Gore-Tex®
Gore-Tex® fabrics lead the industry in providing durably waterproof / breathable protection. The Gore-Tex® membrane is completely impervious to rain, sleet and snow, while allowing perspiration to pass through it. The Gore-Tex® membrane is permanently bonded to outerwear shell fabrics. A single square inch of the Gore-Tex® membrane contains 9 billion microscopic pores - each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a raindrop but 700 times larger than a molecule of water vapor - so while water can't pass through the fabric, perspiration can. The North Face uses Gore-Tex® fabric in many of its outerwear pieces, not only because of its waterproof / breathable capabilities, but because it is rigorously tested for durability. Abrasion and flexing tests are done in laboratory conditions that exceed even the most extreme weather environments. This testing ensures that Gore-Tex® PacLite™ fabric, Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric, Gore-Tex® 3-ply fabric and Gore-Tex® 2-ply fabrics are as durable as they are waterproof.
Gore-Tex® PacLite™ fabric is the newest technology from Gore. Offering great waterproof / breathable protection in extremely wet conditions, PacLite™ fabric is the lightest weight, most compressible fabric of its kind. Weighing 15% less than equivalent 3-Layer Gore-Tex® fabric garments, PacLite™ fabric garments are ideal when you need a shell that is truly light weight, breathable and packable.
Used in our most technical Expedition shells, this revolutionary fabric uses an innovative layer of tiny dots which protects the laminate from wear and eliminates the need for a separate, heavy inner lining.
Perched on the cutting edge of technology, The North Face introduces Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric, a revolution in breathable fabrics. Designed in conjunction with W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric (extended comfort range) is durable, waterproof, windproof, and extremely breathable. In fact, our Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric is much more breathable in its two-layer form than tradition Gore-Tex® 2-Ply fabric, and is nearly twice as breathable in its three-layer form than our traditional Gore-Tex® 3-Ply fabric. The bottom line: unparalleled comfort. Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric increases the breathability of your outerwear without compromising waterproofness or adding weight. Look for Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric in our Summit Series Outerwear Collection.
The most durably waterproof/breathable fabric available, The North Face 3-layer Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric is nearly twice as breathable as its traditional 3L Gore-Tex® fabric counterpart. 3L Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric uses a taffeta liner to protect the Gore-Tex® membrane, making it durable, lightweight, waterproof and extremely breathable.
A versatile and extremely breathable fabric, 2-layer Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric is much more breathable than its traditional 2-layer Gore-Tex® fabric counterpart. 2-layer Gore-Tex® XCR™ fabric construction uses high-wicking mesh and brushed fabrics to create a versatile, waterproof and extremely breathable garment..
Given that the outdoors can be unpredictably wet, The North Face uses Gore DryLoft® fabric for superior water-resistance in a select number of our down insulated jackets and a suit. The Gore DryLoft® membrane is laminated to the backside of the face fabric, providing the best possible barrier against moisture while keeping your outerwear lightweight and compressible. With its unique wind-blocking ability, WindStopper® Fleece fabric is twice as warm in a 20 mph wind than traditional 200 weight fleece. This lightweight fleece is popular for spring skiing or other activities where wind protection is essential.
Gore-Tex® LightFast is a light duty 3-layer laminate that combines a high level of breathability in a soft, supple, lightweight package. This laminate package was developed by request from The North Face to meet the need for an exciting minimalist design that is protective and comfortable across a wide range of highly active conditions. In short, the perfect spring-weight performance waterproof/breathable jacket.
