Hi Frankie,

Very cold conditions (0º F or below) are also very dry conditions. Goretex will not become brittle and loss is tear strength in these conditions. Expeditions in the antarctic have used Goretex tents and clothing down to -60º Celsius with additional windchills taking the temperatures even lower in 60 mph winds and the Goretex has stood up to the conditions. The Goretex membrane helps to make a excellent wind proof material. Goretex is very waterproof, but as were are talking about very cold conditions, there isn't going to be any rain. But there is a downside. Goretex is not very breathable in comparision with other windproof materials such as Ventile, Garbadine, Pertex or even Gore Windstopper. It is actually easier to be comfortable in very cold dry conditions than it is in cold wet conditions simply because you don't need a less breathable waterproof material. If you are going into very dry cold conditions and require a material which is windproof and comfortable and is more breathable than Goretex then even softshells like Gore Windstopper maybe something worth considering.

For some info on the new Gore Pro Shell (which appears to be lighter and more durable than XCR but more expensive with similar or just slightly better breathability) here at

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article.asp?SP=&v=1&UAN=4480

For some info on clothing used in Antarctic expeditions available here at

http://www.bensaunders.com/resources/expedition_kit.html