Home » How Gore-Tex Works – From the Inside Out

Yes it is true that Gore-Tex is a household name and people associate it with a variety of activities and fashion statements. Gore-Tex has been around for over twenty years and it has always been constantly changing and evolving. But do we really know what Gore-Tex is or does everyone believe it is just a brand name. If you were to go into a store to buy a Gore-Tex product would you know what to buy? Does it matter? Well the answer is yes.

It is necessary to know what Gore-Tex actually is to understand what it does. Gore-Tex fabric is made using high tech fabrics connected on either side of a Gore-Tex membrane. This membrane is constructed using Teflon and it is made up of many threads forming vast amounts of micro pores. These micro pores are small enough that water can’t leak through the membrane but they are large enough for moisture vapor to escape. You are now asking yourself so what? Well there is good news that’s all of the technical knowledge that you need to know.

Gore-Tex was the world’s first to create technologically advanced apparel and is still the leader in this industry due to its durability, waterproof ability and breathability. Gore-Tex has been able to stay unique thanks to its membrane technology that cannot be found anywhere else in the marketplace. That is right, they are the only ones. It is this innovation and Gores ability to diversify to virtually everybody in the world that has enabled them to remain number one. Okay so why are they so good? It is the benefits that Gore-Tex offers.

Gore-Tex can sustain cold and wet weather over and over again regardless of the season. The fabric is washable and it can handle a variety of contaminants including bug spray, sweat and even fuel.

Gore-Tex is 100% waterproof and windproof to eliminate wind chill. It has the ability to reflect wind and repel water to keep people warm and dry.

Physical activity of any kind regardless of temperature will cause you to sweat. Gore-Tex is breathable which means that moisture can escape. This prevents heat loss and allows you to stay dry and warm no matter what the elements are outside.

Gore-Seam Tape covers the seams of every product made by Gore-Tex. This tape prevents water from leaking through the stitching holes. Waterproof fabric is never 100% without reinforced seam protection.

Gore-Tex has designed and created its products to enhance performance for almost every person regardless of activity level or interest. There are product lines for men, women, youth and unisex. It is difficult describe Gore-Tex’s main products but they can be put into four main categories, clothing, footwear, outdoor gear and accessories. Listed below are some of the sports and activities Gore has produced products for.

As we have established all Gore-Tex products are breathable, durable and are waterproof. With the success of this fabric why would you ever change it? They decided to take individual sports and activities and created specific technological advancements to make their products better. If it sounds like a lot it is a lot, a lot of diversity that is. Listed below are the types of Gore-Tex fabrics.

Gore-Tex is created with either 2 or 3 layers. The 2 layer products are lighter to promote comfortability for sports and casual outdoor activity. The 3 layer fabric was designed as a more heavy duty fabric to withstand demanding outdoor activity and harsher conditions.

Similar to the original 2 & 3 layer fabrics, the XRC was created to achieve maximum performance with increased breathability for extreme adventurers.

This was designed with scent control technology that absorbs odors using activated carbon for high intensity activity.

This fabric was designed to be light and packable. Products made using Paclite fabric do not require a lining and they are the most breathable on the market.

This is a softer and less bulky fabric that provides the same 3 layer protection as the traditional outwear. This fabric is created to keep you warmer and gives you the option of stretch fabrics for increased flexibility and comfort.

Used by the US military this fabric was designed for drysuits and waders. This fabric remains waterproof and breathable even when it is submerged in water. This is made using 3 layer fabric and gore-seam tape to ensure complete dryness.

This is a light weight fabric that is best described as technologically advanced foul weather gear. It was designed for light sailing and a rainy coastal climate.

This was designed for the ultimate sailing expedition. It is the most durable and waterproof Gore-Tex fabric on the market and it will not become contaminated by salt water.

What is most probably the most impressive thing about Gore-Tex is how they have contributed to the enhancements of a variety of industries. Not only has Gore-Tex helped increase the quality of workplace apparel but also the safety. Outlined below are a few of these professions.

Three words, liquid penetration protection. That is how Gore-Tex has contributed to these industries by keeping water, blood, body fluids and chemicals away from people’s skin. The breathability improves performance under stressful circumstances by allowing moisture to escape and increase comfort.

Gore-Tex has taken surgical gowns to a whole new level of performance and quality. The liquid proof fabric has the ability to stop the spread of disease by preventing liquids from leaking through. It has improved the safety for both the surgical staff and for patients. The breathability helps to regulate body temperatures during long procedures.

High performance Gore-Tex field wear was created to withstand any harsh environment and improve the comfortability and performance of soldiers. Gore-Tex has been inspected and qualified by a variety of defense authorities.

The Gore-Tex footwear line was designed to achieve maximum protection and comfort for all terrain and conditions. There is a little more technical knowledge that you need to know in order to understand how these results were achieved. They developed Gore-Tex bootie technology which is basically the same thing as the membrane. This bootie was installed between the inner and outer fabrics of the shoe allowing the footwear to be waterproof and breathable. Remember, a dry foot means comfort, but it also means no blisters. In 2001, Nike teamed up with Gore-Tex to design and create two new performance golf footwear collections. Using the combination of Nike’s Max Air and Gore’s Membrane technology they developed the first athletic style golf shoe. Both of these collections incorporate the characteristics of all Gore-Tex footwear and Nike’s classic design style.

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