The Gorpcore trend has taken TikTok by storm.
If you’re still unfamiliar, it’s essentially a sleeker, more elevated version of hiking style, aka looking as though you’re about to scale Everest, even if you’re just going for a jaunt around London Fields. Parachute pants, waterproof trainers and a jacket with pockets and techy details are all essentials to take you from the streets of the four fashion capitals to British thunderstorms via the festival field. And when it comes to nailing the look, a Gore-Tex jacket is a must.
Gore-Tex membrane is the name of the waterproof but breathable material for lovers of the outdoorsy look. It has been around since 1969, after being invented by Bob Gore. Its clever functionality means it found a name for itself after famous explorers and sportspeople were decked out in it. Legendary mountaineer and explorer, Reinhold Messner utilised a Gore-Tex tent on his late 1970s ascent of Everest and it was even used in space suits for NASA in 1981.
You get the picture: it’s very durable and waterproof — so much so that the brand made a guarantee to replace any Gore-Tex items that develop defects or aren’t totally waterproof.
In the past few years, it has come to the forefront of fashion, called upon by cool outdoorsy brands and major designers. The likes of Jil Sander and Off White have featured the fabric in their catwalk lines in collabs with Arc’teryx.
And the breathable and windproof nature means Gore-Tex jackets are perfect for a big weekend in a field this festival season. If there’s a chance of rain but you want to look stylish, it’s a must. Brands-wise, you can’t go wrong with Nike’s outdoor ACG range, Salomon, the walker-turned-hipster favourite, and mountaineering and hiking brands such as 66 North, North Face and of course, Arc’teryx.
Look for details such as toggles to tighten your hood or the waist, a built-in visor to keep your face nice and dry, concealed pockets for your stuff, and sleeves which dip over the hands to guide away the rain. If you’ve got a night hike or night out planned, opt for a reflective version that will glow in the dark.
Shop our favourite Gore-Tex jackets to look stylish and stand up to the elements below.
Nike Trail Gore-Tex Infinium jacket
This Gore-Tex jacket is part of Nike’s Trail range and has Infinium technology that is light enough for jogging or racing around at a festival. It packs down into a small shoulder bag so you can take it with you easily, and the visor and toggle details ensure it’ll keep you extra dry as it can be adjusted to fit snuggly. We love the olive hue and subtle trail logos.
Buy now £133.49, Nike
The North Face Jazzi Gore-Tex jacket
The North Face’s Gore-Tex Jazzi jacket combines a high-performance shell with clever details and a sleek bi-colour design. It has a toggle on the head and retractable velcro cuffs to keep you dry, plus there’s an inside hidden pocket for your phone. Perfect for minimalists.
Buy now £245.00, The North Face
66 North Snæfell jacket
66 North products are made for the elements, with the brand having started out in the 1920s as protective clothing for fishermen in Iceland, so it’ll easily face whatever outdoor pursuits you might have planned. Its shell jackets are an investment but they’re worth it. Sleek, protective and able to withstand serious rainfall and winds. The slightly longer fit also makes it a great layering option.
Buy now £340.00, 66 North
Salomon Outerpath Pro 2.5L Women's Shell Jacket
If you’re part of the Salomon trainer army it’s a no-brainer to match your jacket. This Gore-Tex style is a light layer with reflective details and ripstop fabric so it’ll keep you warm and dry all-day — even if it’s a washout — and help you stand out at night. The upper layer has a clever hidden pocket and attachment for your keys and phone underneath.
Buy now £200.00, Salomon
Moncler Grenoble Valles Hooded Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket
On top of being wind and waterproof, the beauty of this Moncler Gore-tex jacket is that it’s both super lightweight and has a close fit. It’s adjustable at the waist and has tight cuffs to keep the water out. A great bet if you want to add a pop of colour to your Gorpcore look.
Buy now £850.00, Net-A-Porter
Snow Peak Gore-Tex Rain Jacket
Japanese brand Snow Peak creates innovative outdoor wear, and this Gore-Tex jacket has waterproof seams and plenty of pockets while retaining a minimalist design. A perfect piece for anyone who wants a boyfriend fit.
Buy now £450.00, END
Arc'teryx Coelle Shell Jacket
How slick is this Arc'teryx jacket? This style is extra lightweight, flexible and breathable, so it’s ideal for hotter days with light showers. It has a stormhood for full coverage too. The slightly shorter fit means it’ll layer up nicely with dresses or shorts.
Buy now £350.00, Arc'teryx
Norrona Senja Gore-Tex Active Jacket
Girls on the go will love the Norrona Gore-Tex jacket made with ventilation and the option to pack it into the back pocket. It’s also made with at least 50 per cent recycled fabrics so it’s more sustainable than other options.
Buy now £479.00, Norrona
Nike Trail Gore-Tex Infinium Trail Running Jacket
Lightweight and packable like our top pick, this mint and grey jacket has a retro feel while also being great at standing up to the elements. Use it at home on trail runs and bag it up for your next festival in case the weather turns bad.
Buy now £143.49, Nike
Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket
If you like to stand out then this neon Gore-Tex shell jacket from hipster favourite Arc'teryx is our top pick. It’s lightweight but offers full protection with all the details you need to stay dry such as pullies at the hood and the seam around the hem. Choose your normal size as it’s designed to be fitted, to maximise the breathability.
Buy now £400.00, Arc'teryx
66 North Kría Long Shell Coat
If you’re a trench lover, this longline waist-cinched coat from 66 North combines your favourite silhouette with wind-stopping and waterproof fabric. Definitely the chic way to Gore-Tex.
Buy now £590.00, 66 North
