Skip to main content

What’s the difference between 2 and 3 layer Gore-Tex?

This guide will help you decide if you need 2L, 2.5L, or 3L Gore-Tex

Man with pack looks out over Yellowstone wilderness on overcast day

When it comes to buying the next waterproof jacket, there’s no doubt in most people’s minds that Gore-Tex is the gold standard for waterproof quality. Gore-Tex is renowned among outdoorsmen for being among the most breathable waterproof fabrics on the market. It’s ideal for hiking, backcountry ski touring, and trail running while staying waterproof when you’re not being highly active, unlike some other styles of waterproofing.

Of course, no matter how well you care for your waterproof gear, it will eventually need to be replaced. As with all outdoor technology, the use of Gore-Tex is constantly evolving as companies strive to make their products lighter, more reliable, harder wearing, and increasingly versatile. You’ll notice when looking for your next outdoor waterproof jacket that Gore-Tex is currently labeled as 2L, 2.5L, or 3L — the L standing for layers. But what do these mean, and how do they apply to you?

A man in a yellow GORE-TEX jacket walks past a lake

Breakdown of Gore-Tex

I’ll start by saying here that the Gore-Tex membrane is the same on all three styles. The outer layer of all these jackets is known as the shell, or the face fabric. This is a hard-wearing layer, usually made from nylon or polyester, and treated with a durable water-repellent formula that prevents water droplets from soaking into the face fabric and limiting the breathability of the GORE-TEX membrane. The membrane is bonded to this outer layer as a standard — this is a 2L Gore-Tex jacket — but then different things are done to create various layers of the jacket. Here’s a rundown:

  • 2L Gore-Tex — The standard membrane/face fabric creates a 2L jacket, and this is all that 2L refers to; there’s no inherent liner. That said, almost every 2L garment is fitted with a nylon or mesh liner. The important thing here is that the liner isn’t bonded to the membrane, but is free hanging for comfort or for insulation. Most Gore-Tex ski jackets are 2L with an internal insulated layer.
  • 2.5L Gore-Tex — It might sound backward, but 2.5L Gore-Tex is the lightest weight use of the membrane. Rather than a free-hanging internal mesh, 2.5L Gore-Tex has a sprayed liner on the inside of the membrane. This protects the membrane without adding excess weight. While this is great for the fast-and-light fraternity, it’s not quite as hard wearing as other styles of Gore-Tex.
  • 3L Gore-Tex — 3L Gore-Tex is the pinnacle of waterproof shell jackets and pants. A knit layer of fabric is laminated onto the inside of the membrane, giving hard-wearing protection and promoting breathability. These shell jackets are used for backcountry ski touring and mountaineering  — protection against heavy deluges in the backcountry.

All these jackets are equally waterproof because the membrane is in place to keep you dry. The difference between the three is their uses, their comfort, and how hard wearing they are. Next time you’re hunting for a Gore-Tex product, make sure you get the right layers for what your outdoor adventures involve.

Editors' Recommendations

Tom Kilpatrick
A London-born outdoor enthusiast, Tom took the first ticket out of suburban life. What followed was a twelve-year career as…
Get the best nature apps for identifying unknown plants and critters right from your smartphone
Curious nature-lovers can identify birds, bugs, plants, mammals, and more with these (mostly) free mobile nature apps.
Closeup of a hand holding a smartphone with a picture of a small seedling on the screen.

Over the last few years, the pandemic inspired (some might say forced) many of us to discover new hobbies and passions. Some found an unexpected desire to learn the secrets of how to make sourdough bread. Others took to Zoom happy hours to get their daily social fix. Still others spent weeks riveted to the bizarre exploits of an exotic cat owner from Oklahoma (and all the me-too follow-up shows on Netflix and beyond).

But, many more of us took the time to get back to nature — the healthiest, most social-distancing-friendly pastime of all. If you count yourself among this group, and are curious to learn more about the world around you, these are the best nature apps to help you identify almost any unknown plant or critter. Think of them like Shazam for the outside world.
BirdNET
Free for iOS/Android

Read more
There’s a new ranking of the 10 best national parks and some surprising faves aren’t on it
These are the best national parks to visit, according to one study
pond and mountain in Yosemite Park

If you’re planning to visit a few national parks this summer, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are worth the hype. Luckily, Travel Lemming has put together a comprehensive ranking system to see which national parks are the best, once and for all. From cost to crowds, they have left no stone unturned. 

Searching for your next big adventure? Read on to discover which national parks made the top 10 and which unexpected parks fell short of everyone’s expectations.

Read more
Review: Does the iPhone 14 Plus live up to its outdoorsy reputation?
Great photos and new safety features are solid travel additions
iPhone 14 Plus.

The iPhone 14 dropped several months ago, and having had a chance to give it a thorough test run, I aim to answer once and for all: Is it worth the upgrade?

I’m particularly interested in the viability of its alleged usefulness for outdoor enthusiasts. Apple has pushed the idea that the latest iPhone is well-suited for travel and adventure thanks to a few specific features, especially when paired with the Apple Watch Ultra. So I’ve spent a couple of weeks playing around with an iPhone 14 Plus to determine whether it lives up to its reputation as a phone for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Read more