GORE-TEX® vs WINDSTOPPER® Gear for Hunting & Fishing

When it comes to the ultimate in weather protection, there’s really only one conversation worth having: GORE-TEX^® vs WINDSTOPPER^® by GORE-TEX LABS (formerly known as GORE-TEX^® INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER). Find out what they do, when they work best, and why you need both in your kit.

Key takeaways:

• GORE-TEX^® is 100% waterproof and breathable, making it the right choice for hunting in wet conditions and unpredictable weather with rain, sleet, or snow.

• WINDSTOPPER^® by GORE-TEX LABS is 100% windproof with exceptional breathability and water-resistance, making it ideal for high-output hunting in cold, windy conditions.

• Both GORE-TEX^® and WINDSTOPPER^® are 100% windproof and breathable. The key difference is that GORE-TEX^® is also 100% waterproof, while water-resistant WINDSTOPPER^® gives you enhanced breathability.

• WINDSTOPPER^® by GORE-TEX LABS has the same breathable windproof performance as older gear with GORE-TEX^® INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER, but with the added benefit of a PFAS-free DWR finish for excellent water-resistance.

• The choice ultimately comes down to the activity and forecast: GORE-TEX^® for wet weather and unpredictable forecasts, and WINDSTOPPER^® for cold, windy conditions and high-exertion hunts.

Clothing Technology for Hunting & Fishing

We employ two primary GORE technologies in our gear for breathable weather protection: traditional GORE-TEX^® Fabrics and fabrics with WINDSTOPPER^® by GORE-TEX LABS product technology. Both are incredible technologies that we trust in a wide variety of situations, but there are a few key differences between the two that are crucial to consider when choosing which one to grab from your gear room for the next hunt.

Formerly Known as GORE-TEX® INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER

Garments with WINDSTOPPER^® by GORE-TEX LABS product technology provide the same breathable windproof performance as past-season products with GORE-TEX^® INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER product technology, with the added benefit of a PFAS-free DWR finish. 

What’s the Difference Between WINDSTOPPER^® & GORE-TEX^®?

In the simplest terms, GORE-TEX^® fabrics are breathable, windproof, and 100% waterproof. WINDSTOPPER^® garments are also completely windproof, but they trade in full waterproofing for enhanced breathability.

GORE-TEX® vs. GORE-TEX® WINDSTOPPER

GORE-TEX®

• Waterproof: 100%

• Windproof: 100%

• Breathability: Breathable

• Best for: Rain, sleet, snow, and wet environments

• Use cases: Waterfowl hunting, wet weather, and unpredictable climates

GORE-TEX® WINDSTOPPER

• Waterproof: Water-resistant

• Windproof: 100%

• Breathability: Highly breathable with stretch

• Best for: Wind, high-output activity, and cold, clear days

• Use cases: Spot-and-stalk hunting, exposed stand sits, and cold, windy conditions

GORE-TEX^® Hunting & Fishing Gear

Trusted for years by hunters, skiers, mountaineers, and a range of other outdoor enthusiasts, GORE-TEX^® product technology is the gold standard in breathable waterproof protection. It provides the protection needed to fend off rain, sleet, and snow while still offering breathability to keep you from getting bogged down with sweat when you’re on the move. Gear with GORE-TEX^® fabrics is what you want in unpredictable climates, when storms are in the forecast, or in wet environments.

HOW THE TECHNOLOGY WORKS

GORE-TEX^® acts as a one-way valve that allows sweat and moisture to escape from the inside, while completely sealing out rain and snow. Discover how this technology keeps you dry and comfortable—from the inside out, and the outside in.

The Benefits of GORE-TEX^® Fabric

• 100% waterproof

• 100% windproof

• Breathable

• Durable

• Adaptable

This technology works in much the same way as GORE-TEX^® products—allowing water vapor molecules to escape while protecting you from the elements—but it sacrifices 100% waterproofing for a big boost in breathability and stretch. This makes it ideal for high-output activities such as spot-and-stalk big game hunting, where sudden bursts of high-exertion require extra breathability to help you stay dry and comfortable. It’s also the perfect way to keep gusts from sapping your core warmth when you’re sitting in an exposed stand for hours on clear, cold winter days. And thanks to a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, garments with WINDSTOPPER^® technology can still handle light precipitation.

How The Technology Works

Gear equipped with WINDSTOPPER^® by GORE-TEX^® Labs completely blocks wind for optimal heat retention while still allowing vapor to escape—keeping you comfortable and sweat-free during high-output hunts.

The Benefits of WINDSTOPPER^® Fabric

• 100% windproof

• Highly breathable

• Water-resistant

• Flexible

Shop GORE-TEX® Clothing for hunting

How To Choose GORE-TEX^® vs. WINDSTOPPER^® for Your Next Hunt or Fishing Trip

WINDSTOPPER^® and GORE-TEX^® fabrics are both highly versatile and earn a place in your hunting and fishing kits, but each excels in certain situations. Here are a few examples of when to use which:

• Late-fall waterfowl hunts in pouring rain and muddy, marshy terrain: GORE-TEX^®

• Spot-and-stalk elk hunts in exposed mountain terrain with cold, clear conditions: WINDSTOPPER^®

• Hunting or fishing trips with unpredictable forecasts and a chance of rain: GORE-TEX^®

The Bottom Line

Count on GORE-TEX^® products when you need reliable protection from the harshest weather. When the biggest threats to your comfort are wind and sweat, turn to WINDSTOPPER^® clothing.

FAQS: WINDSTOPPER^® vs. GORE-TEX^®

Is GORE-TEX^® Windproof?

Yes, in addition to being 100% waterproof, GORE-TEX^® fabrics are also completely windproof and breathable.

Is WINDSTOPPER^® Waterproof?

WINDSTOPPER® fabrics are highly water-resistant to repel light rain and snow, but not fully waterproof. However, WINDSTOPPER^® garments are even more breathable than GORE-TEX® products, making them perfect for dry, windy, and cold weather.

Is WINDSTOPPER^® Warm?

Wind significantly increases heat loss. Therefore, WINDSTOPPER^® garments are extremely effective at preventing heat loss due to wind chill, since they are 100% windproof. Some WINDSTOPPER^® products have fleece linings or insulation for additional warmth.

What Happened To GORE-TEX^® INFINIUM?

GORE-TEX^® INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER product technology was rebranded to WINDSTOPPER^® by GORE-TEX LABS product technology. Garments with WINDSTOPPER^® by GORE-TEX LABS technology provide the same breathable windproof performance as past-season products with GORE-TEX^® INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER product technology, with the added benefit of a PFAS-free DWR finish.

Sources & Further Reading

1. What are WINDSTOPPER^® Products by GORE-TEX^® Labs?

2. How is WINDSTOPPER^® Fabric different from GORE-TEX^® Fabric?

3. WINDSTOPPER^® Product Technology

4. GORE-TEX^® Product Technology

5. How to care for SITKA GORE-TEX^® Fabrics

6. The best windproof hunting gear