Performance Technologies

Waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane used in shell jackets and footwear.

GORE-TEX is a PTFE-based membrane laminated between face fabric and lining. Its microporous structure blocks liquid water and wind while allowing water vapour to escape, making it the reference standard for hardshell jackets, hiking boots and gloves. Variants include GORE-TEX Pro (durability), Active (breathability) and Paclite (packability).

Dial-based micro-adjustable lacing system for footwear and technical apparel.

The BOA Fit System uses a dial, stainless-steel laces and low-friction guides to distribute pressure evenly across the foot. Widely adopted in cycling, running, trail, golf and workwear, it delivers on-the-fly micro-adjustment and repeatable fit across sessions.

High-loft synthetic insulation that stays warm when wet.

PrimaLoft is a family of ultrafine polyester microfibres engineered to mimic down. It retains warmth when damp, dries fast and packs down small — the go-to for active insulation, belay jackets and hybrid mid-layers. Recent Bio and P.U.R.E. variants use recycled and lower-carbon manufacturing.

Fleece and performance fabrics for base layers and midlayers.

Polartec makes a broad family of technical fabrics — from Power Grid fleece to Alpha active insulation and Power Shield softshells. Its fleeces balance warmth, breathability and stretch, and are specified by outdoor and military brands across mid- and outer-layer systems.

High-grip rubber outsoles used across trail, approach and lifestyle shoes.

Vibram supplies compound rubber outsoles engineered for grip, durability and specific terrain. Megagrip is the reference for wet-rock traction; XS Trek and Idrogrip cover trail and approach; Litebase reduces weight without giving up outsole depth.

Ultra-high-strength fiber used in lightweight packs, shells and cordage.

Dyneema (UHMWPE) is up to 15× stronger than steel by weight. As Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) it forms non-woven laminates used in ultralight shelters, packs and shells. Woven Dyneema ripstops appear in premium outdoor jackets and gaiters for tear resistance.

Direct-vent waterproof/breathable membrane for shells and gloves.

eVent uses an ePTFE membrane with an oleophobic treatment that lets sweat vapour vent directly, without a PU layer in the way. The result is a fast-drying, high-breathability shell favoured by aerobic users and glove makers.

The North Face's nanospinning waterproof/breathable membrane.

Futurelight is made with a nanospun polyurethane membrane that creates microscopic air permeability while remaining waterproof. It's used across TNF's alpine, trail and lifestyle lines and is engineered to be lighter and more breathable than traditional PU laminates.

Lightweight face fabrics for shells, insulation and windwear.

Pertex weaves ultralight nylon face fabrics tuned for downproofness, wind resistance and abrasion. Pertex Quantum is used across down and synthetic insulation; Pertex Shield offers a lightweight waterproof/breathable option for hikers and runners.

Windproof softshell membrane, breathable and light.

Now part of the GORE family and rebranded as Infinium Windstopper, this membrane totally blocks wind while retaining excellent breathability. It's specified in softshell jackets, running vests, gloves and beanies where thermal comfort in cold, dry conditions matters most.

Arc'teryx synthetic insulation with high loft-to-weight ratio.

Coreloft is a proprietary Arc'teryx polyester insulation made from crimped multi-denier siliconized fibres. It's warm-when-wet, resilient after compression and dries quickly — the standard fill in Atom, Nuclei and Proton pieces at multiple weights (60–140 g/m²).

The North Face synthetic clusters mimicking down performance.

Thermoball uses small round PrimaLoft-engineered synthetic clusters that trap heat similarly to down clusters. It performs well when wet, packs down small and is used across TNF's insulated jackets, vests and hybrid pieces.

Bonded waterproof membrane that eliminates the outer wet-out layer.

OutDry (and OutDry Extreme) bonds the waterproof membrane directly to the outer face, so water can't saturate the outer fabric. That eliminates wet-out, keeps the jacket breathable when it's raining, and is used across Columbia, Mountain Hardwear and glove specialists.