Breathable waterproof fabrics: 6 Gore-Tex alternatives for damp days on the trail

Gore-Tex is a bit like the Kleenex of outdoor gear – a brand name that has become an interchangeable term used for almost any breathable waterproof fabric. These days, however, there are plenty of alternatives to Gore-Tex that are worth a second look when it comes to outdoor gear.

When you're camping, running or hiking in the rain, you want the best out of your waterproof gear like your waterproof jacket, rain pants, hiking boots and tent. Breathable waterproof fabrics are those that repel moisture from coming in, while drawing moisture like sweat away from your body, so they’re perfect for any activity when you’re exerting yourself in humid conditions.

The best-known such fabric is Gore-Tex, a breathable waterproof fabric invented and trademarked by the Gore family in 1969 that replaced the typical inner layer of waterproof clothing, usually made from polyurethane, with a thin, porous fabric. The resulting garment repels liquid water but allows water vapor to pass through, meaning it keeps rain out but allows sweat to leave. Many outdoor brands use Gore-Tex technology in everything from hiking boots to rain jackets.  

There are lots of upsides to Gore-Tex: it’s extremely waterproof and breathable, they require that any garment made using its fabric has taped seams and they offer a lifetime guarantee for their products regardless of who made them. 

However, there are downsides too: since it only allows vaporized water vapor through, if you end up with liquid water inside your Gore-Tex clothing, it will stay there which is why your Gore-Tex gear can sometimes feel slick and clammy. Gore-Tex is expensive, known for making an annoying swooshing sound when you're moving and is made using a group of chemicals called perfluorochemicals which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are a concern because they do not break down and therefore build up in our landfills and water sources. Though there is not yet conclusive evidence that these chemicals are harmful to human health, Gore-Tex has committed to phasing these chemicals out of their production to become more environmentally friendly. 

We decided to tackle the task of finding out whether any other fabrics stand up against the waterproof giant. Whether you’re looking for more sustainable, cheaper or better-performing alternatives to Gore-Tex, check out our guide to breathable waterproof fabrics that help keep you dry during damp days on the trail.

eVent 

One of the earliest and best known alternatives to Gore-Tex, eVent technology is a waterproof membrane that is paired with other fabrics and features billions of tiny pores that ‘vent’ moisture away from your body but don’t let droplets in. The difference between eVent and other similar technologies is that eVent is a ‘dry system’ that doesn’t need to get wet or require excessive body heat to work. Because of this, it claims to keep your body in a more steady state of temperature and humidity when you’re exerting yourself. eVent does away with the polyurethane layer used in Gore-Tex which makes it more breathable and lighter, however this means that the sweat wicked off your body remains in the fabric, meaning it becomes more dirty, faster. 

Páramo Nikwax Analogy 

Developed in the early 1990s, Páramo Nikwax Analogy also utilises a 2-layer approach that consists of an outer layer, usually ripstop polyester, treated to deflect wind and rain, and an inner layer that they term a ‘pump liner’. The outer layer is water-repellent, while the pump liner is designed to mimic animal fur, ‘pumping’ moisture away from your body, with the end result of the two layers being a waterproof fabric. An air gap between the two materials also provides insulation, which is great for cold weather. You can read more in our article on Gore-Tex vs Páramo Nikwax. 

Pertex Shield 

The initial incarnation of Pertex was as a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that allowed moisture to escape through capillary action. Later, they added waterproofing capacity and the modern versions feature 2, 2.5 and 3-layer constructions. Pertex rivals Gore-Tex in breathability and is very lightweight, making it easy to fit in your backpack, while Gore-Tex wins in the waterproofing and durability categories. 

The North Face FutureLight 

One of the newer challengers to Gore-Tex’s dominion, The North Face’s in-house breathable waterproof fabric, FutureLight, uses what they call “nano spinning” to build micro threads, which they promise offers double the breathability, equal waterproofing and durability, and “whisper-quiet softness” compared with Gore-Tex’s. The price, however, is comparable to Gore-Tex.  

Patagonia’s H2No 

With H2No, Patagonia set out to create a breathable waterproof fabric that is also durable while using recycled materials. They use a 3-layer construction with a ‘laminated scrim’ which helps disperse moisture build-up by decreasing drying time and minimizing the risk of incoming water droplets. The result is not as waterproof or breathable as Gore-Tex, but it’s more comfortable and probably better for the environment. 

Polartex Neoshell 

While many breathable waterproof fabrics have claimed to be the most breathable around, Portex Neoshell might just stake this claim. They claim to have engineered optimal pore size and placement to release heat and sweat without high pressure build up, meaning you don’t have to get very hot and sweaty for it to start working and you maintain natural thermoregulation. It’s also very stretchy fabric so it’s ideal for dynamic pursuits where you’re likely to perspire a lot.