Gore-Tex Jackets

The Gore-Tex Jacket, a True Shield Against the Elements!

Hiking, trekking, mountaineering, trail running, climbing, fly fishing... you have surely encountered challenging weather conditions in the mountains. Rain, wind, fog, cold, snow—the weather in the mountains can be quite capricious and changeable. When you set off on a day hike with a clear sky and sunshine in the morning, it may well be that by early afternoon, a storm is brewing, bringing with it a few drops of rain or even a torrential downpour. At that moment, nothing beats a Gore-Tex jacket to protect you from the elements! Waterproof, breathable, and windproof, your Gore-Tex jacket will act as a shield!

What is the Gore-Tex Membrane?

Designed in the 1950s by Bob Gore, the Gore-Tex membrane quickly became popular among outdoor equipment manufacturers. It consists of a very thin layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sandwiched between two other fabrics that make up the garment. This membrane contains over 1.4 billion pores per cm². Being 20,000 times smaller than a raindrop, these pores do not allow water to penetrate the garment: the membrane is said to be waterproof. However, these pores are 700 times larger than a water vapour molecule. When the effort intensifies, a Gore-Tex jacket ensures good moisture management related to perspiration, allowing you to stay dry and avoid overheating. A Gore-Tex jacket is also genuinely windproof, unlike some fleece or tight-knit garments, which inevitably allow a slight draft that can cause chills. Therefore, a Gore-Tex jacket offers excellent protection against the wind. When the Gore-Tex membrane is bonded between the lining of a technical garment and its outer fabric, it is referred to as Gore-Tex laminate.

Why Wear a Gore-Tex Jacket?

The Gore-Tex jacket, as we have seen, has many advantages. Waterproof, windproof, and breathable, a Gore-Tex jacket provides all the protective elements needed to brave the elements, whether on a ridge, at the top of a peak, in a good powder field, or simply by the seaside. Whether it rains, blows, snows, or there is a fog worthy of your favourite thriller, you will have no excuse not to go out! The Gore-Tex membrane also offers durable performance. Over time, even after several years of use, your Gore-Tex jacket will remain effective and intact (provided you regularly revive the water-repellent treatment when washing your Gore-Tex jacket).

The Different Gore-Tex Products

There are three ranges of Gore-Tex products corresponding to specific needs. Designed for versatility in your daily activities, the Gore-Tex membrane is made to provide optimal protection in all weather conditions. Gore-Tex has also developed a range of Gore-Tex Active fabrics, offering much better moisture management than the classic range. These are the most breathable fabrics in the entire Gore-Tex fabric range, developed to meet the needs of athletes during particularly intense activities, even when the weather is not on their side. Lightweight, soft, and flexible, a Gore-Tex Active jacket offers a good level of comfort against the skin. Even when you are resting or recovering, you won’t fear the cold as this fabric ensures optimal moisture management. Lastly, the Gore-Tex Pro fabric is designed for quite extreme and demanding activities when you are navigating challenging terrains. If you practice ski touring, freeride skiing, or mountaineering, you will need a robust and high-performing Gore-Tex jacket Pro, which is more resistant to abrasion and effective when the weather is not cooperating.

Caring for Your Gore-Tex Jackets

A day of skiing, an intense mountaineering run, climbing a slope while ski touring, or a demanding trek... it is well known that physical exercise in the mountains can quickly make you hot. Just like the rest of your wardrobe, it is necessary to wash your Gore-Tex jacket from time to time, in which you will inevitably have perspired. However, be careful not to wash it too often, as this may reduce the effectiveness of the Gore-Tex membrane more quickly. First and foremost, follow the manufacturer's washing instructions before washing your Gore-Tex jacket. In the washing machine, we recommend washing your Gore-Tex jacket at up to 40°C, adding only a small amount of liquid detergent to the detergent drawer. Remember to close zippers, straps, drawstrings, buttons, and pockets before putting it in the machine. Once your Gore-Tex jacket is washed, rinse it twice and then spin it very gently. Avoid chlorine, fabric softeners, and stain removers. If your washing machine has a delicate cycle, use it! After washing your Gore-Tex jacket, air dry it flat on a drying rack, then put it in the tumble dryer for about 20 minutes to revive the water-repellent treatment of your jacket. Remember to regularly re-waterproof your Gore-Tex jacket with suitable waterproofing treatments.

Find a Wide Selection of Gore-Tex Jackets on Hardloop.fr

Because we have experienced those moments in the mountains, in the rain, when we regretted not having a waterproof jacket, we take pride in selecting the best Gore-Tex jackets on the market for you. Salomon, Millet, Lafuma, Salewa, Dynafit, Mammut... find a wide selection of Gore-Tex jackets on Hardloop.fr, and perhaps you will discover the rare gem that will accompany you on your next mountain adventures!