Gorewear Gore-Tex Concurve Running Jacket Review: PFC Free, High Performance, Light

Article by Renee Krusemark, Dominique and Sam Winebaum

Gorewear Gore-Tex Concurve Jacket ($280)

Introduction:

Sam: The Concurve is a operating jacket with legendary Gore-Tex waterproofing, windproofing and breathability that’s PFC free (and in addition has recycled content material).In our testing this very mild new jacket carried out a minimum of as nicely if not higher than conventional ePTFE PFC based mostly Gore-Tex jackets.

The Concurve is one in every of Gore’s first merchandise with a PFC free waterproof breathable eTPE membrane. The Concurve membrane is manufactured from ePE, an expanded polyurethane. The brand new supplies remove the normal per and poly-fluorinated PFC based mostly membrane and PFC based mostly DWR coatings. The general development additionally reduces manufacturing carbon footprint and waste.

Earlier Gore-Tex jackets have been made with a PFC based mostly ePTFE membranes. PFC’s are “eternally chemical substances” which lately have surfaced as having important well being considerations.

There have been many varieties of PFC based mostly merchandise, and for a lot of makes use of, together with: non-stick pans, wiring, automobile finishes, hearth combating foams, and naturally clothes membranes and DWR attire finishes. Hyperlink to Gore’s full assertion about its aim to change into PFC free for the overwhelming majority of its client merchandise by 2025.

Professionals

Remarkably breathable for a water-proof windproof shell: Sam/Dominique

Very mild: Sam/Dominique/Renee

Versatile: utility over a variety of temperatures and circumstances:Sam/Dominique

Almost silent, a primary for a Gore-Tex shell, helped by the 3D Kinetic Design trim match: Sam/Dominique

Ingenious rear magnet retains the hood from flapping when down: Sam/Dominique/Renee

The hood works nice with a light-weight beanie (wool) beneath and with a mild tightening (midway) of the pull/Dominique

Plentiful of black out reflectivity strips: Sam/Dominique/Renee

Subsequent-Era GORE-TEX: PFC free, in the end from Gore, and important: Sam/Dominique/Renee

“Kinetic Garment Design” delivering an ergonomic match with a modern look /Dominique

Cons

A barely fuller match would prolong the vary of layers potential, versatility, and worth Sam

Even with a stretch insert, the wrist cuffs are cosy, can’t be rolled again, and the jacket is tough to quickly take away over a watch, though watches are simply seen and by no means coated: Sam

Hood may use extra rounding and a invoice: Sam

Runs heat in brilliant solar whereas on the similar temperature in damp, overcast or rain/snow, or wind it regulates temperatures very nicely: Sam

High finish pricing at $280: Sam/Dominique/Renee

Options

Sam: After all the important thing characteristic is the brand new Gore-Tex material. PFC free, the three layer jacket development (outer face material, membrane and inside bonded layer) is thinner, lighter, softer and extra pliable than older full Gore-Tex and Energetic jackets with a really feel, approaching, however not fairly attending to Gore’s windproof extra flippantly water-resistant Infinium jackets however right here with the complete waterproof Gore-Tex safety.

Gorewear says the waterproofing traits of the laminate membrane is nearer to conventional GTX than Energetic however because of the development of the Concurve’s the general waterproofing is nearer to Energetic.

When it comes to breathability Gorewear say the laminate itself is nearer to GTX than Energetic however once more because of the mild development its efficiency is nearer to Energetic than GTX.

The Concurve has 2 facet zip pockets coated with flaps, a hood with draw twine, and draw cords on the hem.

It consists of in depth “black out” reflective strips.

I depend 2 entrance and a couple of again vertical strips on the hood, 2 vertical strips subsequent to the entrance zipper in addition to reflective GoreWear brand , 2 on every arm/shoulder, one on the decrease again plus reflective GoreWear brand.

The double entrance zipper and pocket zippers are all very prime quality, substantial and I count on sturdy. They permit for versatile air flow

Probably the most ingenious characteristic is the hood magnet.

With the hood down, magnets within the hood and on the again “robotically” have interaction and maintain it from flapping. Cool!

Match

Sam: The match is on the slim dimension in my traditional medium however not overly “biking” cosy as some Gorewear run attire has been prior to now. Whereas trim it’s not overly brief. I’m able to put an honest weight merino base layer in addition to a skinny insulated vest or softshell jacket and tee underneath it. The size is between brief and lengthy, so with first rate protection.

The comparatively trim match and thinner and softer than traditional for a Gore-Tex jacket (full GTX or Energetic) supplies additionally helps maintain the jacket quieter than most membrane kind jackets with solely a slight “crinkling” sound on the shoulders.

The cuffs on the wrists are notably cosy and embody a stretch material insert. My watches by no means get coated by the cuff as can simply occur with elastic or velcro cuffs however I want it had a bit extra give because the jacket is tough to tug off, and particularly so on the go and with an enormous dimension watch.

The hood features a rear rubber pull and a small stretch mesh headband to maintain it in place. There’s not a lot of a invoice and it could possibly be stiffer and longer. I discovered the rear pull not very helpful because it attracts the hood and invoice again off the brow. I simply zip it as much as the chin and the hood stays in place

Renee: As Sam wrote, the match is slim. I wore my traditional dimension small and located it match completely. I’d solely counsel a dimension up in case you plan to put on it over a loaded pack or vest. I wore the jacket over my Gorewear Infinium Insulated GORETEX jacket and had match. The arm size is nice. For individuals who want/like longer sleeves on a ladies’s particular match, you’ll get it with this jacket. I didn’t have any points with the wrist cuffs being too tight.

Regardless of the slim match, the size is nice for me as somebody who usually sizes up only for size in a ladies’s particular match. The hem has a pull twine on either side to tighten the match, which helps maintain the wind out. The double zipper is a superb characteristic. I discover all GORETEX merchandise a bit heat (and therefore nice as chilly climate shells), so the double zipper helped me to chill down and permit in additional air when wanted.

I agree with Sam in regards to the hood invoice. I want it prolonged a bit extra over the face because the pull twine simply tightens and pulls the hood again, however not essentially across the face. The hood form is a bit cone-like as an alternative of rounded. The professional for this form is the hood will match over a excessive sitting ponytail or bun (if that’s the way you put on your hair).

Dominique: An IPSO Award successful operating jacket, the Concurve Gore-Tex jacket from GOREWEAR delivers an ergonomic slot in a modern design. Engineered with a brand new GORE-TEX membrane, which is thinner, lighter, and PFC-Free, and which gives wonderful climate safety in windy and moist circumstances. A “Subsequent-Era GORE-TEX” jacket itt additionally incorporates a “Kinetic Garment Design” to optimize freedom of actions in a slim match shell.

The match is true to dimension in my common dimension medium. I actually benefit from the slim fitted design of the jacket and discover that the physique and sleeves present good protection. Put on gloves in chilly climate as you received’t be capable of pull the cuffs over your fingers for heat.

I obtain my Concurve within the very enticing “scrub purple” which simply pairs with blue or black tights. The opposite two colours obtainable for girls are: black and lime yellow. I discover that the “scrub purple” accentuates the streamlined look of the jacket and can get you quite a lot of compliments alongside the way in which.

Regarding the hood, I used to be extraordinarily impressed after I first wore the jacket as I preferred how the hood encircled my face and when down the way it connected with its magnet to forestall flapping.

Nevertheless, I’d agree with Sam’s that when pulling the rear pull in an effort to tighten the match, it uncovered an excessive amount of of the brow. I discovered that tightening the pull just a bit bit, versus all the way in which, was medium for me in an effort to optimize safety when operating. Sporting a light-weight beanie (wool) beneath the hood makes an enormous distinction by way of securing the hood comfortably in place. Provided that I put on my Concurve jacket in chilly, wet, or uncooked climate, the hat is a welcome addition together with a light-weight neck wrap.

Efficiency and Conclusions

Sam: I examined in a variety of circumstances from the mid to decrease 20’s F to round 50 F in reasonably windy circumstances in addition to in mild snow and an hour of average rain.

I wore a wide range of layers beneath together with each skinny and thick baselayers, at instances including a skinny insulated vest and even a reasonably thick softshell throughout stroll/hikes. Every part match nicely beneath with arms in a position to transfer because of the 3D Kinetic Match, though with out a roomy match.

Most notable right here is the entire wind proofing of the jacket and its moisture transmission. Temperature regulation was good however I discovered that it was finest to start out operating a “bit chilly” to maintain the heat down in larger temperatures, particularly in solar.

Apparently, in a average rain at 50F with a midlayer I really felt higher temperature regulated than comparable temp runs in clear climate underneath the solar.. I used to be additionally in a position to run in mild rain and snow at temps round freezing and, at run’s finish the within and my base layer have been dry but in solar I used to be heat. After all my inexperienced is darkish however Dominique along with her scrub purple coloration famous the identical. As with all such jackets, ultimately they are going to moist by way of in heavy rain however right here given the skinny construct it won’t soak up as a lot moisture.

The deep nicely protected pockets are literally on the within manufactured from mesh so by unzipping them you possibly can ventilate with the zippers double pull to permit opening the jacket totally with out it falling off the shoulders

At $280 the Concurve is priced up there as run jackets go. Tperformance, ample room and lightweight weight additionally make it an excellent climbing and nordic ski jacket in blustery wetter circumstances and its easy elegant styling which doesn’t scream sport run brilliant make it a fantastic choice exterior of sport and with plentiful reflectivity for security.

Renee: I’ve match with this jacket (see my ideas within the Match part), and located the efficiency to be on par with different GORETEX merchandise. The fabric feels lighter and barely much less loud as in comparison with my PFC GORETEX jackets.

The efficiency by way of wind and rain/sleet/snow safety is nice and on par with different GORETEX. The brand new PFC-free materials on no account hinders the efficiency in my view.

As with most GORETEX, I choose the jacket for beneath freezing temps. I wore the jacket when temps rose to higher 30s and into the 40s, and I used to be getting too heat. The double zipper helped to ventilate. The $280 price ticket is hard. I’ll use the jacket all through winter with a high quality base layer or two in change of my GOREWEAR Endure jacket (RTR Evaluate) which is actually for biking not operating. With the double zipper, I can prolong the use to early spring and late fall. I can most likely justify the associated fee given the quantity of use I’ll get from the Concurve.

Dominique: The Concurve is a operating jacket and I’d not dimension up in an effort to layer up beneath as it will defeat the aim of the “Kinetic Garment Design.” As a substitute, I “layer up” by sporting a hotter base yr when wanted.

I’ve worn the jacket in beneath freezing temperatures (by just a few levels) and adjusted the burden of my baselayer whether or not I wanted additional heat, particularly a lighter baselayer when operating and heavier when strolling.

In wet climate with 35-40 diploma uncooked feeling temperatures, I run comfortably in my Concurve with a light-weight baselayer beneath. As described by Renee, the double zipper is a superb characteristic for added air flow when wanted. Loads of reflective particulars for visibility that additionally accentuates the modern design of the jacket. I discover the consolation degree of the jacket to be excellent given its “Kinetic Garment Design”, little bit of stretch and light-weight construct that feels extra like a second pores and skin than an outer shell.

In heavy rain climate and after two 45 minutes runs, I remained fully dry underneath my Concurve jacket. I additionally was not sweaty although admittedly I run at a sluggish tempo. I’d characterize this “Subsequent-Era GORE-TEX” as extra breathable and equally protecting as “common” GORE-TEX.

At $280, the Concurve is a little bit of funding with regards to buying a operating jacket. I run, walked, and Nordic ski in my Concurve over the winter and I plan to put on it operating on wet days, biking and in addition for hikes. Keep tuned for photos and report of our Tour du Queyras within the French Alps this upcoming June.This would be the jacket I plan to carry for our 8 day trek!

The Gorewear Gore-Tex Concurve Jacket is accessible now

GOREWEAR

Males’s and Girls’s SHOP HERE

Tester Profiles

Renee is a former U.S.Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of operating and writing began. She isn’t that superior of a runner, however she tries actually exhausting. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles happen on rural nation roads in Nebraska , which means mud, gravel, grime, hills, and the occasional discipline. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and three:26:45 for the marathon.

Dominique has run for over 40 years, constantly about 25 miles per week at paces between 10 and 11 minute miles and as soon as every week down within the mid 9 minute miles. She races not often, however all the time surprises extra exhausting core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of three:16 in her second marathon which on the time put her on the highest 10 Swiss ladies’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been round Mont Blanc 3 instances, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and accomplished the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mom of two grown youngsters, each runners publish school, and in addition enjoys nordic and alpine snowboarding, tennis, and gardening.

Sam is the Editor and Founding father of Street Path Run. He’s 66 with a 2018 3:40 Boston qualifier. 2023 was Sam’s 51th yr of operating. He has a many years previous 2:28 marathon PR. Lately he runs halves within the simply sub 1:40 vary if he will get very very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week largely at average paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, climbing or on nordic skis. He’s 5’9” tall and weighs about 164 lbs, if he’s not having fun with too many fantastic New England IPA’s.

Samples have been supplied at no cost for assessment functions. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and will earn fee on merchandise bought through buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are completely the authors’.

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