Best Gore-Tex Jackets Reviewed & Tested for Quality and Protection

Criteria Used to Evaluate Gore-Tex Jackets

With a couple of tests we were able to make a top 15 list that filled up pretty quickly. A lot of our criteria was based on the core mechanics of Gore-Tex, so we expanded it a bit to separate the truly unique products from one another. With some good research, the industry showed a lot of great promise with lighter materials and high tier options for ladies apparel. Waterproof abilities weren’t included in the listed criteria since all of the jackets passed them with flying colors (even the ones that didn’t make the list).

Price

Pricing is usually a good place to start, which is a criterion that was all over the place for us. There were some jackets that were high in price but on the lower end of the list while some of the lower priced jackets were in the top five. The disparity in price without a drop in quality led to us getting rid of products with similar qualities based on too high of a price. That means if you see a jacket in the top ten that is high in price, it is truly exceptional in its own right.

Design

The design is where we turned to next, looking at the color options and overall design of jackets that only came in one color. For camo Gore-Tex products, the look was always great, especially on Military issued jackets. But the real star of the show here came from all of the women’s line where colors were rich, blended and just better than everything else on the list. Female Gore-Tex jackets scored the highest with this criteria and were the best-designed choices. They also provided the most available colors, a customization that is great when the jacket needs to be paired with regular outfits.

Sizing

Sizing was a difficult criterion to fully get through without handing out too many penalties. The easiest way for us to judge this criterion is by the information a company provides on the jacket size. Whether it is through a chart, online or through other means, we graded products based on how well they made that information available. Some companies were upfront about consumers needing to order a size larger to get a good fit while others left it up to everyone’s imagination. Products that were vague in their sizes and how they fit were removed from the list.

Material

Next, we looked at what materials companies were using to go along with their Gore-Tex branded jackets. This was an easy criterion to measure, and we removed any company that blocked the benefits of the technology by pairing it with an inferior fabric. The big winner here was polyester, which was included in the majority of the jackets on the list. It was the most compatible fabric by far, although some brands handled it better than others. The difference in the quality of their materials is reflected by their placement on the top 15. Some companies even used a proprietary mix which turned out to be hit or miss depending on how much weight it added.

Extras

Extras covered features like removable liners and hoods. The latter was seen enough on the list, but the former is something that needed more entries. Only a few Gore-Tex jackets had removable liners, which is a shame since that is the best extra available on the list. Products that had a liner that could be removed was rewarded extra points and moved promptly up the list. There was a slight shift in the top ten based on the extras criteria, so a few choices will really stand out long before you get to the top three.

Pockets

When we looked at pockets for our next criteria, it covered amount, size and quality of the insides. Thankfully most brands thought ahead and lined the inside of the pockets with material that doesn’t scratch touchscreens. For some high ranking jackets this was an oversight, so we had to remove them from the list. Zipper quality wasn’t a problem with any of the entries, so we promptly moved ahead to our last criteria, breathability.

Breathability

Gore-Tex by itself is made to be a breathable fabric that plays nice with compatible fabrics to maintain high breathability. So within the Gore-Tex shell, jackets will remain waterproof, lightweight and breathable. In a way, this is a continuation of the materials criteria, but it focuses on the thinner jackets on the list. We held the thin Gore-Tex products to a higher breathability standard than the regular ones. This meant getting rid of some heavy favorites that were in the top five. Even though they excelled in other areas, you can’t have a good Gore-Tex jacket by lessening one of its biggest features. In the end, Adidas ended up in the #1 and #2 spot due to removing a few choices after they failed this last criterion.

Terminology

Gore-Tex: A synthetic, waterproof fabric that retains properties that make it breathable in order to allow any moisture buildup from sweating to be removed from the body.

Outerwear: As the name implies, this is a piece of clothing that is worn over other garments that are intended for outdoor use.  This can vary from being light and airy to thick and bulky, depending on the conditions outside as well as the needs of the wearer.

DWR: Durable Water Repellent.  A coating that manufacturers add to their clothing in order to make them effectively waterproof.  Most of these coatings are fluoropolymer based, which means that it has high resistance solvents and other fluids.  They are often used in conjunction with very breathable fabrics, to prevent water saturation.DWR can be known to wear off over time, so re-treatment may be necessary.

Layering: The use of several garments that are worn on top of each other to increase resistance from the cold and wind.  This is a very flexible method to keep warm in cold climates, as the wearer has a greater level of control over the warmth by adding or removing layers as needed.

Waterproof: Waterproof fabrics are able to complete with stand and repel moisture. The pores on a waterproof jacket are too minuscule to allow water to get through.  Most fabrics used are not going to be waterproof by themselves, this would drive the cost of the garment up much too high.  To make increase the water resistance, a coating such as Teflon is applied to it to seal the material.

Water resistant: The ability to resist water penetration up to a certain point.  Ideal for light rain showers, but not effective enough to withstand heavy storms or snowfall.  The most widely used water-resistant fabrics are polyester and nylon. These fibers are tightly woven and able to withstand some water but aren’t tight enough to keep all of it out.

Hard shell: An outer layer of waterproof fabric that makes up the exterior of either a jacket or as part of a layering system.  Its purpose is to protect the wearer from the elements, such as wind, that has the potential to sap away any heat retained with the clothing.

Softshell:  An outer layer of fabric that offers some protection from harsh climates, but is water and wind resistant as opposed to being completely waterproof.  Soft shells are designed for milder climates, and should not be worn by themselves in extreme temperatures.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Makes Gore-Tex So Good?

A: Gore-Tex is based on an advanced waterproof material that was made to enhance several different types of apparel. Even with stiff competition from other waterproofing technologies, Gore-Tex remains the most versatile when used with sporting materials. The extra premium customers pay for the technology proves that there is a difference, and this mentality is shared by both professionals and consumers. That doesn’t mean there aren’t other technologies closing the gap, and there is still stiff competition from Columbia Omni-Dry, Polartec Neoshell, and Mountain Hardwear Dry.Q Elite. In a few years more names will come up, and it will be interesting to see how they fare against one of the world leaders.

Q: Who Created Gore-Tex?

A: Invented in 1969, Gore-Tex came from the hard work and innovation of Wilbert L. Gore and Robert W. Gore. It is a lightweight breathable fabric that repels water while still allowing the vapor to pass through. This is an important part of its overall design and is what separates it from other competing technologies. As part of the materials used in Gore-Tex coming from Teflon, it also remains tough when used for outdoor activities. Gore-Tex is mentioned often by name when naming the best membranes and shells to have coupled with sportswear.

Q: Is The Female Line Worth A Look?

A: Not only is it worth a look, but a lot of the products are incredibly well made. Ladies sportswear has come a long way, and through the process, Gore-Tex jackets kept up with the trend. Sizing isn’t the only thing that has improved over the years; the toughness of the female line was ramped up without adding any extra weight. It’s an incredible achievement when you consider that some design changes happened simultaneously on both the male and female branding, with the latter showing more improvement (less weight) the higher up you went in size. The ladies line is worth checking out and maintains a high standard for sportswear of all types.

Q: Why Is Adidas Favored?

A: Customer support, a tracking record with quality and of course a much larger line. Options from Adidas that feature Gore-Tex fabrics are double what any other company on the list offers. Their deep pockets and worldwide reach has allowed them to take a lot of risks with the styling and features they include with the jackets. It’s safe to say that Adidas jackets are the most evolved on the list, with many of their flagship Gore-Tex products in their third and fourth iterations. Customers know what they are getting with an Adidas branded jacket, so familiarity wins on the consumer level.

Q: How Roomy Are The Pockets?

A: There are a lot of pockets on the jackets, so the size varies. Usually, there is a large utility pocket made for holding bigger things like smartphones, and sometimes tablets. These designated areas aren’t guaranteed on every Gore-Tex jacket, so pay close attention to the pocket sizes if they’re listed. All of the pockets are protected with a waterproof lining, so there are no worries about the insides getting damp. All companies have done an excellent job in ensuring that the Gore-Tex technology is surrounded by similar waterproof standards.

Q: Are All Linings Removable?

A: Only some linings are removable, and it isn’t a common thing. When a jacket has a removable mesh lining, you can shed some extra weight while also making the jacket tolerable in humid conditions. It’s the best of both worlds since you don’t lose the waterproof feature of Gore-Tex, so customers should take advantage of removable linings if their jackets have it. This is also a good way to clean a lining that may have gotten dirty- that way you can still wear the jacket while the lining dries. Advanced users even rotate their linings with the jacket based on how warm they want the inside of it to be.

Q: Can Heavy Gore-Tex Jackets Be Comfortable?

A: Yes, even though the jackets are only considered heavy by ‘Gore-Tex’ standards. When people refer to these types of jackets as heavy, they are usually comparing it to other Gore-Tex jackets. That means the weight is not similar to that of a regular jacket when doing a direct comparison. This is an important note for buyers shopping, since they may get turned off by seeing a listed con for the jacket as being heavy. When a Gore-Tex jacket is ‘heavy’, it is considered uncomfortable for high activity consumer wear like cycling or running.

Q: What Happens When You Neglect Care Instructions?

A: Gore-Tex isn’t fictional adamantium and is prone to break down due to bad care. The worry from consumers isn’t about the stitching falling apart and creating tears, but more about losing the waterproof effectiveness and messing up a perfect fit. When you find a jacket that fits perfectly, nothing is worse than washing/drying it the wrong way and having it shrink a size. There is also the possibility of losing some of the Gore-Tex waterproofing abilities, but this can easily be gained back through home remedies. Buyers should care for their jackets by following the included instructions from the company.

Q: Will The Zippers End Up Being The Weakest Part Of The Jacket?

A: This question gets asked often for all jackets, not just Gore-Tex. The answer is yes, but not due to it being a cheap part- it is a movable part that is more prone than the rest of the product. Thankfully cheap zippers aren’t included in mainstream Gore-Tex jackets, so the usual snags and splits won’t be a problem for most consumers. Weight distribution in the pockets is handled well, an important feature for buyers that store away their smartphones. Any top tier Gore-Tex jacket should be able to handle a small tablet without worry of the zipper popping open or breaking.

Q: Do All Gore-Tex Jackets Have Hoods?

A: No, and something for consumers to look out for is the size of hoods. This is a specification that isn’t always included, so watch out for large hoods that aren’t removable. When you plan on using your jacket for activities that don’t require a hood, not being able to remove it will only be a pain if it is bigger than normal. Besides the extra weight around the neck and shoulder area, it gives you a lot more bulk than you would want if the area is windy. Removable is the way to go when your Gore-Tex jacket has multiple uses.

Q: Why Are Some Of The Jackets Listed As Being For ____?

A: When you see a Gore-Tex jacket being listed for cyclists, runners etc. that doesn’t mean it is their only use. These aren’t ‘specialized’ Gore-Tex jackets, and the wording is really more for marketing/branding. With all of the heavy competition in the industry, being able to stand out based on active use is a major plus for any potential consumer. If you run into a runners Gore-Tex jacket then it just means it is a lightweight variant. When you find a mountain climbing Gore-Tex jacket expect it to be insulated and have a hood. Different types of jackets serve different functions, but they are not specialized products that have to be used solely for the activity listed.

Q: Are Sizing Charts Reliable?

A: Sizing charts are reliable based on the company that issues them. Companies that have a larger line of multiple products will usually have a better chance of getting the sizing right. That is why Adidas is reliable in this category and continues to successfully rely on their worldwide data to get the best fit. But even Gore-Tex jackets that are a bit off with their sizing will be able to let customers know if they run big or small- you just have to make the correct adjustment.

Q: What Is Breathability?

A: There is a breathability rating for fabric that raises its value and overall effectiveness. Gore-Tex on its own has high breathability and the ability to absorb and release perspiration. This also adds to the comfort level of the material when under high-stress situations. High breathability with a Gore-Tex jacket means that the thinner versions are usable in humid areas without too much of a compromise with core features. The reason all Gore-Tex jackets aren’t created equal comes down to their mixture with other fabrics and the quality of those materials.