GORE-TEX Waterproof Fabrics Explained

All GORE-TEX waterproof products are made with a GORE-TEX membrane sandwiched between a face fabric and an inner layer. The face fabric provides protection and can be made from different materials and thicknesses giving the brand using the membrane options on how they want the final garment to perform.

GORE-TEX PRO

GORE-TEX PRO is built for maximum durability and is therefore ideal for prolonged use in tough conditions. The GORE-TEX PRO membrane is bonded to the face fabric and a Micro Grid backer fabric. This is the secret to GORE-TEX PRO – it doesn’t use a PU membrane, which means that it doesn’t require the membrane to be wet before it starts to breathe, increasing performance. The Micro Grid backer fabric is also exclusive to GORE-TEX PRO and it gives less internal abrasion and snag resistance, whilst improving breathability and decreasing weight. It also allows the garment to slide easily over mid-layers and feel more comfortable on skin.

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3L GORE-TEX

The GORE-TEX membrane is very versatile and is used in 2 layer and 3 layer constructions as well as being able to be combined with insulated garments. This means that it can really be made into clothing suitable for any activity whilst retaining the GORE-TEX standard for a durable, waterproof and windproof piece.

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GORE-TEX PACLITE

GORE-TEX products with Paclite technology are garments which have been specifically designed to be lightweight and packable – perfect for that waterproof which you always take with you but rarely ever wear. The garments still feature the same GORE-TEX or GORE-TEX PRO membrane but utilise much thinner lighterweight fabrics to achieve a lighter, more packable garment. This construction does come at the cost of durability. Both GORE-TEX and GORE-TEX PRO membranes can feature Paclite technology.

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