Is Dermizax the New Gore-Tex?

This waterproof membrane from Japan has unique traits that make it worth adding to your lexicon.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:45pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, highly structured painting in muted earth tones depicting the intricate geometric patterns and spiraling forms that make up the Dermizax waterproof membrane, visualizing its technical innovation and performance capabilities.A conceptual illustration of the advanced molecular structure and moisture-wicking properties that make Dermizax a compelling alternative to traditional waterproof fabrics.Cambridge Today

In the world of gear waterproofing, Gore-Tex is the industry standard, but a new membrane called Dermizax from Japan is emerging as a strong competitor. Dermizax offers a balance of waterproofing, breathability, weight, and stretch that makes it an attractive option for active outdoor enthusiasts.

Why it matters

As consumers demand more performance and versatility from their technical outerwear, brands are exploring alternative waterproof membranes like Dermizax that can provide a unique set of benefits compared to the ubiquitous Gore-Tex. This competition in the market drives innovation and gives consumers more choices to find the right gear for their needs.

The details

Dermizax is a 2.75-layer fabric that provides waterproofing and breathability without the bulk and clammy feel of traditional 2-layer or 3-layer waterproof jackets. It uses a patterned print applied directly to the inside of the membrane to protect it from abrasion and create a smooth, matte feel against the skin. This allows Dermizax jackets to be lighter than true 3-layer designs while offering more comfort and airflow than 2.5-layer options. Dermizax also has mechanical stretch, meaning the fabric itself is stretchy without the need for added elastane or spandex.

  • Toray, the manufacturer of Dermizax, has been developing the fabric for several years.
  • Brands like Outdoor Research and Path Projects have recently started incorporating Dermizax into their latest waterproof jacket designs.

The players

Toray

The Japanese company that manufactures the Dermizax waterproof membrane.

Stellar Equipment

A Scandinavian outerwear brand that specializes in modular layering systems and uses Dermizax in some of its jackets.

Path Projects

A running apparel brand that has incorporated Dermizax NX into its Stratus waterproof jacket.

Outdoor Research

An outdoor gear company that evaluated Dermizax and other waterproof fabrics when revamping its Helium UL line of lightweight rain jackets.

Charlie Berg

A senior product manager at Outdoor Research.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We care a lot about not feeling like you're wearing a stiff, crinkly plastic bag. Quietness and a nice feel to it matters a lot. You notice the hand feel the first time you touch it, and it affects how much you end up using it.”

— John Crawford-Currie, Founder, Stellar Equipment

“Outside of lab numbers, what ultimately matters is real-world athlete feedback. Our athletes consistently raved about the Dermizax NX membrane's ability to move moisture vapor from inside the jacket to outside during testing.”

— Brian Rather, Co-founder, Path Projects

“Having waterproofing and breathability is always a compromise. If you use a hardshell for high output, eventually you'll start feeling wet on the inside.”

— John Crawford-Currie, Founder, Stellar Equipment

“Gore-Tex has some fabrics that are lightweight and breathable, but they're pretty expensive. To use the Gore-Tex fabrics that would put us in the weight range that we wanted to stay within, the garment would cost at least 50 percent more.”

— Charlie Berg, Senior Product Manager, Outdoor Research

“Our goal was to build a waterproof jacket that met the mandatory gear requirements for UTMB races, packed as small as possible, and used a highly breathable membrane. From all of our field testing, the Stratus performed exceptionally. We believe we landed on the optimal price-to-performance balance.”

— Brian Rather, Co-founder, Path Projects

What’s next

Brands will likely continue to explore Dermizax and other alternative waterproof membranes as they seek to provide consumers with the optimal balance of protection, breathability, weight, and cost in their technical outerwear.

The takeaway

As the outdoor gear market evolves, innovative waterproof fabrics like Dermizax are emerging as viable alternatives to the industry standard Gore-Tex, giving consumers more choices to find the right balance of performance and value in their technical apparel.