What Is Gore-Tex: The Complete Guide

Gore-Tex is a high-performance technical fabric known for its rare mix of waterproof protection, wind resistance, and breathability. Its microporous membrane stops rain from getting in while letting sweat vapor escape, keeping you dry and comfortable even in harsh weather.

This material is used to craft a wide range of technical garments: jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and other accessories built for outdoor performance. Lightweight yet exceptionally durable, Gore-Tex is ideal for sailing, hiking, mountaineering, skiing, and any activity where reliable protection from the elements is key. North Sails integrates multiple types of Gore-Tex across its Performance collections, delivering waterproof and windproof jackets, pants, and sailing gear engineered to perform in all sea conditions.

What Is Gore-Tex Made Of?

The Gore-Tex membrane is crafted from ePTFE, packed with over 1.4 billion microscopic pores per square centimeter. These pores are small enough to block rain and snow but large enough to let moisture vapor pass through, keeping the fabric breathable even during high-intensity use.

To make Gore-Tex, a thin, 0.01 mm membrane is layered between two fabric surfaces, forming a three-layer laminate: a technical outer shell, the Gore-Tex membrane, and a soft inner lining. Many garments also feature a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating so water beads off the surface before it even reaches the membrane. This layered construction gives Gore-Tex impressive durability and long-term performance.

How does Gore-Tex Work: Waterproof, Breathable, and Windproof

The genius of Gore-Tex lies in its ability to keep water and wind out, without trapping sweat inside. This effect is achieved through the combination of its three key features:

• Waterproof: The billions of tiny pores at the base of the Gore-Tex membrane are about 20,000 times smaller than water droplets, making the fabric completely waterproof from the outside.
• Breathable: However, the pores are 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule produced by the body, allowing sweat to pass through and preventing the buildup of internal moisture.
• Windproof: The dense, twisted structure of the membrane also blocks airflow, helping to maintain a layer of warm air close to the body and preventing the wind chill effect

Understanding the Different Types of Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex was developed in the late 1960s thanks to Bob Gore’s innovative discovery of expanded PTFE. Since then, the technology has been continuously refined, and various versions of the membrane have been introduced over time, each designed for specific needs:

• Gore-Tex Pro: Ultra-durable for extreme conditions. Ideal for mountaineering or sailing in challenging conditions, it is the most robust laminate.
• Gore-Tex Paclite: ultra-lightweight and packable. Designed for those seeking minimal weight, it is waterproof but thinner and easier to fold.
• Gore-Tex Active: Optimized for breathability during intense activities like running or cycling.
• Gore-Tex ePE: A next-gen, eco-conscious version free of harmful PFCs and made with recycled materials, delivering sustainability without compromising performance.
• Gore-Tex Infinium™ & WINDSTOPPER®: Not fully waterproof but completely windproof and resistant to light moisture. Useful when you need freedom of movement and wind protection in the city or while hiking.

Gore-Tex vs Pertex Shield

Thanks to its widespread use, Gore-Tex is often compared to other technical fabrics like Pertex Shield. While both provide excellent waterproofing and breathability, they rely on different technologies: Gore-Tex’s ePTFE membrane is known for its superior durability and long lifespan, supported by strict quality standards such as the Guaranteed to Keep You Dry™ certification. Pertex Shield, on the other hand, typically features a polyurethane (PU) membrane that’s lighter and more flexible and ideal for ultralight or highly packable gear. In general, Gore-Tex is the go-to choice for demanding conditions and heavy-duty use, best represented by North Sails’ Gore-Tex Pro® and 4DL™ collections, while Pertex is often the preferred option when lightness and versatility take priority, as seen in the Pertex® Shield Air line.

How Gore-Tex Is Used in Everyday Outdoor Performance Gear

Because of its reliability, Gore-Tex has become a standard in outdoor apparel. It is primarily used in waterproof jackets for sailing, mountaineering, hiking, motorcycling, and skiing, as well as in technical pants and snowsuits. Gore-Tex is also very common in footwear, like waterproof running shoes, as well as in hiking and work boots. The same technology is used in gloves, hats, and various technical accessories.

In addition to clothing, Gore-Tex is also used in many outdoor gear, such as waterproof tents and sleeping bags, and in technical or industrial applications that require weather protection with good breathability.

Why Gore-Tex Is Perfect for Sailing

Gore-Tex is particularly well-suited for sailing thanks to its unique ability to provide total waterproofing against spray and rain, wind protection for racing in extreme conditions, and superior breathability that prevents overheating during intense maneuvers.

On board, where humidity, salt spray, and strong winds are constant and sailors spend hours standing on moving hulls, the microporous membrane blocks external water while keeping the interior dry, yet allows body vapor to escape. The material’s lightness and strength support agile movement without sacrificing durability, making it indispensable for inshore, offshore, or competitive sailing.

North Platinum: North Sails’ New Gore-Tex Line for Sailing

For years, North Sails has been developing sailing apparel collections designed to deliver ultimate protection and reliability at sea. The range includes garments tailored for coastal sailing, racing, and offshore trips, combining advanced materials, rugged construction, and a commitment to sustainability.

The new North Platinum line features the PFC-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane paired with a TW160 (160 g/m²) laminate, delivering a precise balance of lightness and durability for high performance with reduced impact on the marine environment. The project is part of North Sails’ Ocean Positive philosophy, which champions the use of recycled materials to create long-lasting gear built for life at sea.

Durability is a cornerstone of technical sailing apparel. With proper care, a Gore-Tex garment can last 10-15 years, maintaining consistent performance while helping reduce waste and the need for frequent replacements. By combining long-lasting durability with more sustainable materials, North Sails achieves an ideal balance between performance and respect for the ocean, reminding us that true performance isn’t just about speed, but also about protecting the sea itself.

The line includes two main jackets: the Inshore Race Jacket for ultimate weatherproofing and the Inshore Race Hybrid for flexibility during maneuvers, plus the Inshore Race Salopette, offering waterproof comfort and mobility. All pieces come in the sleek signature North Platinum hue: a timeless neutral designed to set a new standard for sailing gear style.

Gore-Tex Care Guide: Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Gore-Tex fabrics are built to maintain their performance over time without losing their key properties. With proper care, a Gore-Tex jacket can stay waterproof and breathable for many years. To keep it performing at its best, it’s important to follow a few simple but essential maintenance steps:

• Regular cleaning: when your garment gets dirty or after heavy use, wash it following the care label instructions. In general, machine wash Gore-Tex on a gentle cycle at 30°C using a mild liquid detergent (never fabric softener or bleach). Before washing, make sure to close all zippers, flaps, and Velcro fasteners.
• Drying: you can tumble dry Gore-Tex on low heat or simply air dry it. Wearing the garment can also help activate the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish as it warms up.
• Restore DWR treatment: Over time or after multiple washes, you may notice water no longer forming beads on the surface. When that happens, use a water-repellent spray designed for technical fabrics. Apply it evenly to a slightly damp garment, then dry it again to reactivate the coating. Be sure to follow the product’s specific application guidelines.
• Footwear care: to clean Gore-Tex shoes, brush off dirt and mud, wipe with a damp sponge and mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and air dry away from direct heat. If needed, reapply a DWR treatment to maintain protection.

In short, you can wash Gore-Tex just like any other technical garment, just avoid harsh treatments. By following these simple steps, you’ll keep your gear performing at its best for years to come and stay comfortable on every adventure.