Which gore tex jacket is the best

The construction is undeniably thin—it feels almost paper-like along the interior—and the zippers are fairly stiff and have a cheaper feel to them. A more streamlined version of our top-ranked Beta AR, the LT offers a great combination of weight-savings and protection, ideal for backcountry skiers, backpackers, and more.

Ideal for shoulder-season missions, it offers a nice middle ground between bombproof winter-ready hardshells and fully minimalist jackets like the Patagonia Storm10 above. And finally, the AR tacks on an internal chest pocket for slightly more storage.

One of the reasons is they make a great product—their Lhotse jacket can stand up to just about anything in terms of weather protection and build quality. This shell is designed as an all-rounder for various uses like mountaineering, skiing, and winter trekking, and features a familiar mix of and denier Gore-Tex Pro, a helmet-compatible hood with a tall collar, and pit zips.

Despite its one-jacket-quiver intentions, the Lhotse is less of an all-rounder than our top picks. And a downside for those in the U. Category: Minimalist Weight: 7. And now for something a little different. Clocking in at a scant 7. As a result, the Alpha SL Anorak is able to compete with emergency rain jackets in weight and packability yet still maintains protection and toughness on par with many hardshells here.

Everything about the Alpha SL Anorak is streamlined, from the half-zip pullover styling to the single-adjustment StormHood and lone chest pocket. Of course, there are inherent limitations to an anorak design, and some might prefer more stretch in their face fabric for high-output activities. Its durable face fabric, quiet materials, and excellent breathability make it a great pairing for backcountry skiing.

There is a lot to like about the Apoc, but we still prefer the Gore-Tex Pro competition for their proven reliability and more abrasion-resistant feel.

Our other complaint with the Apoc is its fit. Overall, the Apoc is a good choice and we hope a sign of more quality NeoShell jackets to come. See the Men's Westcomb Apoc. The most important is weather resistance: hardshell jackets offer high levels of waterproofing and windproofing for sustained exposure in harsh conditions.

In addition, hardshells share a common 3-layer construction type that bonds an interior liner and exterior face fabric to a waterproof and breathable membrane. This differentiates them from rain jackets , which commonly use 2 or 2. The combination of durability, weather protection, and breathability makes hardshell jackets popular for downhill and backcountry skiing, mountaineering, alpine and ice climbing, and 4-season hiking.

But these jackets are made to last and are the kind of apparel you rely on when Mother Nature gives you her worst. Moving from alpine to minimalist, the jackets drop weight, features, and weather protection. Most people will go with an all-around shell, but our alpine and minimalist categories fill in the gaps for those with more specific needs. Alpine Alpine shells are built for the extremes. Currently, most of the designs in our alpine category feature Gore-Tex's most premium "Pro" membrane, which is just about as protective as it gets.

They're also built with heavy-duty fabrics anywhere from 40D to D and feature protective hoods for withstanding brutal high-mountain conditions. All-Around If we were to pick a single shell for all backcountry uses, we would go with an all-around jacket.

These designs have a wide range of uses, from hiking to ski mountaineering, and generally slide in between alpine and minimalist shells in terms of weight, fabric thickness, features, and cost. In addition, most of the all-around designs on our list feature regular fits great for both mountain and around-town use alpine and minimalist shells are often trim-fitting , and are fairly uncompromised with a full array of pockets.

Minimalist At the lightweight end of the spectrum, minimalist hardshells are built with the goal of keeping weight and packed size to an absolute minimum.

They are generally trim-fitting, feature thin shell fabrics, and have very few bells and whistles often omitting pit zips and hand pockets. Minimalist shells are a great choice for shoulder-season activities like backpacking or climbing , and also serve as a great emergency layer. However, with thin fabrics they don't measure up to the rest of the hardshell competition in terms of durability and weather protection—we particularly don't recommend minimalist shells for true winter weather.

It balances high-mountain durability with waterproofing and breathability better than anything on the market, but does come with a significant increase in price.

Further, AscentShell along with certain types of Patagonia's H2No comes with the added bonus of a stretchy, softshell-like construction.

This coating is applied to the exterior of every jacket that made our list above to prevent moisture from absorbing into the face fabric by beading up the droplets.

That said, heavy and sustained rain and snowfall will eventually overwhelm the coating, which is where the waterproof membrane and seam sealing come into play. Direct Wash-In is our personal favorite. But a Gore Tex pro jacket will use a three-layer system with other synthetic materials, like nylon, to make it suitable for better protection in extremely harsh or cold conditions.

If you are looking for a Gore Tex ski jacket, look for one that uses the Gore Tex pro system. Gore Tex is an extremely durable because of its water repellant nature. The fabric is highly resistant to damage from stains and water, which help it last longer.

When combined with other durable synthetic materials, like nylon and polyester, Gore Tex jackets have the durability to last for years with the proper care. Breathability is the selling point of Gore Tex, alongside its water repellent nature. The breathability of Gore Tex is what makes the material so comfortable and sought after. The better breathability will actually keep you warmer by ensuring you stay dry and it helps regulate your body temperature to minimize the presence of sweat in the first place.

One of the best things about Gore Tex is that it is truly versatile for all year long use. A Gore Tex shell can be used in all the seasons, even winter. Gore Tex hiking jackets may double as a Gore Tex ski jacket if you combine it with thermal underwear and mid-layers.

In the summer, lightweight Gore Tex jackets will keep you safe from the rain and nighttime, when the temperature drops. A top rated Gore Tex rain jacket truly can be used for any environment from urban to backcountry. But if you plan on going to an extreme location, you should consider purchasing a Gore Tex pro jacket for the three-layers of protection.

For many name brand companies with excellent reputations, their Gore Tex shells have a versatile style that can be used as a casual or technical jacket. But there are some specific styles on the market too.

Some styles are best used as Gore Tex hiking jackets because of the relaxed fit and oversized hood, which will keep your head dry and you safe from having to carry an umbrella. Other lightweight Gore Tex jackets have a design that has been specialized for cyclists because of the lower back and backside pocket.

The fit of lightweight Gore Tex jackets will depend on the activity they are designed to enhance. It is important that you consider the fit of a specific design because you want to find a Gore Tex jacket that will suit your needs and the fit can change the functionality of the jacket in relation to your activity.

The best Gore Tex rain jacket will not only use the high-quality material, but it will incorporate a host of features to make the jacket functional and reliable when used in the real world.

Smart features than can help keep you dry include adjustable hems and hoods or watertight zippers. A hood is another feature that can be very important for a Gore Tex pro jacket if you need protection from the harsh elements.

However, most top rated Gore Tex rain jackets will have a built-in hood. The only jackets that tend to only have collars are designed for cyclists. Any other special features should be listed in the product specifications or you might even find them discussed in Gore Tex jacket reviews. The main reasons why Gore Tex is so popular is because of the breathability, versatility, and comfort the material provides to the user.

The breathability is a big factor because it keeps users comfortable in a variety of outdoor settings and ensures they always stay dry. However, the versatile features of the most excellent Gore Tex jacket means that you can use your Gore Tex shell for any occasion — urban or backcountry because it is breathable, windproof, and waterproof. Finally, Gore Tex keeps you comfortable.

With adjustable features and the moisture wicking ability, you are less likely to overheat and feel hot. Additionally, lightweight Gore Tex jackets reduce the bulk and minimize the friction. Gore who were a father and son team in Bob Gore found that when you rapidly stretch PTFE, the material of Gore Tex, you are left with a microporous material with a host of functional characteristics like low water absorption and water repellency. In , the first patents were made, and they called it ePTFE or expanded polytetrafluorethylene.

Keep reading beyond our picks for information on rain jacket materials and an explanation of DWR durable water repellent. Patagonia's Torrentshell has always been an excellent everyday rain jacket for outdoor activities and getting around town without getting drenched, but the company recently made it a lot better without raising its price.

The big update is a long-lasting three-layer construction, and now its face fabric is made of percent recycled nylon too. The Dryzzle is another three-layer rain jacket that provides the highest degree of durability and waterproofing.

In addition to those, it has incredibly breathability thanks to The North Face's proprietary waterproof technology, Futurelight for more info on Futurelight, read our review. It means that this rain jacket won't get clammy like others will, even in the muggiest conditions. Unlike cheaper jackets, it has a 2. Spend more for something that'll last instead of less for something you'll have to replace.

Patagonia made the latest iteration of the Torrentshell with a three-layer construction — the same that you find on ski outerwear — that includes a recycled nylon face fabric, a waterproof membrane and a soft interior lining. When The North Face released its Futurelight waterproof fabric technology in late , it only showed up in outerwear made for skiing, snowboarding and other mountain adventures.

Now though, the brand is rapidly rolling the tech into everything from hiking footwear to tents. That makes it the perfect material for a lightweight rain layer, like the new and improved Dryzzle. Rain jackets tend to become clammy as soon as temperatures rise, so the additional breathability of Futurelight is a welcome upgrade to this TNF classic. The Dryzzle is a classic rain jacket with an adjustable hood and hem, an exterior chest pocket and two hand pockets.

These jackets can be good at keeping you dry, though they tend not to be nearly as durable — we've seen some laminates begin to flake away after one or two seasons of hard use. It has lots of other features, too, like a collar separate from the adjustable hood, though it isn't as lightweight or packable as some of the others on this list.

All the jackets on this list will provide ample protection from a storm. If only that were the case with the rest! If you get too hot, lengthy pit zips help you dump heat though they may let some rain in too , while articulated elbows, DWR-treated chest pockets and an adjustable, helmet-friendly storm hood round out the premium package. Fit is true to size and adjustability is impressive given the weight.

Pros: Light; packable; breathable; big pockets; pit-zips Cons: A bit crinkly. But how does their adventurous waterproof tech perform on a hike, or damp daily commute? Like Gore-Tex, eVent is a highly waterproof membrane that is arguably even more breathable, making it ideal for warmer weather, or more active wearers.

The jacket has a fantastic look and feel, with stealthy matte black finish and a nice trim cut. We love our bold colourways, but sometimes black just looks better. The huge hood is well-designed and the zips are all waterproof, which adds to rugged appeal. It is every bit the performance jacket, although when the temperatures plummet, remember your gloves.

Pros: Made in Italy; very waterproof; stylish cut; hardy construction Cons: Where are the hand pockets? Like the Arc'teryx Beta FL, the Techrock is made for serious adventuring in the coldest, wettest and windiest conditions thanks to a layer of Gore-Tex Pro, but with its bold yellow or sedate black colourway and deliberately roomy cut it manages some street style too. The high, scooped collar is especially good at stopping the worst of the elements from spoiling your day.

The slightly wet-look design is no accident because this jacket uses Columbia's two-ply OutDry Exreme fabric which - like the Gore-Tex Shakedry - does away with the need for an external water-repellent layer. Our only concern is that given the technical layer is exposed to the elements, backpack straps and general wear might degrade it faster than a traditional construction.

Pros: Forward-thinking design; very waterproof Cons: Lacks breathability; possible longevity concerns. The downside to the softness is that the DWR Durable Water Repellency finish applied to the top coat will wear thin over time and water will stop beading as effectively.