GORE-TEX Has changed. While it's still fundamentally a GORE-TEX membrane sandwiched between a face fabric and an inner layer, the membrane itself has changed.

GORE-TEX is now made from expanded Polyethylene instead of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). You may some times see new GORE-TEX called GORE-TEX ePE, but from Winter 24/25 it will just be called GORE-TEX.

Expanded Polyethylene (ePE) is free of the harmful PFCs sometimes known as ‘forever chemicals’ and is produced with a lower carbon footprint as measured by Higg MSI. The Higg MSI is a measurement of the sustainability of a material and is one of the closest things we have to an independent assessment. The ePE membrane is bonded to a recycled nylon or poly outer (depending on the intended durability) and a lighter weight also recycled liner to protect the membrane from sweat. The outer is then treated with a new totally fluorocarbon free water repellent treatment.

GORE-TEX Has changed. Shop our range of GORE-TEX waterproof clothing.

The new ePE membrane is a thinner than older GORE-TEX and GORE-TEX PRO, which results in a softer and more supple feel. It doesn’t have the same stiff ‘cardboardy’ feel as older Gore membranes, (unless you are Mountain Equipment and you stick a mega burly 75 denier outer on it because you are Mountain Equipment and if you are going to make a jacket, you are going to make it properly).

As a very new membrane we have not got much feedback on longer term performance but initial reports and testing indicate that ePE is just as waterproof as standard Gore and still very breathable. The biggest difference so far and the one that you will probably notice first is the DWR treatment. Unfortunately flurocarbons are some of the best, most hydrophobic chemicals out there. Getting rid of them does hit performance so you will notice that the nice ‘beading’ effect disappears quite quickly. Don’t worry your GORE-TEX jacket is still waterproof, but to maintain the beading effect you will need to top up the DWR more regularly, with wash in or spray on from the likes of NikWax or Storm after care.

GORE-TEX PRO uses the same ePE membrane and regular GORE-TEX but with a much more durable outer face fabric.

All GORE-TEX PRO garments from all licensed GORE-TEX manufactures are tested under a much more demanding version of the standard abrasion resistance test that GORE-TEX garments go through. The Martindale Ball Plate Test, which is a more aggressive evolution of the regular Martindale Test, additional abrasion is applied to the textile by using a ball plate underneath to create focused points of abrasion. It simulates abrasion from equipment or rocks rubbing against waterproof garments. This not only challenges the fabric surface, but also the waterproof barrier beneath it.

Rugged & Durable waterproof performance. Shop our range of GORE-TEX PRO