Pertex® vs. GORE-TEX® Technical Fabrics

When shopping for technical outerwear, you may be presented with a choice between Pertex® vs. GORE-TEX®. However, because Pertex and GORE-TEX are offered in multiple constructions, and each is designed for specific purposes, understanding the differences between these technical fabrics is crucial to select the right jacket or pants for your needs. We sat down with Burton’s softgoods engineers to learn more about these differences and to discuss which fabrics we use here at Burton. So, whether you need outerwear to survive blustery chairlift rides, frigid pre-dawn backcountry laps, or rowdy slope-side après evenings, you came to the right place to learn more.

GORE-TEX

W. L. GORE & Associates, which was launched by former Dupont engineer Wilbert (Bill) Gore, and his wife, Genevieve, in their basement in 1958, is best known for their breathable waterproof membrane, GORE-TEX. Made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), GORE-TEX was created by Bill's son, Bob Gore, in 1969, and patented in 1970. The first commercial orders of GORE-TEX began shipping in 1976 with the revolutionary material quickly becoming the industry standard for durable and breathable waterproof protection.

Pertex

Pertex, which was founded by Hamish Hamilton in 1979, got its start developing innovative moisture-wicking fabrics for outdoor activities and has since grown into a technical fabric powerhouse. The company currently produces some of the best lightweight woven textiles available and offers its own proprietary waterproof breathable membranes as well.

How to Compare Pertex vs. GORE-TEX

Pertex and GORE-TEX both offer technical fabrics and waterproof membranes with some overlapping similarities. However, it’s their differences that really set them apart. At Burton, this guides our decisions to use Pertex vs. GORE-TEX in our snowboard jackets and snow pants. For example, you’ll find GORE-TEX used in waterproof shells in the Burton [ak] collection and Pertex used across our range of down and synthetic insulation items. Let’s dig into the unique advantages of these membranes and fabrics.

GORE-TEX PRO®, PACLITE®, TOPO®, & INFINIUM®

GORE specializes in waterproof breathable membranes, like GORE-TEX PRO, GORE-TEX PACLITE, and GORE-TEX TOPO, all of which are modern variations of the original GORE-TEX fabric. GORE also offers a windproof laminate called GORE-TEX INFINIUM.

GORE-TEX PRO

Utilized in 3-layer shells and rainwear, GORE-TEX PRO is the ultimate waterproof, windproof, breathable membrane that GORE offers. It is also GORE’s most rugged laminate, delivering durable, long-lasting protection for the most extreme environments. GORE-TEX PRO is available in premium [ak] jackets and [ak] pants.

Advantages of GORE-TEX PRO

• Maximum durability for protection against sticks, rocks, and frequent hard use
• Maximum breathability lets perspiration escape, keeping you dry during aerobic activities
• Maximum waterproofing keeps rain and snow out so you stay dry
• 3-layer fabric-backed GORE-TEX PRO is more comfortable next to skin, allowing for use in a variety of climates

GORE-TEX PACLITE

Utilized in 2.5-layer shells like lightweight technical rain jackets and pants, GORE-TEX PACLITE (and GORE-TEX PACLITE PLUS) weigh less and pack down more while still delivering reliable weatherproof performance. GORE-TEX PACLITE is available in a variety of Burton's breathable waterproof outerwear, like [ak] jackets and select pieces from the MINE77 collection.

Advantages of GORE-TEX PACLITE and GORE-TEX PACLITE PLUS

• Durable construction for regular use
• High degree of breathability lets perspiration escape so you stay comfortable
• Waterproof to keep rain and snow out so you stay dry
• Lightweight and packable means there’s always room for a PACLITE jacket in your backpack

GORE-TEX TOPO

Often utilized alongside other GORE laminates, GORE-TEX TOPO is a stretchy fabric that is added to strategic areas of outerwear that require an unrestricted range of motion. Generally found in the shoulder region of jackets and along the inner thighs/inseam of pants, TOPO delivers complete waterproofing with comfortable flexibility. GORE-TEX TOPO is utilized in various Burton jackets, pants, and bibs, as well as the MINE77 collection.

Advantages of GORE-TEX TOPO

• Increases the comfort of jackets and pants by adding stretch to key areas
• Increased range of motion is great for physical activities, like snowboarding, skiing, and ice climbing
• Waterproof construction keeps rain and snow out so you stay dry

GORE-TEX INFINIUM

Utilized in a variety of Burton products, GORE-TEX INFINIUM is a completely windproof membrane that is highly breathable and water-resistant (but not waterproof). INFINIUM is ideal for high-output activities like hiking, splitboard touring, and trail running, where breathable warmth is more important than extended protection from precipitation. GORE-TEX INFINIUM is available in a variety of burton gloves, mittens, and other technical items.

Advantages of GORE-TEX INFINIUM

• Wind protection helps trap warmth within your layers
• Highly breathable construction allows perspiration to escape during aerobic activities
• Water-resistant for limited protection from light precipitation

Pro tip: GORE-TEX products are constantly evolving and improving. Visit gore-tex.com to learn more about current and upcoming innovations.

Pertex Quantum

Pertex Quantum is widely used across the outdoor industry, especially in lightweight technical garments. Quantum is a woven material made of extremely fine synthetic fibers that creates a highly durable and windproof layer, however, it does not have a waterproof/breathable membrane. Quantum improves the efficiency of down and synthetic insulation by trapping warm air against the body. Additionally, Quantum is incredibly lightweight, breathable, and packable. Pertex Quantum is available in select [ak] jackets as well as the Burton Mid-Heat line.

Advantages of Pertex Quantum

• Extremely lightweight for garments that won't weigh you down
• Extreme packability lets Pertex Quantum garments fit into small backpacks
• Windproof construction increases the thermal efficiency of down and synthetic insulation

Pro Tip: Check out the full line of Pertex technical fabrics at Pertex.com.

Pertex Shield is a lightweight, breathable, waterproof laminate that combines performance with value. Shield is offered in a variety of weights (2, 2.5, and 3-layer construction), including Shield, Shield Pro, and Shield Air. Pertex shield is finished with a DWR treatment to help water bead up and roll off, keeping you comfortable and dry. Look for Pertex Shield in select Burton outerwear.

Advantages of Pertex Shield

• Lightweight and packable
• Breathable waterproof protection
• Great value

Pertex vs. GORE-TEX: Which should I choose?

Choosing Pertex vs. GORE-TEX will ultimately depend on the type of activity you are pursuing. For instance, if you are heading out for a ski tour and need a waterproof shell that will keep you dry while also allowing your perspiration to escape, GORE-TEX PRO is a great option. But alternatively, if you need a packable lightweight insulated layer for your next winter trip to Iceland, a down jacket built with Pertex Quantum might be the right choice. However, GORE-TEX and Pertex can also complement one another, like on an extended backcountry hut trip where you need to stay warm and dry. In this case, you can pair a GORE-TEX PRO shell with a Pertex Quantum insulating layer underneath. Ultimately, choosing Pertex or GORE-TEX is about selecting the right tool for the job so that you can stay comfortable, no matter where your outdoor pursuits may take you.