GORE-TEX
About the technology.
GORE-TEX is a name that needs no introduction. For decades, this technology been synonymous with reliable waterproof protection.
Whether you're climbing the highest peaks, hitting the slopes, hiking with friends or exploring downtown, GORE‑TEX garments cover a wide range of styles for a huge range of activities, every single one complete with the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise.
Durably waterproof, exceptionally breathable and totally windproof. Designed to provide trusted comfort and protection so you can make more of everyday.
Gore-Tex Benefits
Durably waterproof
Totally windproof
Exceptionally breathable
Expanded possibilities, reduced impact.
Reducing the use of PFCs to protect the environments we love to explore.
As part of a much-needed focus on sustainability, GORE-TEX has been central to the development of expanded polyethylene (ePE) membrane technology.
Compared with the established polymer PTFE, ePE can be produced without harmful PFCs. Though certain styles will continue to be made with ePTFE for now due to technical performance reasons, this latest leap in waterproof fabric technology is another significant step in reducing our overall impact.
Outer shell layer
How to layer
Waterproof-breathable GORE-TEX products are designed to be worn over an insulation layer or mid-layer for durable-waterproof protection from whatever the weather throws at you. This technology is also used in footwear and gloves.
Discover our GORE-TEX products
GORE-TEX high-performance product technologies are found in our jackets, pants, footwear and gloves.
APPAREL
From versatile 2L fabrics lined with a protective layer or insulation, to exceptionally durable and breathable 3L constructions optimsed for the most extreme conditions, we use GORE-TEX technology throughout our product range.
GORE-TEX PRO
Designed for serious outdoor athletes and professionals who need the most rugged and durable protection available, GORE-TEX Pro™ products are designed to be extremely breathable and come with the ultimate GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise.
FOOTWEAR
From mountain sports to city exploration, GORE-TEX footwear is designed to keep you moving. With optimised breathability and protection, you’ll stay dry and comfortable all day, all year round.
GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER
Totally windproof. Reliably breathable. Next-to-skin comfort. The GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER membrane is designed to keep windchill out without sacrificing breathability. Sweat vapor easily escapes, so your stay warm and dry whatever you're doing.
Technology Hub
Waterproof/Breathable - Designed to protect, built to breathe.
Our most advanced breathable-waterproof outerwear technology.
Waterproof/Breathable - Waterproof. Windproof. Breathable.
Seam sealed for maximum protection, performance and comfort.
Wind resistant protection.
Engineered to reduce the effects of wind chill and retain comfort.
Waterproof/Breathable - Durable water repellent fabric.
Your water-repellent first layer of defence against moisture.
Responsibly-sourced down insulation.
Delivering the best warmth-to-weight ratio in nature.
Innovative construction, enhanced warmth.
Our natural and synthetic temperature-regulating insulation technology.
Recycled, synthetic insulation.
Synthetic insulation for durable, lightweight and compressible warmth.
Quick drying performance.
Engineered to eliminate moisture to keep you dry and comfortable.
Innovation at any pace.
Optimised stability. Enhanced cushioning. VECTIV™ technology. For speed and comfort on every trail.
The next step in mountaineering.
Discover a new and complete footwear range designed for faster, lighter, more technical ascents, in unpredictable conditions.
GORE-TEX®, made by W.L. Gore & Associates, is a breathable membrane laminated to the fabric of any garment that needs to be waterproof and windproof, yet breathable. GORE-TEX products are:
100% waterproof
Lightweight
Very breathable
Insulate in cold temperatures
A GORE-TEX® product is created with a membrane that can release moisture vapours, whilst also preventing substances such as oil, dirt and stains, and wind or rain penetrating.
This is created with a wafer-thin expanded Polytetrafluoroethelene (ePTFE), in which each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, yet some 700 times larger than a body moisture molecule, allowing evaported body moisture (perspiration) to escape whilst blocking the entry of rain and snow.
GORE-TEX® is much more durable, has higher waterproof resistance and is generally much more resistant to wear & tear.
Preserve the edge. Machine wash on a gentle cycle with approved detergent. Use no fabric softeners. Tumble dry on low to reactivate the DWR coating. Avoid irons or dry cleaners. They harm performance. Regular reproofing ensures repelling power like day one.
GORE-TEX® Paclite®: This exclusive Paclite® membrane is laminated to lightweight, strong nylon textiles to produce garments that are extremely breathable, compressible, and durably waterproof. This membrane contains a protective black layer that is made of an ""oil-hating"" (oleophobic) polymer and carbon that allows perspiration vapor to pass through, but prohibits body oils, cosmetics, salt water, and insect repellents from altering the water proof qualities of the membrane. Extremely compressible, this fabric packs extremely small.
GORE-TEX® Performance Shell: This fabric provides breathable comfort and durably waterproof and windproof protection. It is used in a two-layer construction for a lighter and softer feel and in three-layer construction for a more heavy-duty alternative.
GORE-TEX® Pro Shell: Engineered with the most rugged, most breathable, durably waterproof and windproof fabrics, three-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell with Gore Micro-Grid Backer meets the high demands of hardcore outdoor athletes. GORE-TEX® Pro Shell allows you to enjoy longer exposure to harsh conditions without losing vital body heat.
Three-Layer GORE-TEX® XCR®: The most durable, waterproof, breathable fabric available, GORE-TEX® XCR® makes it breathable, durable, waterproof, and lightweight.
Two-Layer GORE-TEX® XCR®: The most tested and trusted weather protection you can wear. Windproof, waterproof and breathable, 2-Layer GORE-TEX® XCR® is soft and lightweight, perfect for active pursuits.
Yes! GORE-TEX material offers windproof protection. The North Face offers a range of windproof products in the GORE-TEX® range:
Gore Windstopper®: This provides wind protection and allows excess moisture to escape while preventing unwanted moisture from coming back in.
Gore Windstopper® Soft Shell Fabric: Totally windproof, water resistant, and very breathable, Gore Windstopper® Soft Shell garments combine the reliable protection of a shell with the comfort of a mid-layer. These garments keep outdoor enthusiasts comfortable without the need for bulky, restring layers, making them ideal for active pursuits and challenging weather conditions.
Gore Windstopper® Soft Shell: Garments are made with unique, soft, stretch fabrics that are highly abrasion resistant – allowing for a wide range of motion. As these garments are very breathable, wearers can be incredibly active and remain comfortable.
Gore Windstopper® Active Shells: Windstopper® Active Shells are the lightest, most packable garments that are completely windproof, offer maximum breathability, and water resistance. Windstopper® Active Shells keep you comfortable for enhanced performance during highly aerobic activities. In this two-layer construction, the Windstopper® membrane is bonded to an extremely breathable and abrasion resistant outer fabric.
Yes, GORE-TEX® is waterproof and windproof. GORE-TEX® membrane contains over 9 billion microscopic pores per square inch. These pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, but 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule, which makes the GORE-TEX® membrane completely waterproof from the outside, while allowing perspiration to escape from the inside. Garments with the GORE-TEX® membrane are conversely measured with the G rating from 5,000 - 20,000.