Technology · W. L. Gore & Associates
GORE-TEX PACLITE
Gore's lightweight, packable PACLITE family. The documented 2.5-layer construction and abrasion-resistant inner treatment described here apply specifically to PACLITE PLUS.
Quick answer
Gore describes PACLITE PLUS as a minimalist 2.5-layer laminate: resistant outer face textiles are laminated to the GORE-TEX membrane, with a protective coating and additional abrasion-resistant inner treatment instead of a separate lining. Gore presents it as lightweight and packable for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. These details are specific to PLUS; the cited material does not establish a general comfort or durability ranking against 3-layer constructions.
What the construction is
Gore defines PACLITE PLUS as a minimalist 2.5-layer construction: the GORE-TEX membrane is laminated to the outer face textile, and its inner face carries a protective coating plus an abrasion-resistant treatment, so no separate lining is needed. That inner treatment is the 'half layer' in the layer count.
Gore states the design intent plainly: packable and lightweight, a back-up shell that does not take much space in a backpack, made for mountaineering, trekking and hiking.
Choosing a garment, not ranking layer counts
PACLITE PLUS uses a protective inner treatment instead of a separate lining. Absence of a manufacturer claim of parity with 3-layer garments is not evidence of inferior durability or comfort. Compare the exact garments and try the inner surface over your usual layers; we have not physically tested them.
Gore presents PACLITE PLUS as a packable back-up shell. That does not establish that every PACLITE garment is unsuitable for daily pack use or has a shorter service life. Check the garment maker's intended use, face textile, features and care instructions.
Related guides: hydrostatic head · waterproof ratings · MVTR · 2L vs 2.5L vs 3L · GORE-TEX vs other membranes
Manufacturer specification
Published figures only — nothing estimated
- Owner
- W. L. Gore & Associates
- Membrane type
- PACLITE PLUS: GORE-TEX membrane with a protective coating and additional abrasion-resistant inner treatment (2.5-layer)
- Construction options
- 2.5L
- Waterproof rating
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- Breathability rating
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- Air permeability
- Not publicly specified by manufacturer
- Typical price segment
- Mid to upper mid, depending on the garment.
- Weight characteristics
- Gore describes PACLITE PLUS as lightweight and packable; finished garment weight depends on the design.
- Durability characteristics
- Gore describes PACLITE PLUS as abrasion-resistant and designed for long product life. No like-for-like service-life comparison with 3-layer garments is established by the cited documentation.
- DWR requirements
- Face fabrics carry a durable water repellent finish. Repellency wears off with use and needs reproofing; the membrane itself is unaffected.
- PFAS / PFC information
- Check the current season's material declaration. Many brands have moved to PFAS-free repellent finishes, and platforms differ by year and by garment.
WaterproofJacket.com assessment
Our editorial analysis, not a manufacturer claim
Main advantages
- PACLITE PLUS is designed to be lightweight and packable
- PACLITE PLUS needs no separate lining
Main disadvantages
- The cited PLUS documentation does not establish a like-for-like comfort or durability comparison with other constructions
Best uses
- PACLITE PLUS: back-up shell for mountaineering, trekking and hiking
Care instructions
- Follow the garment label and official care instructions. Use the specified cleaner; Gore permits a small amount of suitable liquid detergent for conventional GORE-TEX outerwear. Avoid products those instructions prohibit.
- For DWR-finished garments, clean first and reproof only if needed, following garment and treatment instructions. Do not apply DWR to persistent-beading constructions such as SHAKEDRY.
- Tumble dry warm or press with a cool iron under a cloth if the care label allows, to reactivate the finish.
Sources
Official documentation and standards we relied on