Hardshell Jackets
Product 2021
Woman, Man
Like most outdoor athletes, we have been using Gore® Tex products for decades. We have seen other membranes arrive on the market, we field-tested all of them. We have often seen a big gap between the marketing jargon of brands supported by laboratory testing and performance out testing.
Gore® Tex entrusted us with the new Gore® Tex Pro for a several-month trial period. While the waterproofness of a Gore® Tex Pro product has not always won us over to the point of paradoxically preferring Gore® Wear R7 shakedry type jackets (beware, they are much less tough) or Outdry type membranes (used by Columbia, very waterproof but not breathable), the recent Gore® Tex Pro won us over.
Walking for several hours in the pouring rain does not push the waterproofness to its limits. It must be said that the test jacket is made by Norrona, arguably the brand that takes the most care in fabrication quality (in our opinion, a cut above Arc’ Teryx). Therefore, there was no impregnation or moisture propagation by capillary action, the protection is TOTAL. And of course, it’s windproof.
The other strong point is its toughness. With the Gore® Tex Pro, you can carry skis with aggressive edges on your shoulders, go through bushes, rub up against rocks, it doesn’t rip or tear. Durable, both waterproofness and resistance, which is not necessarily the case with a lot of membranes. Here, you must consider the number of layers used in its construction and fabric thickness to make a comparison.
The Gore® Tex Pro makes a slight rustling noise, pretty much a trademark. It’s not annoying but it is present (not recommended for wildlife photography). You feel protected from the elements and feel its solidity immediately. This version of Gore® Tex Pro is slightly stretchy. The brand has balanced this stretch effect very well because the jacket provides comfort in movement but retains its shape: the fit doesn’t deform with use. We see too much kit that are crumpled and lost their splendor after only a few weeks. We remember having a discussion at the Arc’Teryx premises in Vancouver with a Gore® Tex manager who basically told us that it was impossible to have a membrane with stretch and keep the waterproofing: after several weeks, it would disintegrate. Obviously, Gore® Tex has changed their mind and can now technically offer a membrane that combines flexibility and waterproofness.
Breathability… this elusive phenomenon! Often listed, praised by brands, rarely seen to work in real situations. What is the Gore® Tex Pro worth in this area? To get an idea, first you must properly manage your underlayers: technical T-shirt, mid-layer, fleece jacket, remove or add depending on the weather conditions and your physical effort output. Believing that the jacket will regulate itself is a myth; it does so a little, but if you really get hot, you will end up with condensation inside: see the photo.
So, no miracles in terms of breathability in physical efforts where your heart rate goes up.
Now, there’s the environmental aspect. Gore® Tex has always been clear about this, the first criterion to reduce a product’s impact is to increase its longevity and therefore make it sustainable. Of course, other brands produce other arguments including using more respectful materials. Questions: how long do their products resist? Are they easy to recycle? We prefer to keep our jacket for ten years rather than changing it every five years. The debate is in any case open. With this Gore® Tex Pro, Gore uses recycled and mass-dyed textiles to reduce water use and CO2 emissions. Other steps will no doubt be taken soon for an improved environmental footprint.
The Gore® Tex Pro is always designed for the toughest conditions. Resistant to perforations and tearing, and it is very waterproof. However, its breathability remains in the back seat. It does gain in stretch. An essential membrane for professionals and outdoor addicts.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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