Article by Renee Krusemark, Dominique and Sam Winebaum
Gorewear Gore-Tex Concurve Jacket ($280)
Introduction:
Sam: The Concurve is a running jacket with legendary Gore-Tex waterproofing, windproofing and breathability that is PFC free (and also has recycled content).In our testing this very light new jacket performed at least as well if not better than traditional ePTFE PFC based Gore-Tex jackets.
The Concurve is one of Gore’s first products with a PFC free waterproof breathable eTPE membrane. The Concurve membrane is made of ePE, an expanded polyurethane. The new materials eliminate the traditional per and poly-fluorinated PFC based membrane and PFC based DWR coatings. The overall construction also reduces production carbon footprint and waste.
Previous Gore-Tex jackets were made with a PFC based ePTFE membranes. PFC’s are “forever chemicals” which recently have surfaced as having significant health concerns.
There have been many types of PFC based products, and for many uses, including: non-stick pans, wiring, car finishes, fire fighting foams, and of course clothing membranes and DWR apparel finishes. Link to Gore’s full statement about its goal to become PFC free for the vast majority of its consumer products by 2025.
Pros
Remarkably breathable for a waterproof windproof shell: Sam/Dominique
Very light: Sam/Dominique/Renee
Versatile: utility over a wide range of temperatures and conditions:Sam/Dominique
Nearly silent, a first for a Gore-Tex shell, helped by the 3D Kinetic Design trim fit: Sam/Dominique
Ingenious rear magnet keeps the hood from flapping when down: Sam/Dominique/Renee
The hood works great with a lightweight beanie (wool) underneath and with a gentle tightening (halfway) of the pull/Dominique
Plentiful of black out reflectivity strips: Sam/Dominique/Renee
Next-Generation GORE-TEX: PFC free, at long last from Gore, and vital: Sam/Dominique/Renee
“Kinetic Garment Design” delivering an ergonomic fit with a sleek look /Dominique
Cons
A slightly fuller fit would extend the range of layers possible, versatility, and value Sam
Even with a stretch insert, the wrist cuffs are snug, can’t be rolled back, and the jacket is hard to rapidly remove over a watch, although watches are easily seen and never covered: Sam
- Hood could use more rounding and a bill: Sam/Dominique/ Renee
- Runs warm in bright sun while at the same temperature in damp, overcast or rain/snow, or wind it regulates temperatures very well: Sam/Dominique
- Purple color stains easily: Dominique
Top end pricing at $280: Sam/Dominique/Renee
Features
Sam: Of course the key feature is the new Gore-Tex fabric. PFC free, the 3 layer jacket construction (outer face fabric, membrane and inner bonded layer) is thinner, lighter, softer and more pliable than older full Gore-Tex and Active jackets with a feel, approaching, but not quite getting to Gore’s windproof more lightly water resistant Infinium jackets but here with the full waterproof Gore-Tex protection.
Gorewear says the waterproofing characteristics of the laminate membrane is closer to traditional GTX than Active but due to the construction of the Concurve’s the overall waterproofing is closer to Active.
In terms of breathability Gorewear say the laminate itself is closer to GTX than Active but again due to the light construction its performance is closer to Active than GTX.
The Concurve has 2 side zip pockets covered with flaps, a hood with draw cord, and draw cords at the hem.
It includes extensive “black out” reflective strips.
I count 2 front and 2 back vertical strips on the hood, 2 vertical strips next to the front zipper as well as reflective GoreWear logo , 2 on each arm/shoulder, one on the lower back plus reflective GoreWear logo.
The double front zipper and pocket zippers are all very high quality, substantial and I expect durable. They allow for flexible ventilation.
The wrist cuffs are snug making the jacket somewhat difficult to pull off on the go and especially so over a big GPS watch. You will also not be able to roll the cuff up as I sometimes like to do. The black insert could maybe have more stretch or be more extensive. I do like that by avoiding velcro or elastics the jacket stays put and does not sneak down and cover a watch and for sure the snug fit there avoids the sleeves being crinkly and noisy,
The most ingenious feature is the hood magnet.
With the hood down, magnets in the hood and on the back “automatically” engage and keep it from flapping. Cool!
Fit
Sam: The fit is on the slim size in my usual medium but not overly “cycling” snug as some Gorewear run apparel has been in the past. While trim it is not overly short. I am able to put a decent weight merino base layer as well as a thin insulated vest or softshell jacket and tee under it. The length is between short and long, so with decent coverage.
The relatively trim fit and thinner and softer than usual for a Gore-Tex jacket (full GTX or Active) materials also helps keep the jacket quieter than most membrane type jackets with only a slight “crinkling” sound at the shoulders.
The cuffs at the wrists are notably snug and include a stretch fabric insert. My watches never get covered by the cuff as can easily happen with elastic or velcro cuffs but I wish it had a bit more give as the jacket is hard to pull off, and especially so on the go and with a big size watch.
The hood includes a rear rubber pull and a small stretch mesh headband to keep it in place. There is not much of a bill and it could be stiffer and longer. I found the rear pull not very useful as it draws the hood and bill back off the forehead. I just zip it up to the chin and the hood stays in place
Renee: As Sam wrote, the fit is slim. I wore my usual size small and found it fit perfectly. I’d only suggest a size up if you plan to wear it over a loaded pack or vest. I wore the jacket over my Gorewear Infinium Insulated GORETEX jacket and had a good fit. The arm length is great. For those who need/like longer sleeves on a women’s specific fit, you’ll get it with this jacket. I didn’t have any issues with the wrist cuffs being too tight.
Despite the slim fit, the length is good for me as someone who often sizes up just for length in a women’s specific fit. The hem has a pull cord on both sides to tighten the fit, which helps keep the wind out. The double zipper is a great feature. I find all GORETEX products a bit warm (and hence great as cold weather shells), so the double zipper helped me to cool down and allow in more air when needed.
I agree with Sam about the hood bill. I wish it extended a bit more over the face as the pull cord just tightens and pulls the hood back, but not necessarily around the face.
The hood shape is a bit cone-like instead of rounded. The pro for this shape is the hood will fit over a high sitting ponytail or bun (if that’s how you wear your hair).
Dominique: An IPSO Award winning running jacket, the Concurve Gore-Tex jacket from GOREWEAR delivers an ergonomic fit in a sleek design. Engineered with a new GORE-TEX membrane, which is thinner, lighter, and PFC-Free, and which provides excellent weather protection in windy and wet conditions. A “Next-Generation GORE-TEX'' jacket itt also features a “Kinetic Garment Design” to optimize freedom of movements in a slim fit shell.
The fit is true to size in my regular size medium. I really enjoy the slim fitted design of the jacket and find that the body and sleeves provide good coverage. Wear gloves in cold weather as you won’t be able to pull the cuffs over your hands for warmth.
I receive my Concurve in the very attractive “scrub purple” which easily pairs with blue or black tights. The other two colors available for women are: black and lime yellow. I find that the “scrub purple” accentuates the streamlined look of the jacket and will get you a lot of compliments along the way.
In regards to the hood, I was extremely impressed when I first wore the jacket as I liked how the hood encircled my face and when down how it attached with its magnet to prevent flapping.
However, I would agree with Sam’s that when pulling the rear pull in order to tighten the fit, it exposed too much of the forehead. I found that tightening the pull just a little bit, as opposed to all the way, was a good medium for me in order to optimize protection when running. Wearing a lightweight beanie (wool) underneath the hood makes a big difference in terms of securing the hood comfortably in place. Given that I wear my Concurve jacket in cold, rainy, or raw weather, the hat is a welcome addition along with a lightweight neck wrap.
Performance and Conclusions
Sam: I tested in a range of conditions from the mid to lower 20’s F to around 50 F in moderately windy conditions as well as in light snow and an hour of moderate rain.
I wore a variety of layers underneath including both thin and thick baselayers, at times adding a thin insulated vest and even a fairly thick softshell during walk/hikes. Everything fit well underneath with arms able to move due to the 3D Kinetic Fit, although without a roomy fit.
Most notable here is the complete wind proofing of the jacket and its moisture transmission. Temperature regulation was good but I found that it was best to start running a “bit cold” to keep the warmth down in higher temperatures, especially in sun.
Interestingly, in a moderate rain at 50F with a midlayer I actually felt better temperature regulated than similar temp runs in clear weather under the sun.. I was also able to run in light rain and snow at temps around freezing and, at run’s end the inside and my base layer were dry yet in sun I was warm. Of course my green is dark but Dominique with her scrub purple color noted the same. As with all such jackets, eventually they will wet through in heavy rain but here given the thin build it will not absorb as much moisture.
The deep well protected pockets are actually on the inside made of mesh so by unzipping them you can ventilate with the zippers double pull to allow opening the jacket fully without it falling off the shoulders
At $280 the Concurve is priced up there as run jackets go. Tperformance, adequate room and light weight also make it an outstanding hiking and nordic ski jacket in blustery wetter conditions and its simple elegant styling which doesn’t scream sport run bright make it a fine option outside of sport and with plentiful reflectivity for safety.
Renee: I have a good fit with this jacket (see my thoughts in the Fit section), and found the performance to be on par with other GORETEX products. The material feels lighter and slightly less loud as compared to my PFC GORETEX jackets.
The performance in terms of wind and rain/sleet/snow protection is great and on par with other GORETEX. The new PFC-free material in no way hinders the performance in my opinion.
As with most GORETEX, I prefer the jacket for below freezing temps. I wore the jacket when temps rose to upper 30s and into the 40s, and I was getting too warm. The double zipper helped to ventilate. The $280 price tag is tough. I’ll use the jacket throughout winter with a quality base layer or two in replace of my GOREWEAR Endure jacket (RTR Review) which is really for cycling not running. With the double zipper, I can extend the use to early spring and late fall. I can probably justify the cost given the amount of use I will get from the Concurve.
Dominique: The Concurve is a running jacket and I would not size up in order to layer up underneath as it would defeat the purpose of the “Kinetic Garment Design.” Instead, I “layer up” by wearing a warmer base year when needed.
I have worn the jacket in below freezing temperatures (by a few degrees) and adjusted the weight of my baselayer whether I needed extra warmth, namely a lighter baselayer when running and heavier when walking.
In rainy weather with 35-40 degree raw feeling temperatures, I run comfortably in my Concurve with a light baselayer underneath. As described by Renee, the double zipper is a great feature for added ventilation when needed. Plenty of reflective details for visibility that also accentuates the sleek design of the jacket. I find the comfort level of the jacket to be outstanding given its “Kinetic Garment Design”, bit of stretch and lightweight build that feels more like a second skin than an outer shell.
In heavy rain weather and after two 45 minutes runs, I remained completely dry under my Concurve jacket. I also was not sweaty though admittedly I run at a slow pace. I would characterize this “Next-Generation GORE-TEX” as more breathable and equally protective as “regular” GORE-TEX.
At $280, the Concurve is a bit of investment when it comes to purchasing a running jacket. I run, walked, and Nordic ski in my Concurve over the winter and I plan to wear it running on rainy days, cycling and also for hikes. Stay tuned for pictures and report of our Tour du Queyras in the French Alps this upcoming June.This will be the jacket I plan to bring for our 8 day trek!
The Gorewear Gore-Tex Concurve Jacket is available now
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Tester Profiles
Renee is a former U.S.Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska , meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.
Dominique has run for over 40 years, consistently about 25 miles per week at paces between 10 and 11 minute miles and once a week down in the mid 9 minute miles. She races rarely, but always surprises more hard core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of 3:16 in her second marathon which at the time put her on the top 10 Swiss women’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been around Mont Blanc 3 times, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and completed the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mother of two grown children, both runners post college, and also enjoys nordic and alpine skiing, tennis, and gardening.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is 66 with a 2018 3:40 Boston qualifier. 2023 was Sam’s 51th year of running. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 164 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
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