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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Gore-Tex technology is surrounded by similar waterproof standards.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A: Several years of producing one of the finest apparel technologies in the world have allowed Gore-Tex major innovations with jackets. Brands have been more open to risks in styles, sizes and even completely new features thanks to the maturity of Gore-Tex. Choosing the right jacket comes down to a couple of things, with this small list being a big help for buyers that are deadlocked with a buying decision. Although not foolproof, looking at these three things will give you a much better chance of nailing down what it is you expect from your new Gore-Tex jacket.

Price is first on the list, and also the most confusing. Gore-Tex jackets can be purchased at incredibly different prices, with quality not being tied directly to the amount being paid. So a low priced jacket can still be considered high tier, and it isn’t uncommon to see a big name like Adidas behind that iteration. Find out what your price limit is and stay within that range. Buyers don’t have to worry about missing out on great products since high tier Gore-Tex jackets are available at so many different price ranges. The most you will miss out on is getting a specific model that may be a hot seller with some people.

The second thing to look at is weight, which is an uncommon thing to overlook when buying a Gore-Tex jacket. You don’t want to lug around something heavy if it is meant for cycling, and you don’t want something light if it is meant for heavy wind and rain. If two purchases are required to get the best of both worlds, that is the better option than going for a product that is a jack of all trades. Gore-Tex jackets from the same company have different pros and cons based off of their model. So in short, pick the jacket that works well for the activity you plan to use it for.

The last thing buyers should look for in a jacket is sizing. No matter how tempting, you should never ignore the sizing chart- even if you’ve purchased from the company before. What’s small for one company may end up being large for another. It is a delicate balancing game with sizing, and no one will always have the perfect fit. Consumers should be wary of brands that have a reputation for bad fitting apparel. These companies don’t have to be avoided, but it is worth noting their return policies in case you have to make a change. Being stuck with something you can’t wear isn’t helpful, even if it is a high tier Gore-Tex fabric.