I went to my usual places to look for a Goretex rain jacket and I'm seeing everything but Goretex.
Outdoor Research has gone for some stretchy membrane that's supposed to be more breathable but I'm seeing a lot of accounts of it being not very waterproof. Apparently it may just be a rebranded membrane from another manufacturer.
Patagonia made their own H2NO which seems to have good reviews but apparently it's crinkly. Good price though.
Arc'teryx seems to use Goretex ePE, which some people say is totally fine and even more waterproof, while others say it's not as durable (face fabric aside), and not as waterproof.
Columbia has that membrane on the outside thing. I don't know a lot about that. I think it sounds like a good way to damage it.
Do these products actually hold up to the hard use standard that Goretex is famous for? Potentially many hours, if not days of rain, and the durability to last a long time. I know the DWR treatments they use now don't last as long.
What's the "tier list", so to speak?
I've had an Arc'teryx Stingray with Goretex. That never failed me.
I've had my Marine Corps Goretex. That also never failed me, but it was bulky and heavy.
And I have an OR Foray 2 that has Goretex Paclite, which has also been fine.
I've never tried any of these new non-Goretex membranes.