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WITHIN · FIELD GUIDE · Revised November 5, 2026

What is Gore-Tex, and how to keep it working

A membrane thinner than paper does the waterproofing. The finish on the outside decides whether the jacket feels dry, and that part needs you.

The layers, and what each one does

LayerWhat it doesWhat wears out
Outer fabric with water repellent finishMakes rain bead and roll off, so the fabric stays dry and the jacket can breatheThe finish, with wear and dirt
Membrane, ePTFE or ePE with PUKeeps liquid water out, lets water vapour outRarely, unless punctured or contaminated
Lining or backerProtects the membrane from the insideAbrasion from packs and belts

Gore tests its outerwear in a rain room that runs from drizzle to wind driven rain. It rubs the fabric with wool or sandpaper for hours in the Martindale test, and blows 50 mph wind at it in a chamber it calls the Storm Cube. Products that carry the "Guaranteed to Keep You Dry" promise are covered by the company for their useful life, for the original owner.

Why a Gore-Tex jacket can feel wet

When the finish wears off, the outer fabric soaks through. Gore says the membrane still keeps the water out, but the jacket feels cold and clammy, and a soaked face fabric lets less sweat out, so it gathers inside. People take that for a leak. It is a care problem.

How to wash it and bring the finish back

Gore's own outerwear care steps, read 5 November 2026. The garment's care label comes first.

StepWhat to do
1. Close upZip the front, pockets and pit zips; fasten loose flaps and straps
2. WashMachine wash at 40 °C (105 °F) with a small amount of liquid detergent. Rinse twice, spin little
3. SkipPowder detergent, fabric softener, stain remover and bleach
4. DryTumble dry on a warm gentle cycle, or line dry. Not on high heat
5. ReactivateOnce dry, tumble 20 minutes more. No dryer: iron on a gentle setting through a towel, no steam
6. Reapply if neededIf water still soaks in, use a spray or wash in repellent, then 20 minutes in the dryer

Gore now makes a repellent finish without intentionally added PFAS. The membrane on older products is ePTFE, itself a fluoropolymer; the newer ePE membrane is not.

Checks before you buy

  • Look for the Gore-Tex hang tag and the range it names. Gore files Windstopper under drier weather, so buy Gore-Tex or Gore-Tex Pro for rain.
  • Check that the seams are taped on the inside. An untaped seam leaks whatever the fabric is.
  • On shoes, Gore-Tex keeps water out up to the top of the lining. A low shoe still floods through the collar.

A Gore-Tex shell over a down layer is the warm and dry combination for a wet winter; the down guide covers the inner half.

Gore-Tex on within

On 5 November 2026 the boutiques listed Gore-Tex from Descente, New Balance, HOKA and Herno Laminar, among others.

Common questions

What is Gore-Tex made of?
A very thin membrane of expanded PTFE or, in newer products, expanded polyethylene (ePE), combined with polyurethane and laminated to textile layers. Gore says it keeps liquid water out and lets water vapour through.
Is Gore-Tex fully waterproof?
The membrane is waterproof. Products that carry the Guaranteed to Keep You Dry promise are covered by W. L. Gore and Associates for the product's useful life, for the original owner.
Why does my Gore-Tex jacket feel wet inside?
The outer fabric is soaked because its water repellent finish has worn off. The membrane still keeps water out, but the jacket feels cold and clammy and stops breathing well. Wash it and dry it with heat to bring the finish back.
Can you wash Gore-Tex?
Yes. Gore's own care advice is to wash and dry the garment, then apply heat to reactivate the water repellent finish. When washing and heat no longer make water bead, reapply a repellent.
When was Gore-Tex invented?
In 1969, when Bob Gore stretched heated PTFE rods and made expanded PTFE. Marmot was among the first outdoor brands to use it, from 1976.

Sources

Gore-Tex in stock now, to check against this guide

Herno Laminar, Prada, Descente and more, from the boutiques on within.

More coats and jackets on within