GOREWEAR has access to all the best Gore-Tex fabrics available, and the brand uses it to maximize the performance of its products. Part of the Lightweight Trail lineup, the Concurve Gore-Tex Jacket is lightweight and powerful enough for hiking and trail running in even the wettest of weather.
GOREWEAR Concurve Gore-Tex Running Jacket Features:
New GORE-TEX ePE membrane. Durable, waterproof and windproof. Made from recycled materials. Works with lightweight backpacks. Innovative body mapping lets you move freely like a second skin. Adjustable hood with elastic trim for a secure fit. Stand-up collar. Two zippered hand pockets. Adjustable hem. Taped seams. Reflective details for increased visibility. MSRP: $250. Spring hikes in the rain.
Fit and function
While we always hope it will be 70 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny, the weather doesn’t always work that way. That’s why it’s best to have a variety of layers to handle all the conditions you’ll encounter while trail running or hiking in the mountains. Over the years, Gore-Tex has evolved in fabric performance and environmental friendliness. Gone are the days when Gore-Tex was waterproof and “breathable” (try making your own air quotes as you read). Over the years, Gore-Tex fabrics have been improved to be used under the most demanding athletic conditions. I’ve been very happy with all the products I’ve tested.
The hood edges are double sealed to keep out the elements.
Earlier this year, our writer Kevin Glover did a deep dive into the technical and performance aspects of the latest Gore-Tex ePE membrane. For the geeks out there, check out his informative take on the latest Gore-Tex fabric. In simple terms, to quote from the GOREWEAR site, “Each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, but 700 times larger than water vapor, or sweat. This means it keeps out the rain and lets your sweat evaporate, keeping you dry in all conditions.” Got it?
To be frank about sizing, Gorewear recently updated their fit and sizing, which was not a good thing. I got the Concurve Jacket in a size large, but should have gotten a size medium. Unlike you, there was no Gorewear website that allowed me to reference the model’s height/weight when I requested a review sample. If there had been, I would have chosen the medium. The jacket ran a little large, but I would rather focus on the performance aspects rather than the fit issues I encountered.
On the plus side, the extra room means that if you run with a hydration pack, the jacket can be easily packed away and pulled out to be worn over a sleek hydration pack, which is a bonus feature of the extra room.
In fact, the Concurve Jacket is comfortable and fits my athletic body type well. Its cut is optimized for trail running and hiking, so there are no tight or restrictive spots that can get in the way of a fast-paced trail run. The drop tail hem provides back coverage when you need it. I like that the cuffs have elastic inside, without the need for bulky velcro or elastic. It’s a great design that wraps around your hands while providing comfortable protection from the elements.
A mesh pocket is oddly fitted inside.
The two hand pockets are great for keeping you warm or storing small items, but the way the pockets are attached to the inside is a little clunky in my opinion. Also, the two-way zipper is a big selling point for me as it allows easy access to the inside pockets if needed. The adjustable cinch hem provides additional protection from the elements.
It’s protective and breathable even on rainy morning trail runs.
Ultra-protective (and lightweight) trail jacket
Speaking of keeping the elements out, this streamlined hood is one of the best I’ve tested, with or without a running hat like the Patagonia Airshed Cap. The hood has a half-moon shaped piece of spandex that fits snugly around your forehead and closes any gaps in coverage. I found this hood to work well for providing coverage while keeping you low-profile while out on the trail. It can be put on and taken off without undoing the front zipper, and the collar fits snugly around your chin and can be tucked in slightly if needed, but it was barely in the way during my testing.
I’ve only needed the hood a few times so far. An interesting feature I don’t really like is that when the hood is not in use, it uses two small magnets to secure it in place – one on the hood and one on the back panel. On the rare occasion that the hood would dangle uncomfortably when not being worn, Gorewear ensures that the hood will stay flat against the back of the jacket as long as the magnets are aligned. During one trail run, I found that the magnets were not aligned and the hood magnets kept hitting the back of the jacket, causing annoyance for a few minutes. After a bit of fiddling, I was able to connect the magnets and everything was back together.
The hood has excellent coverage and collar position.
Layered, the Concurve Jacket provides year-round protection. I’ve worn it on chilly 35 degree trail runs and rainy 50 degree hikes. Depending on how you layer, the waterproof and windproof membrane does an excellent job of keeping the elements at bay.
GORE-TEX fabric is highly breathable, but in Utah’s climate, you’d likely choose something like the R3 Partial GORE-TEX Infinium Jacket, which offers even more breathability under the most extreme aerobic conditions. But what makes the Concurve Jacket great is the balance it offers between weather protection, lightweight, and breathability. It’s light enough to pack away anywhere, and easy to access just in time for those inevitable Rocky Mountain summer thunderstorms. For the lightest weight, 360-degree weather protection, the GOREWEAR Concurve GORE-TEX Jacket is the clear choice.
The outer fabric should have more DWR.
Testing in the rain confirmed that the Gore-Tex is indeed waterproof, although the sleeves did tend to get a little wet for a brand new jacket. Again, this is just the outer fabric, so nothing penetrates to the inside, but I would have liked the pre-made DWR to offer a bit more protection.
Fit: I’m 5’11”, 175 lbs and wearing a size large. Upon arrival, I realized I should have gone for the medium.
BUY NOW: Available from GOREWEAR
Conclusion
9.0 Lightweight and protective
GOREWEAR brings you the best of GORE-TEX. The Concurve is built for ultimate protection while trail running and hiking. Not only is it lightweight and packs up small, it’s also waterproof and breathable, even during the most intense workouts.
Pros: Super lightweight protection. Rolls up to the size of a soda can. Fully waterproof and breathable (really). Fully featured yet as simple as possible. Stretchy enough to expand and contract with you. Cons: Pockets are oddly attached to the inside. Magnetic hood is an innovation no one asked for. DWR could be stronger (it’s fully waterproof, though).
Mobility 9
Breathability 9
Feature 9
Fit 9
Aesthetics 9
Value 9
