Ah, Colorado weather!  One minute sunshine, the next wind and snow.  With such unpredictability, weatherproof apparel is a must.  On windy day with alternating sunshine and snow, I tried out the new GORE® Wear, developed for cross country (XC) skiing.  The collection includes dozen of other multifunctional windproof products, ranging from baselayers, socks and headbands to insulating pants.  I tried the Windstopper pants and a cute multi functional blue and black zip-up jacket.

Technical Specifications

The products comprising the collection have been engineered with the newest GORE® WINDSTOPPER® technologies.  Features include the following:

– Durable outer fabric treatment provides water repellency

– Stretch materials and an aerodynamic design for comfort

– Windproof membrane provides protection of the body’s warmth

– Compliance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and bluesign standards, so you know they’re safe to wear and environmentally sound.

Testing Conditions

The Gore Windstopper products were tested several times.  The most extensive testing came on a day hike in the foothills on a typical sunny/snowy/windy day.  I wanted to get some fresh air despite the wind.  I figured that a windy day would provide perfect conditions to see if the windproof material really works.

My Take on the Windproof items

I wore a wool base layer beneath the Windstopper windproof jacket, and the pants by themselves.  Though the temperature never got above 45 degrees, I felt warm and protected.  The wind whipped my face despite my diligent moisturizing sunscreen application.   However, my face was the only part of my body that felt chilly and exposed.  The Windstopper gear did its trick.   I took advantage of the zippered pockets that the jacket features.  My keys and phone were safely tucked away there.  I also appreciated the articulated knees and zippers at the bottom of the pants, which allowed me to put them on over my socks and boots.

Room for Improvement

The jacket definitely kept the windy chill away, but it was not particularly cozy.  I am partial to cozy items and fuzzy lining.  This jacket was not lined, so it would not feel soft if you wore it without a layer beneath.  The pants were great, but I wish they came in various inseams.  The pants only have about a 32″ inseam at most, so on me they looked like I accidentally shrunk them in the wash.  Both the jacket and pants fit a little smaller than normal.  I’m usually a medium.  The medium jacket fit well, but I had to size up in the pants.  Overall, I thought these were durable and functional windproof pieces which will come in handy on windy days!