Weather-Shedding

The One Jacket features Gore-Tex Active Shakedry fabric, the lightest waterproof fabric available. The surface of the jacket is “permanently beading,” depending on the microscopic structure of the fabric itself to shed water as opposed to a DWR treatment used on conventional waterproof apparel. As a result, the whole of the fabric and seams are watertight, save the front zipper. Gore places a strip of fabric behind the zipper to help protect the user from precipitation, which proved slightly more effective than Arc’teryx’s WaterTight zipper design. The Gore One ranked third among our test jackets in terms of weather-shedding ability in our shower test.

Breathability

Thanks to Gore-Tex’s remarkably thin Active Shakedry fabric, the One Jacket is outrageously breathable. This can be attributed to the jacket’s beading surface, which keeps precipitation from blocking the pores that allow perspiration to escape. The Gore One tied for first place in the breathability component of our test with the Arc’teryx SL Hoody, which uses the same waterproof-breathable membrane.

Function

The single chest pocket on the One conveniently stores personal items and doubles as the jacket’s stuff sack. Testers found the pocket could fit a phone and wallet, but too much cargo meant the jacket began to pull awkwardly on the shoulders. Gore uses slightly elasticized fabric in the cuffs, waist, and along the sides of the hood to hold the jacket in place while on the move. Unlike the Arc’teryx Norvan SL Hoody, the One Jacket does not have a mechanism to store the hood.

Fit/Comfort

The Gore One is very comfortable against the skin or over a thin insulating layer. It fits slim, but not tight, best for ectomorphic body types. The shoulders fit without excess fabric, making them appropriate for arm movement while running, but somewhat limiting with arms in front, such as while cycling. Athletes with larger upper bodies should consider one size above their standard size to allow for room in the chest and shoulders.

Packability

Lightweight zippers and minimalist features keep the One’s payload at a mere 4.1 ounces, the lightest waterproof shell in our testing line-up. Our testers rated the One Jacket near perfectly, given its weight and self-stowing pocket.

The jackets in this test underwent three months of road and trail runs in Victoria, BC. Additional testing included use on ski tours, road rides and use around town. Each jacket was subject to waterproofness testing in the shower to determine if leaking occurred.