TL;DR
Infidry 20K offers strong waterproofing at a mid-range price.
Designed by 686, Infidry 20K gives you a 20,000 mm waterproof rating with 15K–20K breathability. It’s a great fit for resort riding and cold-weather comfort, especially if you want simple insulation and weather protection built into one.Gore-Tex prioritizes durability, modular layering, and elite protection.
With a microporous membrane tested to 28,000+ mm waterproofing, Gore-Tex stands out for long-term exposure and high-output activity. It’s trusted by global outdoor brands for alpine missions, backcountry touring, and multi-hour snow sessions.Choose based on activity level and layering preference.
Infidry 20K is best for warm, insulated comfort in resort settings. Gore-Tex is better suited for layering, movement, and varied conditions. Both are solid, but serve different ride styles and priorities.
When it comes to staying dry and comfortable on the mountain, the quality of your outerwear’s waterproofing can make or break your day. Two well-known technologies in the snow sports world are Infidry 20K and Gore-Tex. While both are engineered to resist moisture and allow heat to escape, they operate on very different principles. This article breaks down how each system works, what sets them apart, and which type of rider or adventurer each is best suited for.
Understanding Infidry 20K
Infidry 20K is a proprietary waterproof-breathable membrane developed by 686, a snow-focused outerwear brand. The name refers directly to its hydrostatic head rating: 20,000 mm of water pressure resistance, which classifies it as highly waterproof. Alongside this, Infidry fabrics typically feature breathability ratings of 15,000 to 20,000 g/m²/24h, meaning they are capable of expelling sweat vapor at a fast enough rate to support moderate to high activity.
The membrane is integrated into multi-layer fabric constructions, often paired with additional functional features in 686 garments. Infidry was designed specifically for cold-weather sports like snowboarding and skiing, with a focus on balancing warmth and technical performance at a more accessible price point.
Many of 686’s designs using Infidry are counted among today’s top-tier ski jackets for winter riders who want technical performance without the premium price tag.
Key technical traits:
- 20K waterproof rating, ideal for wet snow and extended chairlift exposure
- Strong breathability range for aerobic movement
- Durable water-repellent treatment on outer fabrics to prevent saturation
- Generally integrated with insulated or structured shell designs
Infidry excels when used in resort riding, colder climates, or sidecountry environments where a rider may want reliable waterproofing but also appreciate some built-in warmth and comfort.
Understanding Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex is a globally recognized waterproof membrane developed by W. L. Gore & Associates. Unlike Infidry, Gore-Tex refers not to a numeric performance rating but to a family of engineered fabrics with a unique microporous membrane at the core. This membrane contains billions of tiny pores per square inch, each small enough to block water droplets but large enough to allow water vapor to pass through.
Gore-Tex is used by dozens of premium outdoor brands and comes in several variations, including Pro, Active, and Paclite, each with different weights, backer layers, and breathability targets. While Gore-Tex jackets do not publish official waterproof ratings, independent lab tests consistently place the membrane’s hydrostatic head at over 28,000 mm, placing it in the highest performance tier.
Key technical traits:
- Proven waterproof performance under sustained wet conditions
- High breathability in specific variants like Gore-Tex Active and Pro
- Long-term durability, especially in rugged 3-layer constructions
- Fully windproof, aiding thermal regulation in exposed environments
Gore-Tex is particularly valuable for riders, climbers, and hikers who expect prolonged exposure to wind, snow, and moisture in demanding terrain, often combined with high aerobic output.
How they compare
| Feature | Infidry 20K | Gore-Tex |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof rating | 20,000 mm hydrostatic head | Not disclosed, estimated 28,000 mm+ |
| Breathability | 15,000–20,000 g/m²/24h | Varies by model, high in Active/Pro |
| Membrane type | Polyurethane-based | Expanded ePTFE or ePE microporous |
| Fabric construction | Typically 2-layer or 3-layer | Available in 2L, 2.5L, and 3L builds |
| Durability | High for regular resort use | Extremely durable, suited for expeditions |
| Insulation | Often paired with built-in fill | Shell only, layering required |
| Price positioning | Mid-range | Premium |
| Brand availability | Exclusive to 686 | Used by multiple global brands |
If you’re dialing in a full kit, pairing your shell with reliable ski pants that match your climate and activity is just as important as your jacket.
Best use cases
- Infidry 20K is best for resort riders, casual backcountry users, or anyone looking for a waterproof and warm jacket that performs reliably without premium pricing. It balances performance with everyday comfort and ease of use.
- Gore-Tex is the better choice for advanced riders, mountaineers, and alpine skiers who expect multi-hour exposure to snow, wind, and internal moisture buildup. Its modular shell-based approach supports custom layering for different climates and activity levels.
Final summary
Both Infidry 20K and Gore-Tex serve the same essential purpose: keeping you dry while allowing your body to breathe. But they do so with different engineering and design priorities. Infidry 20K focuses on streamlined, insulated performance at an accessible cost, making it ideal for resort and recreational use. Gore-Tex prioritizes long-term durability, maximum waterproofing, and breathable efficiency in high-output and extreme environments.
Choosing between them depends on your preferred terrain, activity level, and whether you prioritize warmth and simplicity or modular layering and peak technical reliability. Either way, both are more than capable of helping you handle the snow.
Gore-Tex also leads in sustainability, with many products built using bluesign®-certified materials to reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance.
