| What it is | Windproof, breathable membrane |
| Water | Water-resistant, NOT fully waterproof |
| Strength | Blocks wind, stays breathable |
| Best for | Cold, dry, windy, active use |
Windstopper (now part of the Gore-Tex Infinium line) is a windproof, breathable, and water-resistant membrane from Gore, used in soft shells, fleeces, gloves, and hats. It blocks wind to preserve warmth while remaining highly breathable, but unlike Gore-Tex it isn’t fully waterproof — it’s built for cold, dry, windy conditions and active use rather than sustained rain.
Where it fits
A breathable wind layer, not a rain shell — for that use Gore-Tex. It pairs well over fleece and keeps high breathability.
Frequently asked questions
What is Windstopper?
Windstopper is a Gore membrane (now branded under Gore-Tex Infinium) that is windproof and breathable while being only water-resistant. It's laminated into soft shells, fleece jackets, gloves, and hats to stop wind chill from robbing your warmth, without the stiffness or reduced breathability of a fully waterproof shell.
Is Windstopper waterproof?
No — Windstopper is windproof and water-resistant, shrugging off light precipitation, but it is not designed to keep you dry in sustained or heavy rain. For that you need a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex. Think of Windstopper as a breathable wind layer, not a rain shell.
When should you use Windstopper instead of Gore-Tex?
Use Windstopper in cold, dry, windy conditions and for high-output activities where breathability and freedom of movement matter more than full waterproofing — like winter running, ski touring, or alpine days without rain. Choose Gore-Tex when rain or wet snow is the main concern.
Sources
- Windstopper / Infinium — W. L. Gore & Associates
- Wind layers — The Mountaineers