What Does GORE-TEX Actually Mean? NZ Outdoor Guide
GORE-TEX appears on the label of many premium outdoor jackets and boots at Dwights — but the term is often used without a clear explanation of what it actually means and why it matters. Here's a straightforward breakdown.
What GORE-TEX Is
GORE-TEX is a waterproof-breathable membrane technology created by W.L. Gore & Associates. At its core, it's an expanded PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane with microscopic pores — each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet (so rain can't get through) but 700 times larger than a water vapour molecule (so sweat vapour can escape).
This combination — blocking liquid water while allowing vapour through — is what "waterproof breathable" means. GORE-TEX was the technology that made truly waterproof-breathable fabric possible at scale, and the brand has remained the benchmark since its introduction.
GORE-TEX vs Standard Waterproof Membranes
Other brands make waterproof-breathable membranes — Merrell's M Select DRY, Salewa's own membrane, and various proprietary technologies. The differences:
GORE-TEX Pro (3-layer): The highest specification. Membrane bonded directly between outer fabric and inner lining — the most durable construction and the highest breathability. Used in the Rab Kangri GTX (RRP $899.95).
GORE-TEX (standard, 2-layer/2.5-layer): Strong all-round waterproof-breathable performance at a lower cost than Pro. Used across many mid-range jackets and the majority of GORE-TEX hiking boots.
GORE-TEX PACLITE® / PACLITE® Plus: Lighter-weight GORE-TEX optimised for packability. Less durable than standard GORE-TEX but significantly lighter. Used in Rab's Kangri PACLITE® Plus (RRP $699.95).
Standard proprietary membranes: Often perform well in normal conditions but typically fall short of GORE-TEX in breathability during high-output use and in long-term durability under sustained pressure and abrasion.
What GORE-TEX Means on a Boot
In hiking boots, GORE-TEX creates a waterproof-breathable sock-like lining inside the boot. Water can't get through from outside; moisture vapour from your foot can escape outward.
Key point: GORE-TEX boots are waterproof up to the collar — not above it. Submerging the boot above the waterproof lining's height will let water in over the top. For stream crossings, GORE-TEX keeps your feet dry in typical depth crossings; it doesn't make the boot submarine-proof.
All premium boots at Dwights use GORE-TEX: Crispi Futura CX GTX, Crispi Nevada Legend GTX, Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX, Asolo TPS 520, and the full Crispi range.
The DWR Coating — What Gets Confused With GORE-TEX
A common misunderstanding: when a GORE-TEX jacket starts getting wet on the outside, people assume the GORE-TEX has failed. What's actually happening is the DWR (durable water repellent) coating on the outer fabric has worn off.
The DWR is a separate treatment on the jacket's outer fabric that causes water to bead and run off. When the DWR wears off, the outer fabric absorbs water (wets out) — but the GORE-TEX membrane inside is often still working fine. The jacket still keeps you dry; it just feels heavier and less breathable because the saturated outer fabric impedes moisture vapour transmission.
Solution: Re-proof with Nikwax TX.Direct to restore the DWR. This is separate from the membrane and doesn't affect the GORE-TEX itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GORE-TEX worth the price premium in NZ conditions?
For serious NZ trampers who use their rain jacket regularly: yes. GORE-TEX's breathability during sustained uphill movement is meaningfully better than budget membranes — the difference is most noticeable on long climbs. GORE-TEX Pro (in jackets like the Rab Kangri GTX) also offers significantly better long-term durability than standard membranes, which matters for trampers who use their jacket hard.
For occasional trampers who do 1–2 trips per year: a quality non-GORE-TEX jacket like the Peak XV Tornado ($349.99) performs well and is much better value for the usage level.
Does all GORE-TEX last the same amount of time?
No — GORE-TEX Pro 3-layer construction lasts longer than standard 2-layer GORE-TEX, which lasts longer than PACLITE®. The membrane itself is very durable, but the construction method affects how long the jacket maintains its performance under abrasion and repeated use. Re-proofing the DWR coating regularly maximises the jacket's lifespan regardless of construction type.
Do GORE-TEX boots need re-proofing?
The GORE-TEX lining inside boots doesn't need re-proofing — it's protected by the leather or synthetic outer. However, the leather or synthetic outer benefits from waterproofing treatment (Nikwax Leather Waterproofing for leather; Nikwax Fabric & LeatherProof for synthetic leather combinations) to maintain the outer's water resistance and prevent the boot from saturating. This doesn't affect the GORE-TEX membrane but keeps the boot lighter and more comfortable in wet conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GORE-TEX?
GORE-TEX is a waterproof-breathable membrane made by W. L. Gore & Associates. It's bonded to the outer fabric of jackets, boots, and other gear to block water from getting in while allowing water vapour (sweat) to escape. It's the benchmark waterproof-breathable technology in outdoor gear.
Is GORE-TEX actually waterproof?
Yes. GORE-TEX uses a microporous membrane with pores too small for liquid water to pass through, but large enough for water vapour molecules to escape. When the membrane and DWR are both working correctly, it's fully waterproof in sustained rain.
What is the difference between GORE-TEX and GORE-TEX PACLITE?
Standard GORE-TEX is a 3-layer construction built for durability and performance. GORE-TEX PACLITE uses a lighter 2.5-layer construction to reduce weight and packed size. PACLITE jackets are lighter and more packable; standard GORE-TEX is more durable and abrasion-resistant.
Why does my GORE-TEX jacket feel wet even though it's waterproof?
Most likely your DWR coating has degraded — the outer fabric is wetting out and feeling cold and damp, even though the membrane is still blocking water. Restore DWR with Nikwax TX Direct (wash-in or spray-on). This is the most common maintenance issue with waterproof jackets.
Is GORE-TEX worth the extra cost over cheaper waterproof membranes?
For serious NZ tramping and alpine use, yes — GORE-TEX is independently tested and consistently performs at its rated specification. For occasional use, a quality non-GORE-TEX jacket like the Peak XV Tornado is excellent value.
Where can I buy GORE-TEX jackets and boots in NZ?
Dwights stocks GORE-TEX jackets from Rab and boots from Salewa, La Sportiva, and Crispi. Browse rain jackets at /collections/rain-jackets and boots at /collections/hiking-boots.