A cheap rain jacket lasts 2 to 3 seasons before the DWR (durable water repellent) treatment fails and it stops beading water. A good Gore-Tex jacket lasts 10 to 20 years if cared for and the DWR is refreshed periodically with a product like Nikwax TX.Direct. The difference in annual cost is smaller than it looks.
What Gore-Tex Means
Gore-Tex is an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane that is both waterproof and breathable. Water cannot pass through (pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet) but water vapour can (pores are 700 times larger than a vapour molecule). The original Gore-Tex Pro is the most breathable and durable version, used in professional and expedition gear. Gore-Tex Paclite is lighter and less breathable, suitable for everyday and travel use.
Arc'teryx
Arc'teryx makes jackets in Vietnam and offers a repair service for life. The Beta AR (€600) and the Beta LT (€450) use Gore-Tex Pro fabric. The construction is the best in the industry: taped seams, laminated zippers, reinforced high-wear areas. At €600 it is an investment. Divided over 15 years of use the annual cost is €40, less than many cheap jackets bought and discarded over the same period.
Patagonia Torrentshell
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (€180) uses H2No Performance Standard waterproofing rather than Gore-Tex. It is less breathable under high exertion but handles everyday rain effectively. The Ironclad Guarantee covers repair or replacement for any reason. For city use, travel, and moderate outdoor activity it performs well at a third of the Arc'teryx price.
The Recommendation
For serious outdoor use, hiking, and anything involving sustained exertion in rain: Arc'teryx Beta LT or Beta AR. For everyday city and travel use: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. What makes both BIFL: the repair guarantee. Refresh the DWR treatment with Nikwax every 1 to 2 seasons and both jackets will last a decade.
