Understanding GORE-TEX Waterproof Clothes

Hiking or camping, climbing or skiing – if you’re headed outdoors, you need a layer of weather protection. A jacket with a waterproof membrane like GORE-TEX is without a doubt the most effective way to keep the elements at bay. Unlike traditional water resistant jackets, waterproof membranes are made to block out rain whilst expelling sweat, making them an ideal choice for extended time outdoors. Somewhat of a household name, GORE-TEX is widely regarded as one of the most effective waterproof membrane technologies on the market because of its ability to protect in the face of extreme weather conditions. Below, we cover what exactly GORE-TEX is, how to take care of your GORE-TEX jacket to maintain its performance, and the pros and cons of investing in a GORE-TEX jacket.

What is GORE-TEX?

Since the first GORE-TEX jacket hit the market in 1978, Gore have been market leaders in creating quality waterproof membranes that last the test of time. Each square inch of the GORE-TEX membrane has nine billion pores that are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet and 700 times bigger than a sweat molecule. In simple terms, this means that it keeps water out, but can also effectively evaporate moisture from the body so that when you sweat, you stay dry. It also acts as an effective barrier against wind to provide all-round weather protection. This membrane is sandwiched between quality lining and outer fabrics to create waterproof products like outerwear, shoes, and gloves. The outer layer will usually be coated with a DWR (durable water repellent) – a chemical coating that allows water to bead up and roll off the jacket. DWR is a key factor influencing the breathability of GORE-TEX garments, as it essentially stops water soaking into the membrane and blocking the pores that allow sweat to escape.

GORE-TEX has brought a number of innovative technologies to the market over the years, including GORE-TEX PRO for more durable protection, and GORE-TEX PACLITE® PLUS for packability. Although GORE-TEX is by far the most prevalent, there are a number of alternative waterproof membrane technologies on the market. eVent and Pertex are the most common, but many brands now manufacture their own proprietary membranes, such as Patagonia’s H2No, Mont’s Hydronaute, and TNF’s DryVent. You can read more about the difference between various waterproof fabrics here.

How Do I Maintain My Waterproofing?

GORE-TEX clothing is an investment, so it makes sense that you’d want your piece to last as long as possible. Taking good care of your GORE-TEX garment is key to extending its lifespan. There are two main pillars of GORE-TEX care: washing and reproofing.

Breathability is paramount to ensuring your GORE-TEX membrane functions properly, but body oils, sweat, grime and dirt can build up in the membrane with wear. This buildup can block sweat vapour from exiting the membrane and leave you feeling wet from the inside. It’s therefore important to clean the garment regularly (even if it doesn’t appear soiled) to keep the membrane clean and functioning to a high standard. Simply wash the garment using a technical detergent like Nikwax Tech Wash, and dry it in the tumble dryer to help redistribute the DWR across the fabric surface.

You may notice after a period of time that your garment starts to “wet out”. This means that rain water is saturating and sinking into the outer fabric instead of rolling off, and therefore blocking the membrane breathability. If a garment is wetting out, this means that DWR has worn off. To restore the DWR, simply spray an even layer of water-repellent treatment (like Revivex Durable Water Repellent) over the surface of the garment, and leave it to dry. You can test the water repellency by dropping some water on the surface and checking if it beads up.

Click here for more information on looking after your GORE-TEX garments. Most other waterproof membrane technologies will require the same manner of care, but always make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines.

Pros & Cons of GORE-TEX

If you’re weighing up whether to buy a GORE-TEX garment, it can be useful to weigh up the pros and cons. We’ve detailed some of the benefits and drawbacks of GORE-TEX below to help you make your decision.

PROS

• Premium Waterproof Performance: As we’ve hopefully already established, GORE-TEX stands out as one of the best technologies on the market in terms of waterproof, windproof, and breathable weather protection for harsh conditions.

• Durability: With proper care, GORE-TEX lasts a seriously long time. Not to mention that GORE-TEX products come with a Guaranteed To Keep You Dry promise (subject to terms and conditions).

• GORE-TEX Means Quality: SO many brands use GORE-TEX membranes in their waterproof garments. Even if you aren’t familiar with a brand, when you see the GORE-TEX label, you’ll know you’re buying quality.

CONS

• Price: You get what you pay for in terms of quality, but there’s no way around it – GORE-TEX is expensive.

• Care Requirements: To keep it performing in tip-top shape, you need to look after your GORE-TEX by cleaning and reproofing it regularly. But for a garment that’s going to keep you dry in all conditions, we’re willing to bet this sacrifice will be worth it.

• Environmental Concerns: Although GORE-TEX are working hard to eliminate PFCs of Environmental Concern from all of their fabrics, this has yet to be achieved. Circularity is also a concern – GORE-TEX is so durable that it will not biodegrade, and there is no way to recycle GORE-TEX products once they have reached the end of their usable life.

FAQs About Waterproof Materials

What is considered waterproof clothing?

Clothing is waterproof when it keeps you completely dry in wet weather conditions. This is usually achieved with a combination of a breathable waterproof membrane technology (such as GORE-TEX) to keep rain out and allow sweat to evaporate, and a DWR (durable water repellent coating) to shed rain on the surface of the garment.

What waterproof clothing does Paddy Pallin stock?

Paddy Pallin stocks a range of waterproof clothing such as waterproof jackets, waterproof trousers, and waterproof gloves from outdoor brands like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and The North Face. Our brands use the highest quality waterproof membrane technologies such as GORE-TEX, e-Vent, and Pertex to ensure complete weather protection in the harshest conditions.

What is the highest waterproof rating for a jacket?

Waterproof (or Hydrostatic Head) ratings indicate how long the garment will keep out water. A fabric must have a rating of at least 1000mm to be classed as waterproof. However, depending on the conditions, you will probably want to opt for a higher rating. Quality waterproof jackets can range from 10,000mm all the way up to 30,000mm for the most technical pieces.

Shop Waterproof and GORE-TEX Clothing at Paddy Pallin.

If you’re looking for a garment that’s going to keep you dry and protected outdoors, GORE-TEX is a pretty safe bet. Although definitely an investment piece, if you look after your GORE-TEX garment properly, it’s guaranteed to look after you for many adventures to come.