There's no such thing as having too many shell jackets, right? For anybody looking to build their Gorpcore wardrobe from the ground up or simply wish to expand on it in time for the seasonal transition, the right shell, or shells, is a foundational element; even better, one with GORE-TEX.
Although not all GORE-TEX pieces are built the same from a technical performance standpoint, there are plenty of perfect entry-level options for those seeking to rainproof their outerwear. Belstaff is definitely a strong start for finding a handful of worthy additions.
When it comes to GORE-TEX outerwear, it's easy to quickly jump into the Arc'teryx product catalog and start sifting through its Alpha and Beta options, thanks to the simplicity the brand offers in finding the right jacket for the right occasion in a whole host of colorways.
Shells, however, do not live and die at Arc, nor GORE-TEX, with brands like and wander and Norse Projects providing beautiful Pertex Sheild options.
Given the global status and recognizability of the GORE-TEX brand, it's easy to see why many favor its products over others. That being said, what's Belstaff's armory got to offer the Gorp curious?
What's great about its selection is that the weather-proofed fabrication has been applied across a range of silhouettes, with function-specific pieces such as the Long Way Up Motorcycle Jacket featuring three-layer GORE-TEX for high octane sports protection, the lightweight Rocket Jacket built with GORE-TEX Infinium, and the Astral Jacket that combines down insulation with a GORE-TEX membrane for colder climates.
But what of the classic shell, you ask? Well, that's where Belstaff excels with the SS23 Balance Jacket.
Building on the brand's relationship with GORE-TEX, which started back in the 70s, the Balance Jacket utilizes two-layer Infinium to build a piece of outerwear that's lightweight enough to be packable into itself while offering wind and rain protection.
Where most shells of its kind opt for monochromatic or two-tone paneled constructions, the Balance Jacket stands out thanks to geometric panels and contrast seams, resulting in a Tron-like finish.
While brands across all corners of the earth boast worthy additions to GORE-TEX-equipped wardrobes, Belstaff certainly shouldn't go overlooked.
