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.
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.