What is Gore-Tex?
6 minutes
GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY
Such is
Gore-Tex’ famous promise that has undoubtedly helped the famous brand maintain
its status as the world's leading manufacturer of waterproof and breathable
technical fabrics. Since its invention in 1969, the Gore-Tex name has resonated
louder than any other in the world of outdoor clothing.
But what
exactly is Gore-Tex and how does it work? Gore-Tex represents a range of
fabrics with a waterproof, breathable and windproof membrane designed to offer
unrivalled performance in all possible weather conditions.
ONE MEMBRANE TO RULE THEM ALL
The key
element of this technology is a membrane made of expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) that features pores too small for water or rain
to penetrate, but large enough to allow perspiration in the form of water vapor
to escape. Sounds simple enough, but it's ridiculously complex to manufacture. It’s
no wonder this technology is so well protected by its manufacturer.
In 2022,
the company introduced its first ePEFE-free membrane made of expanded
polyetheylne (ePE) which will pave the way toward more sustainable performance.
A VARIETY OF LAMINATES FOR DIFFERENT USES
Several
varieties of Gore-Tex laminates have been developed to meet the needs of outdoor
enthusiasts in a wide range of sport disciplines, notably alpine skiing, alpine
touring, climbing, mountaineering, hiking, and cycling, to name a few.
- Gore-Tex Pro: the toughest of all Gore-Tex fabrics
- Gore-Tex Paclite: the most packable Gore-Tex fabric
- Gore-Tex
Paclite Plus: highly packable + abrasion-resistant
- Gore-Tex
Active: the most breathable and the lightest
- Gore-Tex
Windstopper: completely windproof, still breathable, and waterproof in light
rain
- Gore-Tex
Performance: enhanced waterproofing for long hike in the rain
- Gore-Tex
Shakedry: unique design with a permanently water repellent outer surface that
prevents water absorption
- Gore-Tex
Surround: designed for shoes, allowing heat and moisture to escape more rapidly
- Gore-Tex
Grip: specially developed for gloves
As a bonus, another little guide that might be very useful to you on the multi-layer system!
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