I got my first look at Gore’s new C-Knit backer technology around this time last year in Yosemite. As autumn slowly rolls in across the country, the first C-Knit pieces are beginning to hit the market.
Gore’s new C-Knit backer is made from a tuck and stitch circular knit nylon—very similar to a pair of panty hose. This backer can be paired with 22 different laminates featuring Gore-Tex’s most proven membrane and a variety of nylon face fabrics (including stretch nylon) ranging from 12 denier to 140 denier in weight. This wide variety of laminate combinations means you have a multifunctional fabric technology that can be used across a range of activities. For example, the Arc’teryx Norvan, which is meant for running or biking, uses a 20 denier nylon face fabric, making it ultimately more lightweight and breathable than the Zeta AR which uses a 70 denier face fabric and is meant for hiking.
Gore claims C-Knit is generally softer, lighter, and more breathable yet just as durably waterproof as traditional tricot backed products. I wore my C-Knit jacket (not sure the exact laminate used) throughout the fall and winter last year and found it incredibly comfortable next to skin, while breathable enough for activities such as cool and wet weather hiking.
Here are ten of our favorite pieces using Gore C-Knit this season.
Arc’teryx Zeta Jacket ($399 for LT and $450 for AR) : Made from a 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric with C-Knit backer technology and built for trekking or hiking, the Zeta features WaterTight pit zippers on the AR version,with both using a low profile StormHood, hip length drop back hem, internal laminated pocket, and two hand pockets with WaterTight zippers.
Arc’teryx Norvan Jacket ($325) : Built for running or other high output activities in wet and windy weather, this 3-layer Gore-Tex jacket with C-Knit features a fitted hood, Venturi style vents under the arm to provide continuous airflow, a WaterTight front zipper, internal laminated zippered pocket, and reflective blades for added visibility.
Dyanfit Yotei ($600 for the jacket and $550 for the pants) : These 3-layer Gore-Tex C-Knit pieces are purpose built for freeride touring. The jacket features roomy chest pockets to accommodate skins, a removable mesh powder skirt, and an ergonomic wrist cuff for fast transitions.
Marmot Cerro Torre ($450) : Built from 3-layer Gore-Tex C-Knit, this alpine shell features a helmet compatible gale-force hood with laminated wire brim, pit zips, water-resistant front zip, pack compatible pockets, and an interior zippered pocket.
Millet Elevation ($430) : Built for technical mountaineering and alpine ascents, this 3-layer Gore-Tex C-Knit jacket has been paired down to just one zippered chest pocket and a zipped inside pocket with a helmet compatible mountaineering hood.
OR Furio ($375 for the jacket and $345 for the pants) : This hybrid jacket uses lightweight, breathable 70D Gore-Tex with Paclite product technology in the body and Gore-Tex C-Knit reinforcement on the shoulders, hood, and hips. The pants use the same hybrid construction with Gore-Tex C-Knit strategically placed to reinforce the seat and knees.
Patagonia Refugitive ($499) : For those high country adventures, this jacket uses a couple different density Gore-Tex laminates with C-Knit backer throughout. Two high waterproof handwarmer pockets, chest pocket, internal chest pocket and stuff pocket offer plenty of room to stow gear on the mountain. Two-way pit zips give you quick venting options.
