While the GOREWEAR brand is more commonly associated with waterproof winter gear and tight-fitting road cycling apparel, the company has taken a new aim at bringing its waterproof technology to the mountain biking industry. Having recently gotten to try the new Fernflow and Endure pants along with the Lupra Jacket, my perception of GOREWEAR has shifted to include mountain bikers as well. With several months of use in various riding conditions, I have compiled my thoughts for riders looking to update their wet riding gear.
One of my co-workers recently described riding pants as the new, “Mountain Biker Uniform” and I think that’s a spot on description. While riders have shifted away from the thick moto-inspired pants of the 2000’s, lightweight pants have taken their place and then some. The new generation of mountain biking pants are pedal friendly and can be regularly seen at any trail head, even in the middle of summer.
WINDSTOPPER Technology
The Fernflow pants fit right into this lightweight trail riding category, and I’ve quickly fallen in love with them for their comfortability year round. GORE utilizes top-shelf fabrics, and the Fernflow pants are no exception, featuring their WINDSTOPPER fabric. The outer layer of WINDSTOPPER fabric blocks wind from permeating the material, while its breathable membranes allow vapors to escape, keeping temperatures balanced for the duration of a ride. A durable treatment to the outermost layer helps guard against wind chills and is highly water resistant. While it’s not a fully waterproof material like GORE-TEX, it is great for defending against the occasional puddle splash or light misting. Two side zipper vents allow for additional cooling if things get too warm and you need to shed some heat.
Fit / Riding Impressions
At 6’0'' tall, I’d describe my body type as “long and spindly.” It’s not uncommon for me to find a pair of pants that fit around the waist (size 31-32) but come up short in length, exposing my ankles. However, the Fernflow pants have an extended cut that is very appreciated for taller riders like myself. I wear the size medium in these pants and have no issues with the fit around the waist while still having plenty of leg length for my longer inseam. For riders that fall between sizes, the Fernflow features an adjustable waist to fine-tune their fit.
The Fernflow’s have a wide cut in the thigh/knee area, making them compatible with knee pads while also having a tapered calve, avoiding any material getting caught up in the drivetrain. I’ve noticed a recent trend of some riding pants having exceptionally skinny ankles, making them almost impossible to get off. The folks at GORE have avoided such a design flaw, with the Fernflows having just enough give for getting them on/off while maintaining a tight taper to the claves. These pants also feature a large ankle zipper, allowing riders to take knee pads on and off without completely removing one’s pants. This feature is great when you finish a long ride and can’t wait to get your sweaty knee pads off before enjoying some post-ride beverages. No one wants to see you de-pants yourself in the parking lot!
Tech Specs
Material: GORE-TEX INFINIUM
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Breathable: Yes
Adjustable Waistband: Yes
Features: Ankle zipper, waterproof side zip pocket, abrasion-resistant seat panel
“The goal was to develop very breathable, wind- and waterproof cycling pants. We focused on balancing durability and packability to enable versatile end uses - on your rainy home trail rides or as a backup plan on long tours” - GOREWEAR
Most waterproof gear is effective at keeping moisture from getting in but comes at the expense of not letting enough body heat out. Such a design flaw leads to overheating and the associated human stew of sweat inside your riding gear, both a gross and highly uncomfortable sensation. For this reason, I’ve known people who refuse to ride in full waterproof gear, regardless of how torrential the rain is. Unlike these other stuffy options, the Endure pants are made with GORE’s Gore-Tex Paclite Plus material, which is very breathable, water and windproof, and highly packable! They feature a stowaway pocket that allows you to easily pack the pants into a tiny little ball for easy storage. Fully packed down, the Endure pants can be stored in a hip pack or S.W.A.T. style frame compartment for when the weather gets nasty, and you want to stay dry.
Fit / Riding Impressions
The Endure pants use a simple elastic waistband with a drawcord making it easy to pull them over shorts or even other riding pants if needing an emergency waterproof shell out on trail. Similar to the Fernflow pants, the Endure features a long ankle zipper, which makes changing and swapping knee pads straightforward. So, if you are someone who doesn’t want to ride in pants but does enjoy going out when the weather gets nasty, the Endure pants are a great option. Easy to throw in a pack and use in case of emergency. It's a good item if you like doing big backcountry mountain bike rides where you always need to be prepared.
I have the size medium in these pants, and like the Fernflow, they have a longer cut, which is appreciated, and some snap buttons near the ankles for easy on/off access. Packable, waterproof, and breathable. These are my new go-to when the weather is nasty, but I still want to ride. Also, they are an excellent item for big backcountry rides when being prepared is a must. Easy to toss in the bag and take out when needed.
Tech Specs
Material: GORE -TEX PACLITE PLUS
Breathable: Yes
Adjustable Waistband: Yes
Features: Ankle zipper, waterproof side zip pocket, abrasion-resistant seat panel
The last piece of GORE’s apparel I have been running is the Lupra Jacket. The Lupra utilizes the same WINDSTOPPER fabric as the Fernflow pants providing a jacket that is windproof, breathable, and water resistant. While this jacket is only rated as “water resistant”, I have ridden in some pretty wet weather with no issues staying dry. It would take a proper rainstorm to fully soak through the Lupra jacket. As far as breathability goes, I’d say this jacket is better than most. I have gotten pretty warm but have yet to sweat as profusely as those other waterproof riding jackets on the market.
The Lupra is fairly stretchy, allowing freedom of movement for the dynamic shapes required when riding a mountain bike. It’s also a quiet fabric. It's not something you would typically think about, but other wet weather jackets tend to sound like a bag of chips when you move around a lot. The Lupra jacket is nice and silent!
Fit / Sizing
One thing to note about these jackets is that the sizing is a little on the small side. I’ve been riding in a size MD, and it feels a touch smaller and shorter than most other brands' size MDs. So, if you often find yourself on the fence with sizing in other brands, I’d recommend sizing up.
Tech Specs
Material: Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper
Weather Proofing: Water Resistant
Breathable: Yes
Features: Taped seams, adjustable hem, reflective details, zippered pockets
Verdict
GOREWEAR's latest batch of cycling apparel has firmly staked itself as a viable option for any mountain biker looking to stay dry. Function over form, these products prioritize premium fabrics and well-thought-out features to keep riders dry and comfortable no matter the weather.
