What is Gore-Tex?

Gore-Tex is a functional material for outdoor clothing and equipment that first appeared in 1976. At the heart of all Gore-Tex fabrics is a wafer-thin membrane made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene or “Teflon”). This microporous membrane – the pores are about 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water – has been repeatedly developed in over 50 years and specialized in different laminates for various applications. The manufacturer W.L. Gore & Associates (Gore) processes the membrane into textile laminates, which in a further step are manufactured in a license model by almost all major brands into outdoor clothing. For this, strict production and quality standards apply.

Which Gore-Tex products are available?

The manufacturer W. L. Gore & Associates currently offer three different product classes for weatherproof clothing in the outdoor sector: Gore-Tex® in its classic version as well as the specialized Gore-Tex® Active and Gore-Tex® Pro membranes. In addition, Gore® Windstopper is a proprietary, windproof Softshell product, Gore® Thermium insulation apparel and other specialized footwear and glove technologies.

What characterizes the classic Gore-Tex membrane liner?

The classic Gore-Tex is very thin, durable, waterproof, windproof, breathable and robust membrane liner. All seams are, as with any piece of Gore-Tex functional clothing – sealed with special seam tape so that even puncture holes and seam edges won’t limit its functionality. In terms of functionality, Gore-Tex is suitable for a very wide range of applications: when the advantages of Gore-Tex Active or Pro are not, for example, needed in the case of a specialised activity, the standard Gore-Tex membrane liner is a highly functional and usually cheaper alternative.

Two- or three-layer laminate: What does it mean?

Without a carrier material, the wafer-thin PTFE membrane would be unsuitable for outdoor clothing. Therefore, Gore permanently and fully laminates the fine plastic layer with at least one textile carrier. Always in view are the requirements that a piece of clothing must be able to cope with the end consumer’s needs.

• In the two-layer construction, the membrane is only connected to the upper. The advantage: The separate lining ensures a higher wearing comfort and versatility.
• The three-layer construction permanently bonds the membrane to both the upper and the lining. This reduces the weight and volume size of the clothing.

What distinguishes the Gore® C-Knit™ backer technology?

Since autumn 2015, three-layer laminates (standard membrane) have been using Gore C-Knit for the inner lining. As the first and innermost layer of the laminate, it is made of fine nylon circular knit, which allows a slight stretch. On this lining, the proven membrane is laminated (second layer). The outer fabric of nylon (third and outermost layer) can then – depending on the required demands of the material – lighter or more robust.

The Gore C-Knit lining stands out particularly, with its soft sensation. The thin lining is extremely lightweight and slides comfortably over underlying layers of clothing. The functionality of the membrane does not change anything because of the liner technology. The fabrics rank in durability between the lighter Gore-Tex Active and the more robust Gore-Tex Pro. Gore C-Knit lining technology brings a significant plus in terms of breathability: The new lining makes these products even more breathable than previous Gore-Tex laminates.

What is Gore-Tex® Active?

Gore-Tex Active, further advancement of Active Shell, focuses on reduced weight and increased breathability, which is especially needed for heavy physical activities such as trail running or ski touring. Especially with intense sports, the feeling of wearing a plastic bag (and sweating in one) is something we all want to avoid. The principle of the active membrane is “guaranteed waterproof, windproof and extremely breathable”. The membrane is much thinner than Gore-Tex and Gore-Tex Pro products and thus transports body moisture more efficiently. However, this is at the expense of durability. Gore-Tex Active is designed for a high level of activity with an emphasis of minimalistic – no extra-spacious pockets, inside pockets or cover strips. This is about weight-optimized features according to the motto ‘less is more’. Gore-Tex Active is processed exclusively as a three-layer laminate. The inner lining wears comfortably when directly on the skin.

Summing it up: minimalist design and reduced ruggedness contrast with Gore-Tex Active’s extreme breathability and very low weight. This results in a compact size that enables you to pack it in the smallest of backpacks. This makes Gore-Tex Active ideal wherever minimal weight and pack size are required.

What is Gore-Tex® Pro?

Gore-Tex Pro is designed for high-end, it is designed for technical apparel for alpine use, expeditions, high altitude climbing or ice climbing. The primary focus of the material is its high durability, which makes Gore-Tex Pro – in combination with a very low material weight – particularly interesting for highly technical outdoor clothing. In addition, there is improved breathability compared to the classic membrane, which plays a major role, especially in sweaty ascents. Outdoor brands combine the membrane with sophisticated cuts and well-thought-out details for particularly functional weatherproof clothing.

Summing up: With Gore-Tex Pro, the focus is on high durability and improved breathability compared to the classic version. Gore-Tex Pro is always ideal if you need durable, efficient, reliable hardshells.

What is Gore™ Micro Grid?

A special role for Gore-Tex Pro is played by Gore’s Micro Grid lining. It is patent-pending and used as a woven lining in three-layer constructions. Micro-Grid lining protects the membrane on the inside from wear without negatively impacting breathability. The lining slips easily over the underlying clothing, which positively influences the freedom of movement when several layers are worn one on top of the other. It is lightweight and thus keeps the overall weight of the jacket to a minimum.

What is Gore® Thermium™?

In order not to restrict the bulk of down and synthetic fibre insulation materials, the outer fabrics of insulation clothing are extremely fine, soft and light – however, can quickly become moist. In the fall of 2016, Gore launched the Thermium range specifically for insulation garments: a soft, lightweight laminate with a totally windproof, rainproof and breathable membrane that resists light rain and snow showers thanks to a durable water repellent finish.

What is Gore® Windstopper®?

Windstopper is a windproof and very breathable membrane, which plays its part in softshell clothing, especially in cold, windy weather. It reliably protects against wind and also offers water-repellent protection thanks to a DWR fabric finish. Gore Windstopper is laminated with a variety of materials, with a very wide variety of upper fabrics available on the market.

Does Gore-Tex contain PFCs?

Currently, yes, but an end is in sight. Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are considered environmentally harmful, yet are still widely used in outdoor clothing. Greenpeace, in particular, has repeatedly called the outdoor industry up on this in recent years. When Gore announced its environmental goals for the coming years at ISPO 2017, there were praises all round; The textile manufacturer wants to replace PFCs in the production of all “general weather-resistant laminates” by the end of 2020. This corresponds to about 85 per cent of the outdoor products made in ​​jackets, shoes, gloves and accessories. By the end of 2023, PFCs from all precursors (laminates) for outdoor clothing will be gone. Gore’s intent is to ensure that all speciality laminates continue to meet the specific requirements of the respective application without PFCs. According to the latest state of the art, all currently known textile technologies are effective against dirt, oil and greasy liquids only via PFC treatments. The research work for the coming years should find alternatives.

Gore will also increase its targets for the current textile standards by 2020: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 will then account for 100 per cent (currently 90 per cent), bluesign for 85 per cent (currently 70 per cent) of Gore-Tex laminates in outdoor clothing be valid.

What’s Gore’s promise?

All Gore-Tex products are warranted by Gore. Regardless of which outdoor brand has produced a piece of clothing, it guarantees the product’s waterproof, windproof and breathable properties over its entire life. To date, Gore-Tex membranes are only processed by licensed partner companies in certified factories to meet high-quality standards. Gore will repair, replace or refund the purchase price if customers are unsatisfied with the waterproof, windproof or breathability of their Gore-Tex product.

More on this topic in the Bergzeit Journal

• Washing Gore-Tex: how to care for your outdoor clothing correctly!