Here’s some good news: as of March 1, 2026, all Arc’teryx Gore-Tex products sold in Australia and New Zealand use ePE membranes.
Now, you may well be asking: what’s an ePE membrane, and why is that good news?
A little backstory helps.
The development of waterproof-breathable garments—most notably by Gore, the maker of Gore-Tex—has been one of the biggest outdoor gear advances of the past 50 years. It’s remarkable technology, allowing rain to stay out while letting perspiration escape through billions of microscopic pores that are invisible to the naked eye.
But historically, that technology came with something else we couldn’t see: PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).
Wild has covered PFAS before, but in short, these chemicals can be toxic, carcinogenic and disruptive to hormonal, reproductive and immune systems. They also don’t readily break down in the environment, earning the nickname “forever chemicals”.
It became increasingly clear that, despite their effectiveness, PFAS use needed to be reduced wherever possible.
Historically, PFAS compounds have been integral to waterproof-breathable membranes such as Gore-Tex. Traditional Gore-Tex membranes were made from ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene), a PFAS-based material that forms the waterproof layer sandwiched between a garment’s face fabric and inner lining.
The challenge has been that PFAS compounds work exceptionally well across a wide range of products, from cookware to technical outerwear, making alternatives difficult to develop.
In recent years, however, Gore has made significant advances. One of the most notable is the development of its ePE membrane, with Arc’teryx—alongside companies such as Patagonia—an early investor in the technology.
Like traditional ePTFE Gore-Tex, ePE contains approximately 1.4 billion pores per square centimetre, delivering comparable waterproof and breathable performance. Unlike ePTFE, however, ePE contains no intentionally added PFAS.
Compared to earlier membrane technologies, ePE also has a lower environmental footprint and is roughly half the thickness, enabling lighter-weight garments overall.
For brands like Arc’teryx, this has allowed the creation of products that remain highly durable while becoming thinner, lighter, quieter and more supple. The first Arc’teryx garments using ePE technology arrived in Australian and New Zealand markets in 2024.
Goodbye forever chemicals. Hello thinner, lighter, quieter hardshells.
One important element worth discussing is DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatments.
DWR treatments allow water to bead on the outer fabric of waterproof garments, helping maintain breathability by preventing the face fabric from becoming saturated.
Historically, DWR treatments used on ePTFE garments relied on long-chain PFAS compounds. More recently, Arc’teryx and other manufacturers transitioned to less harmful FC6 treatments, though these still contained PFAS.
With ePE products, Arc’teryx has moved to an FC0 DWR treatment free from intentionally added PFAS.
There is a trade-off, however. The newer FC0 treatment is less resistant to oil contamination than previous versions, meaning garments can “wet out” more quickly. While this doesn’t compromise the waterproof performance of the ePE membrane itself, it can reduce breathability.
As a result, ePE garments benefit from more frequent washing and drying to remove contaminants and restore DWR effectiveness.
Development hasn’t stopped there.
In February this year, Arc’teryx released Gore-Tex Pro ePE products. These garments use the same PFAS-free ePE membrane but pair it with a different range of rugged recycled face fabrics and backers designed to maximise durability and performance.
While standard Gore-Tex ePE products are more than capable for most outdoor adventures, Gore-Tex Pro ePE is intended for extended and demanding missions.
The difference is significant. Standard Gore-Tex ePE garments are tested against rainfall rates of 76mm per hour. Gore-Tex Pro ePE garments—including Arc’teryx’s Rush, Beta AR and Alpha SV ranges—must withstand rainfall rates of 550mm per hour, combined with gale-force winds.
Abrasion resistance is also substantially higher. Gore-Tex Pro ePE products must survive a minimum of 20,000 cycles in the Martindale abrasion test, compared with 5,000 cycles for standard Gore-Tex ePE products.
Arc’teryx also conducts its own testing protocols beyond industry requirements and extensively field-tests products in the rugged, wet and demanding conditions of British Columbia’s Coast Mountains.
Not everyone will need Gore-Tex Pro ePE. For many—if not most—outdoor users, standard Gore-Tex ePE will be more than sufficient.
But for those seeking the highest levels of weather protection and durability, it’s good to know the option exists.
And keep an eye out for a review of the Arc’teryx Rush Jacket and Bib in an upcoming issue of WILD.
For more information visit Arcteryx Australia.
If you liked this piece, subscribe to the print mag. Only a fraction of the great stories we run in the mag make it to our website; if you want to read them, head to subscribe.wild.com.au.
