GORE-TEX GUIDE – Everything You Need to Know

GORE-TEX 101

GORE-TEX is synonymous with reliable storm protection. Gore pioneered the waterproof, breathable membrane technology that dominates the outerwear we all use, but understanding all of the Gore options takes some research.

How much do you know about the different types of GORE-TEX? Read on to learn the details about 2L GORE-TEX, 3L GORE-TEX, 2.5L GORE-TEX and Infinium constructions, plus the latest on GORE-TEX PRO, the highest-performing membrane in Gore’s product line.

GORE-TEX is a Laminate

GORE-TEX is a material made by laminating a waterproof yet microporous membrane to a face fabric. The actual GORE membrane is incredibly thin and allows water vapor to pass out while preventing water from entering. There are three primary GORE-TEX constructions:

2-Layer (2L) – Uses a two-layer sandwich featuring a face fabric with the GORE membrane laminated to the inside, plus a non-laminated lining layer — often mesh, nylon, or microfiber — that protects the GORE membrane and creates a comfortable feel inside the jacket. GORE-TEX 2L can be paired with insulation and is generally heavier, warmer and less expensive than 3L or 2.5L versions.

2.5-Layer (2.5L) – Uses a two-layer sandwich featuring a face fabric with the GORE membrane laminated to it and a spray-on or printed backer on the inside. This “half layer” on the inside replaces the lining used on a 2L construction. It appears almost unnoticeable, but it adds durability to the membrane. 2.5L GORE-TEX is the lightest of the three waterproof, breathable constructions.

3-Layer (3L) – Uses a three-layer sandwich featuring a face fabric, the GORE membrane, plus a knit backer, all laminated together. GORE-TEX 3L construction is the classic unlined, uninsulated, high-performance shell jacket design. Despite its three-layer name, it feels like a single layer. It’s the most durable of the three constructions and is lighter than 2L.

Which Type of GORE-TEX is for You?

Generally speaking, GORE-TEX 2L is ideally suited to all-purpose resort use. It’s durable, warm and pairs easily with any midlayer.

3L GORE-TEX is the best option for all-purpose backcountry skiing and mountaineering. It’s lighter and more breathable than 2L because there is no lining, and it’s more durable than 2.5L construction because of the more robust third laminate. GORE-TEX 3L is available in multiple performance levels: PRO, Active and C-Knit Backer.  GORE PRO is the most durable version of 3L GORE-TEX.  Active is the most breathable 3L construction, and 3L with a C-Knit backer features stretch to the fabric. 

2.5L GORE-TEX is called Paclite or Paclite+ (Paclite+ offers increased durability over standard Paclite). 2.5-Layer construction is typically used in jackets for running, cycling and backpacking, where weight is a primary concern. Paclite jackets can be used for skiing, but they are less durable than the 2L and 3L alternatives.

Finally, there is GORE INFINIUM, which is not waterproof. GORE INFINIUM is a windproof, highly breathable and very water-resistant laminate. It’s essentially the evolution of GORE Windstopper. It’s used in gloves, jackets and pants. It’s well-suited to ski touring and mountaineering because of its enhanced breathability, but it’s not 100% waterproof.

GORE PRO 2.0

PRO is GORE’s most durable construction. And by durable, we’re talking durable weather resistance plus overall material durability. Until recently, the nature of the GORE PRO membrane meant it was paired with burly fabrics, resulting in a stiff, crinkly material with a somewhat heavier feel. At the same time, the other GORE products evolved to be lighter and feature a more natural moving feel.

Now, GORE has applied much of the same lighter, stretchier, more breathable tech to its PRO-level membrane, and offers three distinct GORE PRO 2.0 variations: PRO rugged, PRO stretch, and PRO breathable. The breathable and stretch varieties use lighter materials without compromising on the durability of the PRO products, while the rugged variation is even more rugged than ever.

In other words, GORE PRO is evolving to offer more stretch, greater breathability, and greater durability than previous versions — all while being lighter and offering a more natural feel. All three PRO variations can be combined into a single jacket or a pair of pants to suit their intended use. For example, a backcountry ski jacket could feature stretch across the back, increased breathability in the core, and rugged durability in the sleeves.

Choosing the Right GTX Jacket for Backcountry Skiing

While I’m a strong advocate for backcountry skiing in softshells and other breathable outerwear whenever possible, I always pack a waterproof, breathable shell for windy ridge tops, storm days, and as a backup layer. The first step to choosing the right GORE-TEX ski jacket is understanding the various waterproof, breathable technologies on the market. There are many options, but GORE is generally regarded as the standard to which all others are measured. The basics behind 2L, 2.5L and 3L construction apply to all brands of waterproof, breathable membranes, not just GORE-TEX.

Armed with the knowledge of the different GORE-TEX constructions, choosing the right jacket for backcountry skiing comes down to a few easy-to-consider factors:

Weight – If you have the luxury of choosing a dedicated touring shell, the lighter, the better. 3-Layer jackets (or 2.5L designs) and hybrid softshell/GORE-TEX variations are the constructions of choice for backcountry skiing. Minimalist 3L designs that shed extra features like snow skirts, adjustable cuffs and multiple pockets are ideal for ski touring.

If you need a ski jacket that will handle lift-served and backcountry use, GORE-PRO is a good choice because of its increased durability. But it’s not the lightest, and it’s more expensive. There are plenty of 3L jackets with lift-serve features like snow skirts, adjustable cuffs, and numerous pockets, but they will be heavier than a minimalist 3L shell designed with touring in mind. 

Breathability – Breathability makes a difference when you are ski touring. GORE Active and GORE PRO breathe better than standard 3L GORE options. Adding pit-zip vents makes a big difference, but zippers add weight and bulk. Look for hybrid designs that use 3L GORE-TEX in high-impact areas and more breathable, water-resistant materials (like GORE INFINIUM) to enhance breathability where it’s needed most.

Design simplicity – There is beauty in design simplicity. It also directly impacts weight and packability. The more zippers, pockets, powder skirts, velcro flaps, and corded adjustments, the more weight, bulk and stuff to deal with during transitions. Less is more when it comes to GORE-TEX jackets for backcountry skiing. Look for a stripped-down, minimalist 3L design with two pockets and limited other features.

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GORE-TEX Ski Jackets Made for the Backcountry

Here’s a collection of GORE-TEX waterproof jackets designed with backcountry skiing in mind:

Dynafit Free GTX Jacket – $599
Bomber GORE-TEX 3L jacket, 19oz. Features a C-Knit Backer for light stretch throughout the shell—a solid choice for all-purpose backcountry use.

Arcteryx Beta SL Jacket – $499
Arcteryx’s lightest GORE-TEX 3L shell at 14oz. This is a clean, simple  GORE 3L shell. It’s the choice of minimalists and gram counters. 

Norrona Lyngen Jacket – $589
Clean, simple, GORE-TEX 3L shell, 13oz. Features GORE-TEX Active and C-Knit backer for increased breathability and a natural-flexing feel. It’s a classic shell worthy of day tours and expedition wear alike.

Patagonia Triolet – $399 
GORE 3L shell, 19oz. This is a solid choice for chronic users who want a clean but thoughtful design. There’s a minor weight penalty at 190z, but when it comes to staying dry day in and day out, it’s hard to beat GORE-TEX 3L.

Learn about Durable Water Repellancy (DWR): What is a DWR treatment, and how do you renew your jacket’s DWR.

Read about Gore’s move to eliminate PFCs from GORE-TEX.

Read about the best mid-layers for backcountry skiing:

Arcteryx Proton Lightweight Hoody – Lightweight, breathable backcountry ski jacket
Layering for Backcountry Skiing – Base and mid-layer tips and picks
What’s the Best Mid-Layer for Backcountry Skiing – Our favorite mid-layers
Outdoor Research Deviator Hoodie – Versatile mid-layer for the skin track

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