Gore-Tex is considered the fabric technology to go for, if you truly want to experience what a completely waterproof fabric feels like. The outer layer is also coated with DWR treatment, which further waterproofs the fabric by making it water-repellent.Īs a fabric, it can be looked at in three different ways: as a laminate, because it is a binding of three layers, a membrane due to its numerous pores that make it waterproof and breathable, and as a technology, because it can be used to fulfill different requirements. These micro pores aid the fabric to “breathe” per se, by making it able to wick moisture out, while at the same time preventing water droplets from the outside from getting through, due to their small size. ePTFE has low water adsorption and is made up of billions of pores, with an estimate of around 9 billion pores per square inch. Gore-Tex® is a fabric that was created decades ago, after a discovery on ePTFE, a very durable material.
If you click "Play", you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies. This video will be loaded from, a third party. Read next: Columbia OutDry™ Extreme vs Gore-Tex®: A Comparison The overall feel of Omni-Tech is soft and pleasant to wear as it is not a stiff fabric. Lastly, the third layer’s purpose is that of moisture wicking by utilizing body heat. The second layer is a membrane, which is waterproof and it is what gives Omni-Tech most of the water-resistant ability. Its ability to repel water is important, as it minimizes contact with rain and snow, by causing water droplets to roll off the surface of the fabric, rather than collecting on top of it and risking it getting through. Omni-Shield is what gives this fabric its ability to ward off stains and grime, while also helping to repel water. Omni-Tech is made up of three layers, the outer of which is coated with Omni-Shield™. Those who are avid skiers, hikers or runners will tell you how much of a role breathability plays not only in how a jacket wears, but also on how it affects your performance, too. Omni-Tech is created by Columbia, an American brand that is a regular in our selections and reviews.Īs a technology, it was developed to not simply be waterproof, but also stain resistant and, most importantly, breathable.īreathability is the main issue when it comes to waterproof jackets, as it is usually lacking. So what’s one to do if a quality jacket that withstands weather conditions, but can also breathe, is required? Turn to alternatives, of course. If there is one thing Gore-Tex has, that all other fabric technologies beat, is its price, which is why a lot of people shy away from jackets made of it. We chose Omni-Tech™ as it is considered a good alternative to Gore-Tex®, especially so for its price. The main purpose of these comparisons is to help you get a better understanding of what the technicalities mean and how the fabrics actually measure up to each other, the end point of which being to determine which would be the better option. In this comparison, we will be doing the same thing, by comparing Gore-Tex® to Omni-Tech™.
In our previous comparisons on different fabric technologies, Gore-Tex® has been used as the point of reference, to which we compared the newcomer fabrics. It’s also useful knowledge when it comes to buying a new jacket, as you will know exactly what to look for, by knowing what you expect from your jacket and what fabric fulfills your requirements best. Learning more about fabric technologies is an important step in better understanding how a jacket will perform. We are on the topic of fabric technologies, once again.