Keen.dry vs Gore tex | Which Is Better?

In this article, I will be giving my HONEST Take on keen.dry vs gore tex waterproof membranes. We will be reviewing and comparing the pros and cons of both rubber waterproof membranes in terms of waterproofness, breathability, and durability, and I will be giving my honest take on which waterproof membrane is better.

I’ve spent hundreds of hours testing each waterproof membrane on different hiking boots. I’ve previously tested the keen.dry on the keen targhee IV and III hiking boots. I tested the gore tex waterproof membrane on several hiking boots such as the Hoka Kaha 2, Hoka Anacapa 2, and Salomon X 4 Ultra. At the end, as a experienced mountain guide, I’ll give my professional and honest opinion.

Keen.dry vs gore tex has been a popular debate among many hikers.Keen.dry is a in-house waterproof membrane manufactured by the Keen company specifically for their hiking boots . Gore tex a United States company with a rich history in developing specialized waterproof membrane, outsources its gore tex technology to numerous popular brands, including Merrell, Hoka, and many others. In this contrast, we will only focus on hiking boots.

Keen.dry vs Gore Tex Waterproof Membranes

Keen.dry is featured in all Keen hiking boots. Keen specifically designed the enhanced keen.dry formula hiking boot usage. Gore tex was developed as a waterproof membrane for hiking boots as well as clothing. 

The main ingredient of gore tex is expanded PTFE, allowing vapors to leave (such sweat),but not letting water in, garnering it’s great waterproof ability. Keen does not specify EXACTLY what material makes up the keen.dry membrane but they do state it is PFAS-free which is known to be terrible for our environment. Keen tests their keen.dry membrane via 3rd party testing, with specific measures to ensure there is a waterproof tight seal.

Waterproofness 

One feature I love about the Keen.dry is their waterproof membrane is made specifically for their hiking boots only. I think it’s easy for a company to outsource it’s waterproof membrane to someone like gore tex. This is a similar discussion I had in my previous Merrell Moab 3 review, in which I acknowledged their ability to make their own in-house waterproof membrane. 

When a company makes an initiative to make their own in-house it shows their dedication to customers for continuous specialized improvement.

That being said, while testing the waterproofness of the keen.dry I performed my 10 minute submersion test in water with my keen hiking boots. I did this for both the Keen Targhee III and IV. Both revealed excellent water seal with no leakage of any water whatsoever.

Compared to the gore tex membrane, I performed the same 10 minute submersion test with the boots that have the gore tex membrane as mentioned above. Same results as the keen.dry no leakage with a great water seal.

Both these membranes have excellent waterproofness with no issues.

Keen.dry waterproofness: 5 out of 5

Gore tex waterproofness: 5 out of 5

Winner: Tie

Breathability 

When it comes to waterproof membranes, one issue that arises is reduced breathability of the hiking boot. A thick membrane that keeps out water will not allow sweat or heat to leave the boot. Both of these waterproof membranes are manufactured to allow vapor to leave while keeping water out, but how true is that?

While testing the keen.dry on two different hiking boots I noted the enhanced breathability as compared to gore tex. While hiking in the summer, the difference is palpable. The Keen Targhee IV has great breathability and I would suggest even using these as summer hiking boots. I did not notice any excess sweat or uncomfortability you would experience in the summer heat. 

The gore tex membrane can become uncomfortable in warmer weather, I personally experienced this while testing the Hoka Kaha 2. Gore tex membranes seem to be thicker, and therefore less breathability when compared to the keen.dry. 

Keen.dry Breathability: 5 out of 5

Gore tex Breathability : 4 out of 5

Winner: Keen.Dry

Durability

Both of these waterproof membranes have been quite durable. Things I look for in terms of durability is signs of physical breakdown(you can quite literally see the breakdown), or reduced waterproofness compared to when you first purchased the boots. 

I did not notice physical signs of breakdown, or reduced waterproofness for either waterproof membrane. To say both of these waterproof membranes will last you quite a long time and are made of quality materials is an understatement. I can attest to this by testing more than one model of the keen.dry and gore tex each over years. 

Keen.dry Durability: 5 out of 5

Gore tex Durability: 5 out of 5

Winner: Tie

Keen.Dry vs Gore Tex | Which one is better?

I must begin by saying that both of these waterproof membranes, crafted from high-quality materials, significantly enhance your hiking experience. Both are durable and have excellent waterproofness; hence, both have the same score of 5 out of 5 for these categories. I will say the keen.dry has better breathability for sure, than the gore tex. However, the gore tex comes in a close second.

Keen has an advantage over gore tex because they manufacture keen.dry themselves. They are in control of their manufacturing and can serve the customer better with enhanced technology and upgrades based on previous defects. Anyone looking to improve their trail performance should try both of these waterproof membranes. 

Both keen.dry and gore tex have gotten me through a variety of long treks and treacherous terrain. I can gladly say I've put in the time and effort into testing both of these waterproof membranes, and they are both high quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Keen dry waterproof?

Yes, keen.dry are waterproof, this is the waterproof membrane in all of their hiking boots. 

Is There Something Better Than Gore Tex?

Yes! As we stated in the article above, keen.dry are more breathable than the gore tex waterproof membrane. 

What is unique about the Keen.Dry membrane?

What is most unique about the keen.dry membrane is that it is manufactured by keen themselves. This shows dedication to continual improvement to the customer, rather than outsourcing the waterproof membrane.