GOREWEAR Concurve WINDSTOPPER Insulated Hooded Jacket Review

After a long run, GOREWEAR is shutting down in 2026. But, before turning off the lights, their spectacular lineup remains available and ready for purchase. One of their newest pieces is the GOREWEAR Concurve Insulated Hooded Jacket — and I’ve had it in the stable for a few months of hiking and trail running use/abuse. Its unique construction offers a spectacular mix of breathability and warmth during active use.

GOREWEAR Concurve WINDSTOPPER Insulated Hooded Jacket Features:

• ePE WINDSTOPPER® liner by GORE-TEX LABS
• Body-mapped PrimaLoft® Active Evolve insulation
• Recycled, lightweight nylon air permeable woven face fabric
• Windproof and reliably breathable
• Weight: 12  oz. (medium, actual)
• MSRP: $280 (on sale for less)

A mic drop?

GOREWEAR uses their brand to showcase the most advanced combination of materials — from GORE and other brand partners. In this case, the combination of a WINDSTOPPER liner and PrimaLoft Active insulation was strategically selected for the ultimate in active insulation and protection. With an outer shell that protects from light rain and snow, the entire package is built for trail running or other active pursuits in cold weather.

Admittedly, GOREWEAR has struggled with their sizing standards over the past few years. I selected a medium sample, a size which has been good for me lately, but this one is just a tad too small — particularly in the sleeves. It’s certainly usable, but I might suggest sizing up if you’re going to pick one of these up. In the photos, it doesn’t look too bad, but this size is also restrictive at the shoulders during more exaggerated arm and body movements. Normal trail running and hiking were pretty good.

As it was, the fit remained just right for active use — not extremely baggy, but roomy enough for some light layering. I have a zip-turtleneck layer that I commonly use for winter trail running and even that lightweight collar did make the Concurve’s collar a little snug when zipped. Designers chose to give the Concurve Insulated Hooded Jacket a “below chin” hood (a great choice here), so it stays out of the way when the hood is deployed. But, there’s no tucking your chin inside if you’re caught in a winter storm.

It’s worth noting that the zipper pulls and zipper placement is spot-on throughout this jacket. The front zippers go up/down with ease and the hand pockets do too — with or without gloves. And, the right hand pocket features a sweet phone sleeve to keep your phone upright in there. That feature alone is awesome and something that I’m surprised I haven’t seen elsewhere. I can slip my phone in there with ease and have the speaker facing upwards as I listen to podcasts on my hikes. It’s a great spot for walking and hiking, but a little bouncy for trail running.

Air-permeable whaaaat?

The interesting thing about this jacket is the face fabric was selected to be air permeable. This seems like a head-scratcher, but while it does let air into the middle layer, the DWR treatment keeps light rain out. You can see water beading up, but a steady rain will certainly overwhelm it.

Because the outer fabric allows airflow, the WINDSTOPPER lining keeps that air from hitting your body. Instead of this being the outer layer, it’s the innermost layer (again, a strategic move). The results of this unique construction allows the PrimaLoft Active insulation to disperse the wind while also dispersing perspiration that’s flowing through the WINDSTOPPER liner closest to my body. That micro-climate does wonders for moisture management and evaporation — even when under the most intense activity.

All of the above attributes do make for a slightly different feel when in use in the cold. You can feel the cold air hitting the lining as it’s filtered through the shell and PrimaLoft Active layer, so it feels a little chilly when stopped or moving at a slower pace. Once I’m running or hiking at a fast pace, the extreme breathability and moisture management outshines any coldness I might feel. Granted, this isn’t an extreme cold jacket, but I’ve loved it from the mid-20’s into the low-40’s and beyond. I’m honestly, really psyched at just how breathable this jacket is.

GOREWEAR also chose not to insulate the hood. It’s simply a cozy, lightly-brushed lining with the same outer fabric. That combination works well in such a low-profile hood as it behaves much like wearing a beanie. I dig how the hood stays out of the way when deployed. It also works great over a beanie or running cap as well.

The angled cuffs do offer added coverage on the back of the hand and the stretchy inset keeps the cuff in place over gloves (so long as I don’t raise my hands over my head). I love how the WINDSTOPPER liner allows long-sleeves to slip inside without being pulled up to my armpits.

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs. wearing the size medium, but I think a large would be better overall.

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