2L/2.5L/3L refers to the number of layers of material. For example top end 3L Gore-Tex will have the liner, the air permeable / waterproof membrane / and then a face fabric assembled like a sandwich. There are some great resources if you Google construction of waterproof materials showing how the different products work.
For non-shuttle/park mountain biking, Gore-Tex Active is the best Gore-Tex option. It’s what we’d call the “most breathable” during continuous high output activity (moves the most moisture away from body).
Gore Pro is more durable and will go longer without wetting out but it’s optimized for stop-and-go activity and doesn’t breath as well.
NeoShell is a waterproof material but less than half as waterproof Gore-Tex Active. You can’t ride as long in the pissing rain before it wets out. In my case I find it’s way more breathable (not raining on the inside - especially in a humid Spring/Fall) and lasts long enough except for commuting on the road and the longest/wettest days on the trail.
Gore-Tex is totally windproof, in my experience NeoShell is not especially once it’s wet. So it wouldn’t be my choice for screaming downhills on a road bike in the rain.
Mountain Biking (and in my case for vigorous hiking) the breathability trumps all so NeoShell is the winner going hard in the trees.
Hope that helps.
Dec. 9, 2018, 9:49 a.m. - Andrew Major
2L/2.5L/3L refers to the number of layers of material. For example top end 3L Gore-Tex will have the liner, the air permeable / waterproof membrane / and then a face fabric assembled like a sandwich. There are some great resources if you Google construction of waterproof materials showing how the different products work. For non-shuttle/park mountain biking, Gore-Tex Active is the best Gore-Tex option. It’s what we’d call the “most breathable” during continuous high output activity (moves the most moisture away from body). Gore Pro is more durable and will go longer without wetting out but it’s optimized for stop-and-go activity and doesn’t breath as well. NeoShell is a waterproof material but less than half as waterproof Gore-Tex Active. You can’t ride as long in the pissing rain before it wets out. In my case I find it’s way more breathable (not raining on the inside - especially in a humid Spring/Fall) and lasts long enough except for commuting on the road and the longest/wettest days on the trail. Gore-Tex is totally windproof, in my experience NeoShell is not especially once it’s wet. So it wouldn’t be my choice for screaming downhills on a road bike in the rain. Mountain Biking (and in my case for vigorous hiking) the breathability trumps all so NeoShell is the winner going hard in the trees. Hope that helps.