GORE-TEX Has Their Own Outerwear Line Solely For Rentals

We wouldn’t fault you if you didn’t know that GORE-TEX has their own outerwear line, because we didn’t even know that GORE-TEX has their own outerwear line. We thought they were just making the fabric that other companies used for their outerwear. But they do have one line of their own. One line that, if you’re one of the many skiers/snowboarders who prefers to purchase your own jackets and snow pants, you’ll likely never wear.

The GORE-TEX Rental line includes just four items, two jackets (one women’s, one men’s) and two pairs of snow pants (again, on women’s, one men’s). As their name implies, they are designed for the GORE-TEX Outerwear On Demand rental program. They are not available for purchase. Available in several colors, the GORE-TEX rental line is damn simple, and the only branding is that of GORE-TEX. If you ask me, I’d say they look pretty sweet for rental gear.

GORE-TEX Outerwear On Demand is available through several companies like EVO and Christy Sports, providing access to high quality rental gear across North America. Access to rental programs at each location are available through their own individual websites, but a list of where and through who the program is available can be found here.

Should You Be Renting Outerwear?

The big question, of course, is whether or not you should be renting your ski jacket and snow pants on your next ski trip. Unsurprisingly, this isn’t a simple yes or no question, and you need to consider a few things before making a decision.

Who’s the rental for? If you’re worried about kids outgrowing their jacket way too quickly, rentals are a great option. That said, if you plan on taking them skiing multiple times throughout the year, look for a season long rental program, or at least consider the price of several rentals versus just purchasing the gear.

If it’s just for you and you aren’t growing much anymore (at least not vertically), consider how much you plan on skiing over the next few years. Both jackets and snow pants can (and should) last a good several years, so a few hundred dollars to own your own versus a few hundred dollars to rent every time you go should be though over. It’s not all that different than deciding whether or not to rent skis and boots.

If it’s your first time skiing or snowboarding and you want to commit as little money as possible, in case you wind up hating it, renting is a great move! Just like ski and boot rentals, outerwear rentals are great for the beginners.

A major thing to consider is how customizable your ski fit is while renting jackets and snow pants. They may not want to admit it, but what we wear matters to every skier and snowboarder on the mountain, even the dudes wearing the same gear that they used back in the 80s. Fit and style is different for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay (unless you like skiing in jeans unironically. We see you, and we don’t like you).