GORE-TEX, SYMPATEX, etc. Everything you need to know about technical waterproof membranes

When we think of waterproof outdoor clothing, the word GORE-TEX® often comes to mind. This technology has become an essential reference in the world of mountain sports, hiking, skiing and even mountaineering. GORE-TEX® is not only a membrane, it is also a technical label that can be found on thousands of GORE-TEX® jackets, GORE-TEX® pants, gloves, shoes and backpacks . It guarantees protection against bad weather while ensuring the breathability of the clothing.

But GORE-TEX® isn't the only waterproof and breathable membrane on the market. Many alternatives exist, some with different, sometimes more committed approaches. At Lagoped, we've chosen the Sympatex® membrane, 100% recyclable and made in Europe , to design our waterproof jackets and other technical clothing.

In this article, we offer an overview of the main waterproof-breathable membranes used in outdoor activities – from the original GORE-TEX® to more recent innovations – to help you better understand what's behind the labels on your technical clothing.

The GORE-TEX® membrane is based on micropore technology developed by W.L. Gore & Associates in the late 1970s. Made from expanded PTFE (ePTFE), the GORE-TEX® membrane contains billions of microholes per cm², small enough to block water droplets but large enough to allow moisture vapor from perspiration to pass through. This principle allows GORE-TEX® jackets and GORE-TEX® pants to remain waterproof yet breathable, even in extreme weather conditions.

Over time, the technology has diversified into several variations: GORE-TEX® Pro for intensive mountain use, GORE-TEX® Active for intense effort (trail running, ski touring), or GORE-TEX® Paclite®, which is lighter and more compact. Each GORE-TEX® garment incorporates a specific construction depending on the intended use.

What sets a GORE-TEX® garment apart is its versatility. Resistant to very high water columns (often 28,000 mm or more), it offers excellent protection against rain, snow, and wind. GORE-TEX® jackets are renowned for their durability, usually reinforced by robust outer fabrics.

Garments using GORE-TEX® technology also stand out for their finishes, taped seams, waterproof zippers, and durability. This is what makes the GORE-TEX® jacket a standard for mountain professionals and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

GORE-TEX® jackets, GORE-TEX® pants and GORE-TEX® shoes can be found in the collections of many brands such as Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Mammut, The North Face and Salomon. These garments are designed for intense or exposed activities: long-distance hiking , mountaineering , freeride skiing , winter trekking , or even trail running with ultra-light ranges like GORE-TEX® Active.

There are also more urban clothing using the GORE-TEX® membrane , for those who want to stay dry when cycling, traveling or in everyday life.

The SympaTex® membrane is based on a hydrophilic technology (unlike microporous membranes) based on polyester. It has no pores: it transports water vapor by chemical diffusion, via molecular chains that attract moisture. It is monolithic, therefore completely waterproof even in polluted environments or those saturated with fine particles.

What sets SympaTex® apart is its eco-responsible approach: PTFE-free, PFC-free, 100% recyclable, and manufactured to very strict environmental standards. In addition, as humidity or body heat increases, the membrane becomes more breathable. It's also very stretchy, making it comfortable to move around.

SympaTex® is the membrane used by Lagoped in its waterproof jackets and pants. The technology is also used by committed brands like Vaude, Pyua, and certain product lines from Reusch and Ortovox. It can be found in ski clothing, rain jackets, and hiking gear. It's a perfect option for regular skiers looking for technical features and environmental compatibility.

eVent® is also an ePTFE membrane, like GORE-TEX, but with a technology called "Direct Venting." Unlike GORE-TEX, it doesn't use a hydrophilic inner layer that slows breathability. As a result, water vapor escapes quickly through the pores, without delay, for faster drying and better internal moisture regulation.

Its main advantage is its instant breathability, making it a membrane suitable for sustained efforts. It is often chosen for its performance in very intensive activities. On the other hand, it can require more maintenance, as it is more exposed to dirt if it is not protected by an inner layer.

eVent® is found in technical products for mountaineering, trail running, and mountain biking, from brands such as Rab, Montane, and Black Diamond. It's ideal for athletes or sportspeople who generate a lot of heat and sweat, especially on fast climbs or in changeable weather.

Developed by Japanese company Toray, Dermizax™ is a pore-free, hydrophilic polyurethane membrane. It works by absorbing and transporting water vapor: moisture passes through the membrane thanks to a chemical reaction between the water molecules and those of the membrane.

Dermizax™ is known for its elasticity, making it a comfortable membrane for tight-fitting or loose-fitting garments. It is also wind and abrasion resistant, while offering good waterproofing (up to 30,000 mm water column depending on the version).

Used by brands like Haglöfs, Eider, and Kjus, it's often chosen for snow sports (skiing, snowboarding), winter hiking, or comfort-oriented mountain clothing. Its comfort is an asset for long days on the move or in cold, wet conditions.

Pertex® Shield is a microporous polyurethane membrane, often laminated to very lightweight fabrics. It uses a 2-, 2.5-, or 3-layer construction depending on the model, allowing it to remain lightweight while ensuring good waterproofing and breathability. It is generally combined with recycled or low-impact fabrics.

The main advantage of Pertex® Shield is its lightness and compactness. It is therefore popular for outerwear, trail jackets, and ultralight equipment. The Pertex Shield Air version also offers optimized breathability thanks to its air-permeable structure.

It's found in mountain running, trail running, cycling, and lightweight hiking clothing from brands like Montane, Rab, and Black Diamond. It's a membrane designed for speed, intense effort, and minimalist athletes.

FutureLight™ uses nanospinning technology, which creates a membrane from wound nanofibers to allow air and water vapor to pass through while blocking water droplets. It is often laminated to recycled or recyclable fabrics, as part of a CSR approach promoted by The North Face.

The promise of FutureLight™: breathability, even during the most intense efforts. It's a premium membrane, developed with athletes for intense conditions.

Exclusively used by The North Face, it is featured in their Summit Series, Flight Series, and Steep Series ranges, for mountaineering, skiing, and ultra-trail running. It is aimed at demanding athletes in terms of comfort, performance, and environmental ethics.

MP+® is a hydrophilic polyurethane membrane developed by the French group Chamatex. It works by active transport of water vapor via hydrophilic chains, without micropores, making it windproof, waterproof, and resistant to pollution.

What sets MP+® apart is its versatility and adaptability to various outdoor uses. It is also recognized for its long-lasting reliability and its ability to combine technical performance and comfort. It is fluorocarbon-free.

Featured in clothing from French brands Millet, Lafuma, and Cimalp, it's used for ski touring, long-distance hiking, and mountaineering. It's an affordable, technical membrane designed to last.

Choosing a GORE-TEX® jacket, GORE-TEX® pants, or a garment incorporating another waterproof-breathable membrane is never a trivial choice: it means investing in technical performance, comfort, and protection in often demanding environments. GORE-TEX® technology remains a benchmark in the outdoor world, with a complete range of membranes for all uses, from high mountains to everyday life.

But other options sometimes exist with different environmental commitments. At Lagoped, we have chosen the Sympatex® membrane, fluorocarbon-free and 100% recyclable, to design our hiking clothing and waterproof jackets, in line with our European and sustainable manufacturing approach.

By better understanding what a GORE-TEX® membrane, a GORE-TEX® jacket or GORE-TEX® pants are, and how they compare to other technologies, you are better equipped to make a responsible choice that is suited to your practice.