Gore-Tex vs Texapore Technology: Which One is Better?

Gore-Tex vs Texapore Technology: Which One is Better?

We in the Northern Hemisphere are slowly entering Spring, and with the warmer temperatures soon to be upon us, the rain will accompany us for several days.

Those who enjoy spending time outdoors know too well that, regardless of weather, a quality jacket is necessary. Yes, even during summer.

Performance jackets are made to provide protection against the elements, while also being highly breathable in order to reduce perspiration and minimize overheating.

What makes those jackets so good is not simply their design, but also the material they are made of. And such high-performance jackets are almost always made of fabric technologies.

Fabric technologies have been around for decades now and are continuously improved upon, in order to increase their performance, as well as for the brands to set themselves apart from competitors.

In several previous comparisons and review pieces we have gone through different fabric technologies, mainly comparing them to Gore-Tex, the staple of fabric technology.

Today we will take a look at Texapore and see how it measures up against Gore-Tex®.

Contents:

1. Gore-Tex® Fabric Technology

Gore-Tex® was originally created by the son of the founders of the Gore-Tex company.

It is an ePTFE material, made of billions of micropores on its surface, which allows moisture from perspiration to pass through, while at the same time preventing water droplets from the outside to pass.

ePTFE is an incredibly durable material, which does not really give in to wear and tear and has a considerable lifetime.

Gore-Tex can be considered as a blend of three elements:

  • membrane,
  • laminate,
  • technology.

The membrane is because of ePTFE, which gives the Gore-Tex fabric its main weather-resistance qualities.

It is considered a laminate because the ePTFE membrane bonds to two layers of fabrics and, lastly, it’s a fabric technology as it can be used to fulfill different requirements based on breathability and water resistance.

gore tex threefold nature illustration

Currently, Gore-Tex is still one of the most renowned and most used fabric technologies, not only in jackets but also in other outdoor clothing and gear.

What is GORE-TEX Product Technology

This video will be loaded from YouTube.com, a third party. If you click "Play", you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies.

Options Available

Fabric technologies do not come as one single laminate, as there are several options available, which are suitable for different purposes.

Gore-Tex is available in the following options:

  • Paclite – the lightest option, designed mainly for daily and casual wear.
  • Active – the most breathable of the options, designed for high-requirement sports.
  • Pro – very durable, suitable for a variety of outdoor activities.
  • Pro Shell – made to be very resistant to abrasions, it is mainly used, in gloves, shoes, and socks.

You might also like: The Best Gore-Tex Rain Jackets for Fall and Winter

Salomon Gore Tex hiking boot close up
Gore-Tex is also used in footwear: Salomon Gore-Tex hiking boot

2. Texapore Fabric Technology

While Gore-Tex is patented by the Gore-Tex brand, which then partners up with different outdoor clothing brands which use Gore-Tex in their products, a lot of those same brands, and others, have developed their own fabric technologies.

Such is the case with Texapore, which is created by Jack Wolfskin, the German brand that is frequently part of our selections and reviews.

Jack Wolfskin is quite popular in Germany and in the past few years has also gained popularity in other countries. Texapore was developed by the brand in order to allow them to create performance clothing that provides great weather protection as well as breathability.

Related: The Best Jack Wolfskin Jackets for your Outdoor Adventures

Texapore, as a fabric technology, is designed to be windproof, waterproof, and breathable, qualities that vary depending on the performance option. It also comes with DWR-coating, which helps the fabric repel water and further decrease the risk of it wetting out.

TEXAPORE (English) | Jack Wolfskin

This video will be loaded from YouTube.com, a third party. If you click "Play", you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies.

Performance Options

We are jumping straight to the performance options it comes in as there are several:

  • Texapore – this is the original and classic option, which is fully wind and waterproof, and mildly breathable.
  • Texapore O2+ – similar to the classic option, but it breathes better.
  • Texapore Air – this option is made for movement, as it has a dynamic breathing ability, meaning that air circulation improves and increases with movement.
  • Texapore Infinity – this is a highly breathable option, suitable for sports and activities that require a lot of movement.
  • Texapore Hyproof – the most waterproof out of all options, as well as super breathable
  • Texapore Ecosphere – designed to be ecological, this option combines all the features of the classic Texapore fabric, while being made of 100% recycled polyester and free of PFC that harm the environment.

– – – –

TEXAPORE ECOSPHERE: The first 100 % recycled* weather protection l JACK WOLFSKIN

This video will be loaded from YouTube.com, a third party. If you click "Play", you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies.

3. Comparison: Gore-Tex® vs Texapore

It’s time to go through the similarities and differences between the two fabric technologies and see which one is the better option of the two.

Waterproof Rating

We usually start out with the waterproof rating as it’s usually the main selling point of these technologies. While the rating varies between the two technologies’ performance options, overall the highest go upwards of 28.000 mm, making them similar in this regard.

However, when it comes to which of the two will provide the best protection, the actual jacket or garment design will determine the end result. Seams, hood, and other features play an important role in determining whether water will make it through the jacket you are wearing.

Breathability and Wind Resistance

Starting with wind resistance, both technologies are windproof, making them suitable for windy days and sports such as cycling.

As for breathability, Gore-Tex measures around 15.000 g/m2/24h, while the Active performance option can go considerably higher than that.

Texapore, on the other hand, also averages around the same numbers, but the Hyproof option has a breathability rating of 35.000 g/m2/24h, making it highly breathable.

However, once again, the actual design of the garment you are wearing is going to play a major part in how well it will be able to breathe. Pit or back vents, for example, will greatly improve a jacket’s ability to allow air flow and wick moisture away.

Durability and Wear

In regards to wear, Texapore wears more comfortable because the ePTFE membrane of Gore-Tex makes the fabric a bit stiff and non-stretch.

As for durability, we have said this before, too, but so far we have yet to come across a fabric technology that can last longer than Gore-Tex. The ePTFE membrane is extremely durable and does not mind the elements or wear, making it last for many years.

woman camping

Environmental Impact

When considering the environmental impact of the two technologies, because Texapore comes with the Ecosphere option, which is made of 100% recycled materials such as polyester, it has the upper hand in this regard.

However, its other options perform considerably better, especially when it comes to those made for high-performance sports.

With that being said, both brands have made strides to minimize their environmental impact by striving to move away from DWR products that contain PFCs, which are very harmful.

Which One Is Better?

Gore-Tex is better in regard to overall performance and durability. Especially when considering that you will find this fabric used by renowned brands such as The North Face and Patagonia, which make excellent jackets and outdoor clothing that, in combination with Gore-Tex fabrics, perform nearly flawlessly.

However, Texapore does not really fall far behind. With its water column and breathability ratings, Texapore would be an excellent option for those focused mainly on breathability and having a more comfortable fit.

In the end, we’d advise that you go through reviews and preferably try products made of these two fabrics in person, in order to see which of the two best suits your requirements.

– – – –

Read next:
Helly Tech vs Gore-Tex Technology: A Comparison
Patagonia H2No vs Gore-Tex: Which is Better?

4 Comments

  1. Your comparison does not state explicitly if Texapore also relies on fluorinated carbon compounds. In 2014 I bought a Jack Wolfskin waterproof Texapore coat, which started losing its water-proof quality in 2019, although only washed with dedicated products, and not too often. I continued using it for cycling around town until noticing that the waterproofing Texapore had crumbled and was collecting at the sleeve ends around the wrists and around the bottom seam, friction causing the particles to get smaller, and now they are beginning to fall through the webbing. This whole concept of waterproofing seems to me an environmental hazard. I would be interested to learn of environmentally sound alternatives. FYI I would like to add that I’m a biochemist.

  2. just to point out Cornelia is incorrect. They’ve switched to PFC free materials in 2019

  3. FYI Cornelia is wrong. She did 0 research before writing comment. I have texapore jacket from 2013 and it holds waterproof properties with good care. She definitely did not wash it proper way. And as Georgi wrote they switched to PFC free.

  4. For Shoes : I tried some shoes with Gore-tex structure; Salomon, Merrel, Puma (Voyage nitro 3 gtx). No way the Salomon and Merrel fitted my feet due to their stiff structure. On the other hand Puma was ok; but not very comfortable. And for Texapore; I tried a Jackwolfskin and was very comfortable. I would prefer Jack instead of Puma if I havent ordered the Puma as Jack was more comfortable. If you have wide feets never think of Salomon, Merrel or Columbia.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

To learn how we use your data when you comment, read our Privacy Policy.