Just In – Gore-Tex C-Knit Jacket

New this autumn 2015, Gore-Tex C-Knit is a new Gore-Tex technology that’s claimed to improve the performance of standard – anything not Gore-Tex Pro or Active – Gore-Tex and we have what’s called a ‘seeding jacket’ in for an early look.

Sneak Preview

We saw C-Knit briefly when we popped over for a preview of the latest Salewa kit and covered some of the technical details in an accompanying news story, In brief, Gore says that the use of a new Nylon backer technology using a special circular knit can increase the breathability and thus comfort levels of the garment by ‘up to 15%’. while it’s also a handy 10% lighter than fabrics using the current backer, the fabric liner on the inside of the garment.

Aimed At Walkers

What we like about the idea is that it’s aimed squarely at walkers and trekkers, rather than mountaineers like Pro or runners and fast movers like Active.

The test jacket we have bears that out. It’s cut quite long in the body with oddly traditional waist pockets and pit-zips. Oh, it has an oddity too with the flap at the top of the main zip held in place with tiny magnets. Interesting. But what really matters, and the reason the jacket exists, is the fabric.

Lighter And Softer

So what’s it like? It feels light and obviously thinner than previous standard Gore-Tex we’ve used, born out by the light weight of the jacket at 400g for a medium even with four pockets and pit-zips. It also has a nice, softer feel than Gore-Tex Pro for example, which can be a little, er, ‘crisp packety’ and noisy.

The backer itself, the layer on the inside of the 3-layer membrane sandwich, is smooth, and silky slick, a little like the Pro version, with what looks like a close knit. It slides easily over other layers, again a bit like Pro but with a softer overall handle to it.

Bonus!

The plan is to try and get out in the C-Knit jacket this spring and get a better idea of how it works for real, but first impressions are of a softer, lighter fabric that should be nicer to wear regardless of other improvements. If it’s appreciably more breathable too, that’ll be an additional bonus.