GORE-TEX vs Pertex

GORE-TEX vs Pertex: Which is right for you?

GORE-TEX and Pertex are both industry leaders in waterproof and breathable fabrics, however they prioritise slightly different characteristics.

GORE-TEX

GORE-TEX was first developed in 1969 as a fabric membrane which blocked water to get in, whilst allowing water vapor to pass outward.
This means that the sweat you produce can pass freely, making the fabric breathable, simultaneously blocking rainwater from getting through the membrane keeping you dry from external conditions.

GORE-TEX membrane performs well in long-term waterproof protection with stronger durability, including resistance to abrasion and general wear and tear. GORE-TEX also tends to perform well in extended periods of rain.

Whilst both are waterproof and seam sealed GORE-TEX is often viewed as the choice if you are likely to experience extreme wet weather.

PERTEX

The company Pertex was established in 1979 in England. Pertex now make several different fabrics for outerwear, including Pertex Shield, which is their mainline waterproof fabric. We will be focusing on Pertex Shield as it is closest in intended use to GORE-TEX. Pertex Shield is a laminate system made up of a woven outer fabric and a waterproof membrane.

Pertex Shield is aimed at outdoor activities such as hiking and trail running. With this in mind, the fabric is generally lower weight and has better packability. In comparison to GORE-TEX, Pertex Shield feels less rigid and is softer to the touch. Pertex fabrics tend to be thinner, more lightweight and flexible, likely due to design principle of being able to move freely with your body during activities and ease of packing.

If saving grams matters, Pertex Shield often has the advantage.

In conclusion both fabrics have their own best use case and advantages. GORE-TEX is the choice if you are prioritising, maximum weather protection, long-term durability and durability. Pertex is the choice if you are prioritising, lightweight construction, breathability during movement and packability/versatility.

Depending on what you’re planning to use your outerwear for GORE-TEX or Pertex can be the right choice, this guide should give you the basic benefits of each to help you make the correct decision.

Find our GORE-TEX Rain Jacket here and find our Pertex Weatherproof Jacket here.