Merrell Waterproof vs Gore Tex | Which Is Better?
In this article, I will be giving my HONEST Take on Merrell waterproof vs gore tex waterproof membranes. We will be reviewing and comparing the pros and cons of both 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 Merrell waterproof on the Merrell Moab 3 hiking boots. I tested the gore tex waterproof membrane on several hiking boots such as the Hoka Kaha 2, Hoka Anacapa 2, Moab 3 (gore tex version) and Salomon X 4 Ultra. At the end, as a experienced mountain guide, I’ll give my professional and honest opinion.
Merrell waterproof vs gore tex has been a popular debate among many hikers. Merrell waterproof is a in-house manufactured waterproof membrane manufactured by the Merrell company specifically for their hiking boots. What is great about the Moab 3 is that it comes in both a Merrell waterproof version and Gore-tex version which we have tested both.
Gore tex is a United States company with a rich history in developing specialized waterproof membrane, and outsources its gore tex technology to numerous popular brands, including Salomon, Hoka, and many others. In this contrast, we will only focus on hiking boots.
Merrell Waterproof vs Gore Tex Waterproof Membranes
The Merrell waterproof membrane was designed for the Moab 3 which also interestingly enough contains a gore tex version as well.
The price difference is $20 with the Gore-Tex being more expensive. We will discover in this article which one is better and is the $ 20 extra dollars worth it for the gore tex version.
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. Merrell does not specify EXACTLY what material makes up their waterproof membrane but they do state the mesh lining(which makes up the waterproof membrane) is 100% recyclable.
Order the Merrell Moab 3 for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Waterproofness
One feature about the Merrell Waterproof membrane is Merrell designed this waterproof membrane specifically for hiking boots. This shows the company's dedication to improve the waterproof membrane and upholding promises they make to their customers.
That being said, while testing the waterproofness of the Merrell waterproof I performed my 10 minute submersion test in water with my Moab 3 with and without the gore tex membrane(I have both versions of the boot). Both revealed excellent water seal with no leakage of any water whatsoever.
Both these membranes have excellent waterproofness with no issues.
Merrell waterproof: 5 out of 5
Gore tex waterproofness: 5 out of 5
Winner: Tie
Breathability
When discussing waterproof membranes issues arise with breathability when it comes to waterproof membranes. The thicker the membrane the higher the risk of heat and sweat getting trapped in the boot. Both of these waterproof membranes are manufactured to allow vapor to leave while keeping water out, but how true is that?
What put my testing at an advantage was I used the same hiking boot, the Moab 3 with and without the Gore-Tex membrane. The version of the Moab 3 that does not have the Gore-Tex membrane has the Merrell waterproof membrane. This allowed testing conditions to be very similar.
I noticed the biggest difference while hiking in the summer. The Moab 3 that contains the Merrell waterproof membrane has much better breathability compared to the gore tex. In the summer I usually put my Gore tex hiking boots away, and prefer other hiking boots with different waterproof membranes that have better breathability such as the Keen Targhee IV or Moab 3 without Gore tex.
Merrell Waterproof Breathability: 5 out of 5
Gore tex Breathability : 4 out of 5
Winner: Merrell Waterproof
Durability
Both of these waterproof membranes are durable. I have not noticed any physical breakdown nor decreased waterproofness since I purchased both these boots. Both waterproof membranes are made with excellent materials and should last you years without issues pertaining to durability.
Merrell Waterproof Durability: 5 out of 5
Gore tex Durability: 5 out of 5
Winner: Tie
Merrell Waterproof 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. As you can see this was a close draw however the marrow waterproof membrane is slightly more breathable than Gore-tex.
I also love the fact that Merrell makes their own in-house waterproof membrane. A company that takes the time to manufacture their own waterproof membrane shows their dedication to improve in each version of the hiking boot rather than outsourcing.
So is it worth purchasing the Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex version that is $20 more than the waterproof version? We do not think it's worth it as the waterproof membrane is just as good in every category and has better breathability. My recommendation is to save your money and purchase the Merrell Moab 3 with the Merrell waterproof membrane.
Order the Merrell Moab 3 for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hiking boots are most waterproof?
The Merrell Moab 3 are one of the best waterproof boots on the market, others to consider are the Hoka Kaha 2 , Hoka Anacapa 2, and Keen Targhee IV.
Adventure Awaits,
Tyler