Boxing Day 2023: the best deals from your favourite brands
Outdoor Activities | December 21, 2023
SAIL
September 29, 2023
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Outdoor enthusiasts know that without the right gear, bad weather can quickly turn a great outing into a miserable day. Wearing garments made with the Gore-Tex membrane is a surefire way to stay warm, dry and comfortable even when faced with the wettest of conditions. But is Gore-Tex 100% waterproof? And what should you look for when shopping for Gore-Tex gear? The SAIL experts are here to help.
In this article, you will learn:
Gore-Tex is the world’s first waterproof, windproof and breathable technology. It is used by leading outdoor brands to create high-performance gear and is found in everything from jackets to pants, gloves, running shoes and boots. And let’s not forget tents, bivvy bags and other types of shelters! The membrane provides comfort, performance and protection and allows outdoor enthusiasts, from keen mountaineers to casual hikers, to enjoy the outdoors even when the weather is at its worst.
The brand describes itself as an ingredient brand, and works with various industry leaders such as Salomon, Mammut and Outdoor Research to create products which utilize its technology.
Every inch of the Gore-Tex membrane contains nine billion pores, and each pore is 20 000 times smaller than a drop of water. As such, the tiny holes in the fabric are big enough to allow vapour to escape, but small enough to block water from seeping in. In short, heat and moisture can get out while rainwater can’t get in. The company’s waterproof products are rigorously reviewed and tested, and come with a ‘Guaranteed to keep you dry’ promise.
As the story goes, Gore-Tex was discovered by accident and out of frustration. After leaving their respective jobs in 1959, William Gore and his wife started their own company hoping to explore the potential of polymer polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). From their basement in Delaware, the family worked for 10 years before their son Bill, frustrated by his lack of results, yanked at a PTFE rod under heat, producing a strong, microporous structure. This fortuitous event led to the development of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), later to be known as Gore-Tex, the first waterproof, windproof and breathable technology.
Since the 1960s, Gore-Tex has continued to innovate. Here are some of its new products and features.
Paclite is a 2-layer unlined construction. What does this mean? The fabric combines a Gore-Tex membrane and a water-repellent outer layer, both of which are laminated together. An abrasion-resistant treatment is also applied to the inner surface, which eliminates the need for an inner lining.
The result is a lightweight, packable and very durable product which can be carried just about anywhere without taking much room in a backpack. Paclite is used in the design of backup jackets and pants, so you’re always ready to face any changes in weather conditions.
Used in footwear, the Surround technology focuses on breathability. This is a tough balancing act, as running and hiking shoes do need to provide protection from mud, dust and water. However, they also need to remain breathable and comfortable on warmer days.
The Surround technology channels heat and moisture away from your feet through small openings in the upper, side and tread soles. However, these openings do not let water in. Shoes featuring this membrane are still guaranteed to be waterproof and to keep your feet dry.
For some great waterproof running shoes, have a look at brand New Balance.
With its Infinium range, Gore-Tex chose to focus on versatility first. The products in this line are designed for comfort first and foremost. As such, people looking for a 100% waterproof garment should stick to the company’s usual range, easily identified by the iconic ‘Guaranteed to keep you dry’ black diamond logo.
Infinium products are designed to optimize outdoor adventures without putting waterproofness as a priority. For example, footwear features insulation exactly in the spots where your feet need it, gloves are windproof and touchscreen compatible, and garments are treated so they are lightweight and water repellent in case of light showers.
Gore-Tex is obtained by laminating the thin waterproof membrane onto an outer layer. There are three types of constructions regularly used by the outdoor industry.
The waterproof membrane is laminated directly onto the outer layer, and an inner mesh or nylon lining is added for extra comfort. The lining protects the membrane, turning your waterproof gear into a durable piece of kit. This type of construction is slightly bulky, but generally fairly budget-friendly.
Again, the waterproof membrane is glued to the outer layer, but a coating is also applied to the inside to protect the membrane. This eliminates the need for an inner lining. 2.5-layer Gore-Tex gear is lightweight and compact, but it is also less durable in the long run.
This construction uses all three layers, i.e. an outer layer, the Gore-Tex membrane and an inner lining, but thanks to high-end technology, these can be fused together to feel like one single layer. Gear made using this type of fabric is lightweight, compact and designed for high performance. It combines the durability of a 2L with the lightness of a 2.5L, although 3L garments can be on the more expensive side.
For more tips on how to choose your waterproof jacket, read our blog article.
Of course, the Gore-Tex membrane can be found in most waterproof outdoor garments such as jackets, pants, hats, gloves and footwear. It is also used to design products such as rock-climbing equipment, bivvy bags, shelters and sleep systems.
The military industry utilizes Gore-Tex technology to ensure the comfort and protection of its personnel on the ground. But the use of Gore-Tex technology reaches much further. Did you know that back in 1981, astronauts on NASA’s first space shuttle mission wore spacesuits made with Gore-Tex fabric?
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