer and 3-layer versions. It is also used in winter clothing as a 2-layer construction with insulation.
Gore-Tex keeps you dry and protected from the wind, whether you're caught in a downpour or light snow. The breathable membrane also moves moisture away from your body effectively. Gore-Tex Classic is best suited to hiking and everyday wear around town. It also works well for skiing, snowboarding, adventure travel and a round of golf.
Gore-Tex's more sustainable ePE membrane
The new-generation GORE-TEX ePE membrane (expanded polyethylene) balances technical performance with sustainability. The membrane is light and thin but very durable, and it gives you reliable protection against wind and rain. Its production also has a lower environmental impact.
Because it is PFAS-free and has a smaller carbon footprint, the ePE membrane is an important step towards more sustainable outdoor clothing. It is paired with carefully selected materials such as recycled, solution-dyed or undyed fabrics, so the finished garment performs well and is made more responsibly.
The result is a long-lasting, well-made and easy-to-maintain GORE-TEX product that holds up in town and on the hill, whatever the season.
Gore-Tex Performance when you need better breathability
Outer layers can wet out and lose breathability in constant rain or snow, but Gore-Tex Performance is designed to resist this. That makes it well suited to long wilderness treks and freeriding, because it keeps breathing well in challenging weather.
Gore-Tex Performance is also available in 2-layer and 3-layer versions, as well as 2-layer with insulation.
Gore-Tex Pro: shell clothing for the toughest conditions
Gore-Tex Pro 3-layer material stands up to abrasion and scuffs. The membrane was updated in 2020 and is now stretchy and lighter than before.
Gore-Tex Pro is made for extreme conditions and demanding activities such as mountaineering.
Gore-Tex Pro is the right choice for climbing, mountaineering, freeriding or hunting in extreme conditions. The material is very durable and breathable, and it stretches as you move, so you get more freedom of movement.
Gore-Tex Pro always uses a 3-layer construction, which is the most durable option. The inner fabric is tougher than standard. Face fabrics must be between 30 and 200 denier, and every product has to pass Gore-Tex's very demanding tests.
Gore-Tex Windproof
As the name suggests, products in this range are windproof. They suit dry, cold and windy days when you also want breathability. The range was previously called Gore-Tex Infinium.
Waterproof clothing keeps your walks enjoyable in the rain
Hiking and getting outdoors are worth doing all year round, whatever the weather. Waterproof clothing and footwear keep you dry and warm. With the right kit for the right activity, heading out in the rain can be good fun.
If you're struggling to find the right shell, visit one of our stores and go through the range with our outdoor specialists. That way you'll end up with waterproof kit that works for the way you use it.
Here you'll find all our Gore-Tex products.
Shell clothing also needs the right care. Read our guide to washing and caring for shell garments here.