THE BEST WATERPROOF GORE-TEX JACKETS | BUYERS GUIDE

WHAT IS GORE-TEX AND WHY SHOULD YOU GET IT?

GORE-TEX is well known as one of the best materials to use in outdoor clothing because it is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. At its core, GORE-TEX is a synthetic polymer that has been stretched thin. The result is a very strong, lightweight, and breathable fabric.

Thanks to its nature as a plastic, it doesn't hold water, keeping everything under it dry.The tight weave of the fabric also makes it windproof, letting negligible amounts of air through that could make a person chilly.

You can see why a material that keeps wind and water away from you is a good option for outdoor wear. This is why some of the best jackets utilize GORE-TEX.

TYPES OF GORE-TEX

GORE-TEX fabric can come in different layering and construction styles. They all offer great elemental protection, but there are a few differences.

Original GORE-TEX can be made with two or three layers and is great for any outerwear that needs to be waterproof and/or windproof. When combined with a good lining, this layer of GORE-TEX will help keep you warm since you won’t get wet or have excessive airflow coming into the jacket. At the same time, it is still breathable to help keep you from overheating.

GORE-TEX PRO has added durability and weather protection compared to the original. It is always three layers and comes with an added micro-gridbacker. This construction method lasts longer because it snags less. GORE-TEX PRO shells are also built with tougher exteriors which make them even more durable.

GORE‑TEX INFINIUM garments offer a unique outer surface that persistently repels water, so you can stay dry and comfortable even if you get caught in some light rain.

CLIMBING

For climbers, versatility is an important feature to have in a jacket. You may start your climb with temperate weather. As you get higher in elevation, it’s not uncommon for conditions to change.

A jacket for a climbing expedition should have good insulation to keep you warm as the temperatures drop as you scale the mountain. It should also be able to keep biting winds away from you. This is where it pays to have the best GORE-TEX jacket.

Your climbing jacket also needs to be relatively lightweight. If you are pulling yourself up a steep elevation, you don’t want anything weighing you down unnecessarily. A lighter hardshell should be a part of your gear.

Look for pockets that zip as well as ones that are in the interior of the jacket. These little compartments will give you the ability to keep vital items on you during a climb. Make sure your climbing jacket gives you plenty of room to move your arms freely and has cuffs and hoods that can be tucked away so they don’t get caught on jagged rocks.

Shop Womens
Shop Mens

HIKING

When selecting the best GORE-TEX jackets for hiking, look for lightweight options. Because you will be traveling extensively, you don’t want a bulky jacket on your back or in your bag. Waterproof jackets are important for hiking as trails often include creeks or waterfalls, so you want to make sure no water penetrates your jacket if you stop to take a look.

When you hike through dense forests, there is also a chance the vegetation will be wet. You can quickly become soaked if your jacket isn’t a waterproof material such as GORE-TEX.

Hoods are important features for hiking jackets as well since they keep falling leaves and rain out of your eyes. Get a jacket with good pockets to keep a few emergency items on your body in case you drop or lose your pack and can’t retrieve it.

Shop Womens
Shop Mens

CAMPING

Camping is all about staying warm and dry, so the best GORE-TEX jacket for you will be big on insulation. Look for multiple layers that make sure body heat stays in while the GORE-TEX keeps the cold rain, snow, and wind out. Consider the conditions at your site both during the day and during the night, a comfortable daytime temperature can plunge to near freezing in some climates during certain parts of the year. You want hoods that cover your ears and neck and can be pulled tight, and sleeves and cuffs that work well with gloves so you can keep your extremities warm.

Camping is usually a slower-paced affair once you get to your site, so you probably don’t have to worry much about making sure the jacket is ultra-lightweight. You may also want to increase the length of your jacket. When using a hardshell jacket during cold-weather camping, you may also need to layer it with other pieces. Get a size that gives you enough space to put on lighter layers underneath.

Shop Womens
Shop Mens

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

The best GORE-TEX jackets are perfect when you have a big day on the mountain coming up. The protection they offer on the slopes is perfect to keep you comfortable. Although it is cold, you will do well with a lightweight jacket that can be layered with other insulating pieces. Make sure they are all well-tailored to your body so you can maintain your freedom of movement down the hill.

As you ski, you are getting hit with cold rushing air and snow spray. That’s the great thing about having a GORE-TEX jacket: it’s made specifically to block the wind and moisture before it gets to your body. Check out the different collar and hood options on different jackets. For riders who wear helmets and goggles, make sure the hood can comfortably fit over this equipment. If the hood is too small, it will tug and pull the entire jacket up a bit.

As for your collar, getting a jacket with a high collar that has structure is a good way to protect your neck from the wind, snow, and sun. Allow for a good range of motion, particularly in the waist and shoulders. You want to avoid anything that restricts you and makes it harder to navigate downhill turns.

Shop Womens
Shop Mens

RUNNING

A run in cooler months can be refreshing, as long as you have good protection from the elements. To find the best GORE-TEX jacket for long runs, prioritise lightweight, breathability, and wind resistance.

As you hit your stride, you will want a full range of motion, so a light jacket with an articulated fit will be extremely valuable.To protect your ability to move freely, get a jacket that is a bit on the shorter side so it doesn’t constrict any parts of your hips or legs. Your pockets should hold items tightly and you want them to be able to zip closed so you don’t lose anything.

GORE-TEX lining easily lets water vapour out while preventing water droplets from getting in, so you can stay dry no matter how many miles are on your path. This also makes a GORE-TEX jacket a great choice to wear at your next cold-weather marathon or long-distance run.

BEST PICK: Norvan Shell Jacket

What is the lightest shell jacket?
The Beta Jacket is the lightest Gore-Tex Shell Jacket, with versatility that frees you to explore your way. The Squamish is the lightest jacket from our Softshell range - a light, versatile synthetically insulated hoody works as a midlayer and standalone.

Is it waterproof? 
GORE-TEX fabric provides waterproof, windproof, breathable protection across a range of activities. Shell jackets made with GORE-TEX fabric include the Alpha, Alpha SV, Beta, Beta LT and Beta AR Jacket.

Is it helmet compatible?
Our helmet compatible StormHood™ is a signature detail in many of our products, there are invisible layers of ingenuity and Arc’teryx DNA hiding beneath. Products that feature the StormHood™ include the Beta, Squamish, Gamma, Alpha and the Solano family. 

Where were they manufactured?
We are currently partnered with factories in China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines, Bangladesh, El Salvador, Cambodia and Romania, with some of our top products made at our HQ in Vancouver.

How does it differ from the model from the previous year?
Each year, we produce revised models of our insulated range with improved materials and an improved fit.