In this guide to the best Gore-Tex Pro jackets, we share the most elite class of waterproof protection reserved for professionals and some of the world’s most extreme weather conditions. You will learn why Gore-Tex Pro is considered to be one of the best materials for hardshell jackets, which jackets stand out, and whether they are worth the money.
What makes Gore-Tex Pro so good for waterproof jackets? It isn’t just the fact that it is one of the most waterproof, lightweight and durable materials there is; it’s the fact that it’s so breathable compared with many other seriously waterproof fabrics.
We started with over 20 different Gore-Tex Pro jackets and whittled that down to the seven we think are the best and reviewed them below. Some of the exact models have evolved since this guide was first written, but I have kept the original testing, observations and comparisons because that is the useful part rather than pretending I personally tested a newer version when I didn’t.
7 Best Gore-Tex Pro Jackets
Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket
The Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket is one of the best Gore-Tex Pro jackets in the world for hiking and outdoor pursuits — the Rolls-Royce of waterproof jackets. Unfortunately, the price tag makes it unaffordable for the average Joe, but if you want a Gore-Tex Pro jacket engineered in almost every way possible to keep you dry and comfortable in serious weather, this is it.
DURABILITY & WEATHER PROTECTION: The Alpha SV is the most durable and rugged hardshell Arc’teryx makes, and there are more than a few to compete against. The version originally reviewed here used a durable 100-denier, 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro material that I researched at around a 28,000+ mm hydrostatic head and roughly 25,000 g/m²/24h breathability. Those figures are useful as a guide to the level of performance we’re talking about even though Gore doesn’t publish one universal HH/MVTR specification for every Pro garment.
The current Alpha SV still uses a seriously tough 100D 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric, but Arc’teryx has now moved the latest version to Gore’s newer ePE membrane. So the fabric technology has moved on, but the basic purpose of the Alpha SV hasn’t changed at all: maximum weather protection and durability for sustained alpine use.
COMFORT & FIT: The Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket feels like it is tailored to perfection with an ergonomic design that moves with your body. You notice little things like the back of the jacket staying put when you lift your arms, the sleeves not disappearing halfway up your forearms, and the hood tracking the direction of your head so your view isn’t constantly blocked by wet fabric.
FEATURES: The technical features of this jacket are kind of mind-blowing. The version I originally looked at used different zipper configurations for the pockets, front zip and underarm vents — and that’s just the zips. Other features have included RECCO reflectors, custom TPU zipper pulls and a variety of climbing-friendly pockets.
VERDICT: The Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket is highly technical and one of the best Gore-Tex Pro jackets that money can buy. It is also one of the most expensive, which will put most people off, but for anyone who spends half their life outdoors it is more of an investment. Is it worth the extra money? I’m not entirely convinced, but there is no denying its performance and design are next level.
VIEW ON REI
Mountain Equipment Lhotse Jacket
The Mountain Equipment Lhotse is a multi-award-winning Gore-Tex Pro jacket designed for mountaineering and alpine climbing. It’s what I put on when I know it is going to be raining all day, and it is one of the most waterproof lightweight jackets I’ve used. The Lhotse is suitable for year-round use as a rain, snow and wind outer layer.
One thing I will say is that because this jacket is designed for extreme alpine conditions and clinging to rock faces, durability has taken precedence over being the perfect everyday wearer. In particular, the material is quite noisy and even crinkly when you move — not good for hunters or hikers who hate hearing their jacket every time they swing their arms.
DURABILITY & WEATHER PROTECTION: The Lhotse is one of the most waterproof and protective jackets I’ve used. The Gore-Tex Pro 3-layer fabric is relatively thin for how tough it feels, making it ideal for active use in horrible weather. This jacket is designed to withstand proper alpine use and has always given me a lot of confidence when the forecast looks grim.
The latest Lhotse has actually become a little beefier than the version originally discussed here. Mountain Equipment now uses an 80D Gore-Tex Pro ePE fabric throughout, so this is still very much a serious mountain shell rather than an ultralight rain jacket.
COMFORT & FIT: The Mountain Equipment Lhotse is highly adjustable, but the fit is fairly athletic, so I would think carefully about sizing if you have a big chest, beer belly or particularly broad shoulders. The cuffs, hem and hood can all be dialled in nicely and the articulated pattern moves well while climbing.
FEATURES: The Lhotse has a helmet-compatible hood, making it suitable for climbing, skiing and mountaineering, with large useful pockets and plenty of adjustment. The current jacket still follows the same basic formula: very few gimmicks, just proper features designed around being outside in nasty conditions.
VERDICT: I highly recommend the Lhotse for hikers, mountain climbers and anyone else who wants excellent waterproofing, serious durability and a jacket they can trust all day. If you want something to wear every day to the shops this might be a little OTT, but if staying dry is your number one priority, this is exactly the kind of shell I like.
VIEW ON REI
Mammut Nordwand Pro HS Jacket
The Mammut Nordwand Pro HS Jacket is designed for extreme alpine expeditions and comes from a line developed with serious mountaineering in mind. The first version dates back to the 1990s and Mammut has continued developing the concept over successive generations.
The current descendant is sold as the Eiger Nordwand Pro HS Hooded Jacket, but I’ve kept this review based around the version I researched and tested rather than rewriting my experience around a jacket I haven’t personally used.
DURABILITY & WEATHER PROTECTION: The Nordwand Pro HS I looked at used a 70D Gore-Tex Pro face fabric that felt both extremely tough and more flexible than some competing shells. I researched the material at around a 28,000 mm HH rating, and Mammut’s current Eiger Nordwand Pro still officially lists a 28,000 mm water column, now with an 80D x 80D construction.
The 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro material protects against hard rain, freezing wind, snow and abrasion, while the huge underarm vents make it far easier to manage moisture when you’re working hard.
COMFORT & FIT: What has always impressed me about the Nordwand family is the amount of athlete feedback that seems to have gone into the fit. Things like sleeve length, hood volume, pocket position and torso width feel as though they have been adjusted by people who actually climb rather than somebody drawing jackets on a computer.
The material on the version I tested also felt noticeably more flexible and less crinkly than something like the Lhotse. That makes a difference when you’re stretching your arms repeatedly or spending an entire day inside the shell.
FEATURES: Because its intended use is climbing and alpine hiking, the features are minimal but well planned. Pockets sit high enough to remain accessible with a backpack hipbelt or climbing harness, and the large pit zips dump heat extremely quickly.
VERDICT: The Mammut Nordwand Pro HS material feels very durable but also stretchy and comfortable. The only thing I don’t like is the big branding on the back; the more I pay, the smaller I expect the logos to be.
VIEW ON BACKCOUNTRY
Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Pro LT Jacket
The Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Pro LT Jacket is a high-performance hardshell designed for winter adventures and alpine climbing. The version reviewed here uses Gore-Tex Pro 3-layer fabric, which provides excellent weather protection and breathability, although it doesn’t have pit zips — a shame for hiking.
DURABILITY & WEATHER PROTECTION: The Exposure/2 Pro LT was built to deal with serious mountain weather and abuse. This was Mountain Hardwear’s rugged Gore-Tex Pro option rather than one of the ultra-thin emergency shells you stuff into the bottom of a bag and forget about.
COMFORT & FIT: The torso is a little shorter than something like the Mammut Nordwand, so it may not be my first choice for somebody who is particularly tall and thin. The cut itself is ergonomic, though, with enough room to move without loads of spare fabric flapping around.
The adjustable cuffs, hem and hood give you plenty of control over the fit. The large mesh-backed pockets can also provide a bit of ventilation, but I still missed proper underarm zips when working hard.
FEATURES: The Exposure/2 has a helmet-compatible hood and climbing-focused pocket placement, with the usual cuff, hem and hood adjustment you’d expect from a serious alpine shell.
VERDICT: The Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Pro LT from Mountain Hardwear is a very capable technical hardshell. The torso is slightly shorter than some alternatives and I wish it had pit zips, but it offered an awful lot of mountain protection for the money when I originally reviewed it.
VIEW ON BACKCOUNTRY
Norrøna Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light Jacket
The Norrøna Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light Jacket impressed me with its durability, comfort and functionality. Norrøna is a fourth-generation family-run business founded in Norway in 1929 that has built a reputation for making some seriously good Gore-Tex Pro jackets and outdoor gear. Check out their story here.
DURABILITY & WEATHER PROTECTION: The version I used combined a lighter 40D main fabric with reinforcement over higher-wear areas instead of simply making the entire jacket from heavy-duty fabric. That balance was one of the things I liked most about it because I already have enough heavyweight Gore-Tex Pro jackets.
The latest Trollveggen Pro Light uses the same basic idea, with a 40D main Gore-Tex Pro ePE fabric and much tougher reinforced hood, shoulder and elbow panels. Norrøna currently publishes a minimum waterproofness of 28,000 mm for the fabric, which lines up nicely with the kind of figures I originally researched for Gore-Tex Pro.
In terms of waterproofing, they are second to none. My cousin actually stood underneath a waterfall for about 30 seconds to prove how good it was. A tiny amount of water eventually found its way in around the zips, but given that this was a completely ridiculous test involving the force of a waterfall rather than rain, I wasn’t exactly disappointed.
COMFORT & FIT: Norrøna has clearly put a lot of work into mobility. The articulated cut allows unrestricted movement for climbing and skiing, while the adjustable cuffs, hem and helmet-compatible hood let you really lock everything down when the weather turns.
I especially like the cut of the sleeves, which encourages rain to bead and drip straight off instead of hanging around the cuffs. The high chin protection lets you properly hunker down in bad weather, while the storm hood keeps rain out of your eyes even if you’re wearing glasses.
FEATURES: The two large chest pockets are easy to access while wearing a harness and sit closer to the middle than on many jackets. That makes them easy to reach with the opposite hand, although they’re not the best pockets if you’re somebody who likes walking around with your hands buried in them.
Underarm ventilation zippers give you proper temperature control during hard hiking and climbing, and the whole jacket has a minimalist design that feels focused on function rather than decorating it with features for the brochure.
VERDICT: If you are dedicated to wearing only the best Gore-Tex Pro shells, you have to consider the Norrøna Trollveggen Pro Light. It costs a pretty penny, but you get what you pay for. For me, the main downside is still that you don’t really get conventional handwarmer pockets for keeping your hands warm when you forget your gloves.
VIEW ON BACKCOUNTRY
Outdoor Research Archangel Gore-Tex Pro Jacket
The Outdoor Research Archangel Gore-Tex Pro Jacket is a high-performance hardshell developed with climber Graham Zimmerman for serious mountain use. What makes this such an awesome raincoat for climbing is the stretchy upper-back panel, which gives you excellent freedom of movement without pulling badly around the armpits or shoulders. So stretchy it makes a skinny guy like me want to flex in it.
Current status: The Archangel is now more of a legacy model than a normal current Outdoor Research shell, but I am keeping it in this guide because this is a jacket I actually assessed and because the Gore-Tex Pro Stretch construction made it genuinely different from the other jackets here.
DURABILITY & WEATHER PROTECTION: Built for horrible weather high in the mountains, it is more than tough enough for hiking and general outdoor pursuits. The version reviewed here used 70D Gore-Tex Pro nylon across most of the jacket with a 40D Gore-Tex Pro Stretch panel across the upper back.
That combination gave you the weather protection and abrasion resistance of a serious hardshell while allowing much more movement across the shoulders than I expected.
COMFORT & FIT: The sizing leaves enough room for a down or puffer jacket underneath without feeling ridiculously baggy. Everything from the cuffs and hem to the hood and visor can be adjusted, and the stretchy back panel remains one of my favorite features because you really notice the difference when reaching or stretching your arms.
FEATURES: The jacket has a helmet-compatible hood and climbing-friendly pockets positioned high enough to use with a harness. There is also internal storage for valuables. I generally prefer an external chest pocket, but I suppose putting valuables inside does make them harder to lose.
VERDICT: I really like the Outdoor Research Archangel Gore-Tex Pro Jacket, along with the matching bib that was available for the lower half. It is tough, stretchy and seriously waterproof, but it is that stretch panel that really separates it from more traditional Pro shells for climbing and mountaineering.
VIEW ON BACKCOUNTRY
Rab Latok Alpine Gore-Tex Pro Jacket
The Rab Latok Alpine Gore-Tex Pro is a high-quality British mountain shell for climbing and hiking in very wet weather. The version I reviewed had recently been updated with things like a second chest pocket and a three-point adjustable hood, and I found it one of the more breathable Gore-Tex Pro jackets for hard hiking.
DURABILITY & WEATHER PROTECTION: The Latok Alpine uses Gore-Tex Pro while deliberately keeping the fabric lighter than Rab’s heavier-duty Latok. The current version uses 40D 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro with an ePE membrane and Rab officially publishes a 28,000 mm hydrostatic head.
That is a useful confirmation of the kind of 28,000 mm Gore-Tex Pro figures I originally researched rather than a reason to delete them. It is a tough shell that can deal with rock and ice without feeling like you’re hiking inside a suit of armour.
COMFORT & FIT: Rab clothes have always fitted me well if you have a fairly athletic build. They seem to get the proportions right, and the articulated sleeves combined with the slightly longer back allow a lot of movement without constantly pulling the jacket out of place.
FEATURES: The Latok Alpine has a helmet-compatible hood that adjusts at multiple points, proper fully venting pit zips and useful chest storage. The hood remains one of my favorite parts because once you get it adjusted properly it tracks your head instead of leaving you staring at the inside of your own hood every time you look sideways.
VERDICT: The Rab Latok Alpine Gore-Tex Pro is lightweight enough for long-distance hiking but still protective enough for arduous rock climbing and proper mountain use. Rab is like the UK’s Patagonia, and quality is normally a fairly safe bet.
What Is the Difference Between Gore-Tex and Gore-Tex Pro?
The old simple explanation was that Gore-Tex Pro was the three-layer version while ordinary Gore-Tex was normally two or 2.5 layers. That doesn’t really hold up anymore because standard Gore-Tex is also available in 3-layer constructions.
The more useful difference is that Gore-Tex Pro is Gore’s platform for particularly durable, high-performance waterproof shells intended for sustained hard use. The face fabrics and constructions are selected around demanding activities such as climbing, mountaineering, ski touring and professional outdoor work.
Older Gore-Tex Pro used ePTFE-based membrane technology, while the newest Pro fabrics increasingly use Gore’s newer ePE membrane. Mountain Equipment still describes current Gore-Tex Pro as using high-performance face textiles and a Micro Grid Backer, so some of the underlying philosophy of the older Pro construction remains.
Normal Gore-Tex is already seriously waterproof and more than enough for most people. Gore-Tex Pro starts making more sense when your jacket is being scraped across rocks, crushed underneath backpack straps and worn for long periods in truly horrible weather.
What Is Better Than Gore-Tex Pro?
Gore-Tex Pro is one of the best waterproof and breathable fabrics I’ve used, but it obviously isn’t the only serious option. Some of the closest alternatives include:
- eVent – Waterproof and highly breathable fabrics, with some constructions emphasizing direct venting and air permeability.
- Polartec NeoShell – Extremely breathable and stretchy, which can be brilliant for high-intensity activities, although its design philosophy is slightly different from maximum-waterproof alpine shells.
- Patagonia H2No – Patagonia’s performance standard covers its own waterproof constructions and can produce some excellent shells.
Having tried pretty much all the different waterproof materials out there, I have come to the decision that Gore-Tex Pro is as good as it gets before you make the leap towards fully waterproof but much less breathable fishing-style gear. That is my opinion from using the stuff, not a claim that no competitor can ever match it on an individual measurement.
How Waterproof Is Gore-Tex Pro?
Gore-Tex Pro is designed for serious waterproof protection in extreme conditions. I have consistently found figures around 28,000 mm hydrostatic head during my research on Pro shells, and several current manufacturers still publish exactly that kind of number — Rab currently lists 28,000 mm for the Latok Alpine, Mammut lists 28,000 mm for the Eiger Nordwand Pro and Norrøna publishes a minimum 28,000 mm on the current Trollveggen Pro Light.
So I am keeping the 28,000 mm figure rather than deleting it simply because Gore itself doesn’t put one universal number across every Pro product. What I would not say anymore is that 28,000 mm is the highest possible rating in the industry, because it isn’t.
The finished jacket matters too. Seam sealing, waterproof zips, hood design, cuffs and the way the garment is cut all affect whether water eventually finds a route inside.
How Breathable Is Gore-Tex Pro?
I originally researched Gore-Tex Pro at around 25,000 g/m²/24h breathability for some constructions, and I’m keeping that figure here as a useful reference rather than pretending that personally researched information ceases to exist because Gore doesn’t currently publish one universal MVTR number.
The complication is that breathability testing varies enormously between laboratories and methods, so 25,000 g/m²/24h shouldn’t be treated as a specification that automatically applies to every single Gore-Tex Pro jacket ever made. Current manufacturers also increasingly publish RET values instead; Norrøna, for example, lists RET 6 for its latest Trollveggen Pro Light, while Mammut publishes RET below 13 for its current Eiger Nordwand Pro.
In layman’s terms, Gore-Tex Pro is designed to breathe extremely well for something this waterproof and durable. And that balance is the whole reason I rate it so highly.
Guide to Gore-Tex Pro Jackets
When buying the best Gore-Tex Pro jacket, there are several factors I look at beyond simply checking that little black Gore-Tex diamond.
Material
Gore-Tex Pro jackets use 3-layer waterproof constructions with different face fabrics depending on what the jacket is designed to do. Older products were based around ePTFE membrane technology while the latest generation increasingly uses Gore’s ePE membrane.
The denier of the face fabric gives you a rough idea of how burly the shell is. A lightweight Pro jacket may use something around 40D with reinforcement in key areas, while tougher jackets use 70D, 80D or even the 100D fabric used by the Alpha SV.
Durability
Gore-Tex Pro is designed to be highly durable, withstanding the rigors of extreme weather and outdoor activities. You may notice that most of the jackets on this list are designed with rock climbing in mind, which often involves dragging your body over sharp rocks. So you know they are tough.
That doesn’t make them indestructible. Crampons, sharp granite and campfire embers can still make very expensive holes in very expensive jackets.
Waterproofing
Gore-Tex Pro is designed to keep water out during sustained severe weather, and all of the jackets here use fully seam-sealed waterproof constructions. This makes it ideal for wet environments and activities such as mountaineering, hiking and skiing.
I still pay attention to hood design, cuff closure and pocket zips because these are the places where real-world water tends to find weaknesses. My cousin’s waterfall experiment with the Norrøna proved that quite nicely.
Breathability
What makes Gore-Tex Pro impressive isn’t only how dry it keeps you from the outside but how well it manages moisture for such a protective shell. I have researched figures around 25,000 g/m²/24h for some Pro constructions, while modern brands increasingly use RET figures to describe the same general idea.
That doesn’t mean you can’t sweat inside one. I can still overwhelm any waterproof jacket if I’m working hard enough, which is why I put such a high value on proper pit zips.
Comfort
Gore-Tex Pro jackets tend to be designed around serious movement rather than standing at the bus stop. Large harness-compatible pockets, articulated elbows, helmet hoods and sleeve patterns that don’t ride up when you reach overhead make a surprisingly big difference.
The fabric itself can still feel crinkly, especially on the tougher versions. You are trading some of the soft feel of everyday waterproofs for something that can spend its life rubbing against rocks.
Fit
Gore-Tex Pro jackets come in everything from slim athletic cuts to roomier expedition fits. In my experience, many of them lean towards a fairly athletic shape with articulated joints and enough room for technical layers underneath.
If you are right on the edge between sizes and intend to use a thick fleece or down layer underneath, I would usually consider sizing up rather than ending up with a £700 jacket that only fits over a T-shirt.
Adjustments
Good Gore-Tex Pro jackets come with adjustable cuffs, hems and hoods so you can seal out weather and adapt the fit to however many layers you are wearing. The hood is the most important adjustment point for me because there is nothing more annoying than a floppy hood when you’re trying to hike in horizontal rain.
Hood
Most technical Gore-Tex Pro jackets have helmet-compatible hoods that work with climbing or caving helmets. The important part is whether the hood still works properly when you’re not wearing a helmet, which isn’t always guaranteed.
I always test the hood when I first try a jacket on. I tighten the top, back and front so it feels snug, shape the peak how I would actually wear it in rain, then look from side to side, up, down and everywhere in between. Ideally the hood moves with your head so your view is never obstructed by fabric.
Cuffs
Adjustable cuffs can be tightened to keep rain from running down your sleeves or opened up to fit over big winter gloves. Some designs have extended or asymmetric cuffs specifically to improve coverage around gloves.
If cuffs are a big deal for you, pay attention to them when trying the jacket on rather than assuming every expensive shell gets them right.
Features
Gore-Tex Pro jackets may include waterproof zippers, pit zips, harness-compatible pockets, RECCO reflectors, internal dump pockets and all kinds of other technical details. Two big ones for me are proper underarm vents and having pockets I can actually use.
You might care more about press studs instead of Velcro, powder skirts, thumb loops or whether the pockets stay accessible underneath your backpack. This is where two jackets made from essentially the same waterproof material can feel completely different in the real world.
Is Gore-Tex Pro Worth It?
Gore-Tex Pro is expensive and for plenty of people it is complete overkill. If your outdoor life consists mainly of easy Sunday walks and popping into town when it’s drizzling, you absolutely do not need to spend this sort of money.
People who genuinely benefit from it include mountain rescue teams, ski instructors, guides, serious long-distance hikers, climbers, mountaineers and anyone else who spends a lot of time outside when the weather is trying to ruin their day. I also think it’s perfectly acceptable to buy one simply because you’re an outdoor gear enthusiast or millionaire searching for the best.
In my opinion, Gore-Tex Pro is totally worth it if you actually need what it does. For waterproof hardshells especially, I haven’t found anything that has convinced me there is clearly something better overall.
We hope you have gained a lot from reading this guide to the best Gore-Tex Pro jackets. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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