Take a look as we unpack how with a little help from Gore membranes, Mountain Equipment makes some of the best waterproof jackets in the industry.

Some things just work really well together. Cocoa and marshmallows, fish and chips, and of course GORE-TEX waterproof membranes and Mountain Equipment jackets. ME’s game-changing designs wow us every season and have proven incredibly popular with the world’s most intrepid alpinists, mountaineers, climbers, and hillwalkers. Whether you are a happy hiker, making your way across soggy British hills and peaks through strong winds and heavy rains, or a mountaineer needing to keep cool during heavy activity through thick mounds of snow, within ME’s new range of Gore Jackets, you will most certainly find the right option for you. Today on the TL blog, we’ll be diving in head first on what makes ME’s new season so special and pick out features across the range to help you find the right jacket for your needs, sure to last for countless wet adventures to come.

What makes these two manufacturers click?

Gore-Tex is of course well known within many industries, not just outdoor, for its very durable, highly breathable, waterproof performance. You won’t just find it in nice jackets but also in space shuttles, certain batteries, and a vast list of other products. When we talk about its use in waterproof outdoor gear, however, Gore-Tex speaks for itself. Mountain Equipment has been a brand partner with W. L. Gore for over four decades and was among the first brands in the UK to utilise what was one of the greatest advances in clothing for mountaineering and climbing: the introduction of GORE-TEX. They are one of Gore’s leading research and development partners and work closely with them on the development and testing of new fabrics. Garments engineered with GORE-TEX fabrics are durably waterproof and windproof, combined with optimised breathability. They are enduring products that maximise protection and comfort for the wearer. Gore’s legendary “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry” and their exceptionally rigorous lab testing means that Gore-Tex fabrics can be relied on no matter how foul the weather is.

With such a close relationship between manufacturers, it is no wonder that Mountain Equipment was the first to utilise Gore’s most breathable version of GORE-TEX PRO (their most durable fabric for its durability). You can find ‘GORE-TEX PRO Most breathable’ used across Mountain Equipment’s most high-performing Alpine Jackets, made especially for mountain use. These include the LHOTSEMANASLU, and CHANGABANG jackets.
It isn’t just GORE-TEX PRO however, Mountain Equipment also makes use of both the standard GORE-TEX as well as GORE-TEX Paclite (A lighter weight waterproof membrane that packs down smaller) within their range. As a manufacturer should aim for a range that covers as many needs and intended activities, Mountain Equipment is amongst the companies who know best which form of GORE-Tex to use for each garment and its intended activities.

Let’s talk about our range

We will now go through some of our Mountain Equipment jackets and talk about the GORE-TEX used and how this works so ideally for the jacket.

The Mountain Equipment LHOTSE and MANASLU

Two very renowned jackets with identical features with LHOTSE being for men and MANASLU for women. These are proper jackets amongst Mountain Equipment’s flagship models representing the best possible blend of function, weight, and durability. Perfect for hills and mountains or anywhere in between taking on the worst the weather can throw at you. Throughout the jackets, keeping you dry is GORE-TEX PRO Most breathable. It makes perfect sense for these jackets as they are made for energy-consuming, heat-producing, fast-moving activity in extreme environments, the kind that can be very tough on gear. Multi award-winning, the jackets make use of prioritising hard wear areas such as the skirt, forearms, and shoulders with higher denier nylon keeping the jacket safe whilst also using lower denier nylon elsewhere to save on weight and allowing optimal movement where you need it most. We picture this jacket not only in high Alpine places but also believe it to be perfect for the Scottish winter and the harsh conditions that come with it.

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The Mountain Equipment SALTORO Jacket

Available for both men and women, the Mountain Equipment SALTORO jacket is a lightweight but tough option for hillwalking and backpacking. Designed for regular use with a pack, the SALTORO utilises standard GORE-TEX on the shoulders, across the back, and down the arms with a 75D nylon face, whilst the rest of the jacket makes use of GORE-TEX Paclite, a superb option for reducing weight and pack size. We see this jacket getting regular use across the UK’s national parks on day walks and overnight stays where a heavier pack is required.

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The Mountain Equipment RUPAL Jacket

Available for both men and women, if you want a do it all jacket that will last for countless adventures, you cannot go wrong with a RUPAL. Utilising GORE-TEX throughout, this jacket is ideal for backpackers and mountaineers heading out in all weather. High-denier nylon across the entire jacket protects your membrane beneath. This is a jacket you can take anywhere for a vast number of activities, anything from dog walks on the soggiest days to high alpine peaks.

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Shop our full range of NEW Mountain Equipment items HERE

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