Whether you're lacing up your shoes or hopping on your bike, a waterproof yet breathable shell is a must, but extra weight is a non-starter.
Lucky for you, the GORE-TEX Active products with NEW Permanent Beading Surface are the most breathable, lightweight products in the market today, providing the moisture protection now synonymous with the brand.
What makes these products different from traditional outdoor gear? First, to shed weight, the brand eliminated the face fabric—the outermost layer of material—which traditionally sits on top of the waterproof and windproof membrane. Though treated for water repellency, as face fabric wears over time, it begins to absorb moisture, adding weight. By nixing the face fabric, these garments carve off multiple grams, which can make all of the difference when you're out in the elements and need to stay lithe and unencumbered.
The garment is still able to repel water completely via its permanent beading surface, which contains pores too small to let water in, but large enough to allow sweat vapors to escape.
"What makes this product unique is the membrane is on the outside," says Johannes Ebert, a product specialist for the GORE-TEX brand, and an avid trail runner. "It's then bonded to a lightweight lining with an extremely light backer textile for great next-to-skin comfort." The garment is still able to repel water completely via its permanent beading surface, which contains pores too small to let water in, but large enough to allow sweat vapors to escape. The new line was created for aerobic athletes and tested across a wide spectrum of heavy weather conditions, from wet days in the Pacific Northwest to the hills of the Alps. "Because it's so lightweight and comfortable," says Ebert, "athletes can wear it rain or shine." 
But perhaps the new products' best feature is its convenience. Take a cue from your favorite canine trail companions and simply shake your gear to remove all moisture on the exterior, then hang or pack it away. Whether your next workout is a slog through a rainy day run or a sweat-inducing, challenging cycle route, GORE-TEX Active products with NEW Permanent Beading Surface will keep you light, dry, and feeling good.
