GORE-TEX® products
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ASIA PACIFIC
W. L. Gore & Associates Hong Kong, Ltd.
12 F, Tower 2, Grand Century Place
193 Prince Edward Road West
Mongkok Kowloon, Hong Kong
EUROPE
W. L. Gore & Associates, GmbH
Aiblinger Strasse 60
D-83620 Feldkirchen—Westerham
USA
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
295 Blue Ball Road
Elkton, Maryland 21921
gore-tex.com
gore-tex.com
gore-tex.com
125414
© 2010 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. GORE-TEX®, GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY®, Paclite®, GORE-SEAM®, WINDSTOPPER®, GORE® and designs are trademarks of
W. L. Gore & Associates, 295 Blue Ball Road, Elkton, MD 21921 SCENT-LOK® is a registered trademark of ALS Enterprises
It’s not enough to enjoy the outdoors. We must protect it.
Our founders, Bill and Vieve Gore, were ahead of their time in understanding the importance of respecting the
environment. It is a tradition we are proud to carry on.
This commitment is manifested through an active and responsible approach to the design and manufacture of our
products and the operation of our facilities.
But our determination to reduce our ecological impact is probably best reflected by our products. We do not make
disposable goods. We are constantly improving the durability of our GORE-TEX ® and WINDSTOPPER ® laminates
that enable a long, useful life of the final garment, shoe or accessory. Our Life Cycle Assessment Tool demonstrates,
as Greenpeace Magazine Germany confirms, that “the most important criterion for ecologic apparel is longevity.”
In short, “durable” is not simply a benefit to the consumer. It is a benefit to the environment.
contents
2
3
Comfort Science
18
WINDSTOPPER ® Products
The Heart of GORE-TEX ® Products
19
WINDSTOPPER ™ Membrane Technology
20
WINDSTOPPER ® Product Classes
22
WINDSTOPPER ® Product Performance
Guaranteed to Keep You Dry ™ Promise
4
GORE-TEX Product Principles
6
GORE-TEX ® Garments
Layering for Comfort
23
WINDSTOPPER ® Product Care
7
GORE-TEX ® Garment Fabric Construction
24
Environmental Message
8
GORE-TEX ® Garment Product Classes
10
GORE-TEX ® Fabrics
11
GORE-TEX ® Fabric Testing
12
GORE-TEX ® Products
13
GORE-TEX ® Product Care
14
GORE-TEX ® Footwear
16
GORE-TEX ® Gloves
®
gore fabric technology
The science and research that has gone into the development of GORE-TEX ® and WINDSTOPPER ® fabrics over
the years is extraordinary. As a result, the fabrics we offer to our licensed manufacturing customers provide
protection and comfort for virtually every activity and weather condition.
Taking time to read through this booklet will give you a strong foundation for understanding the technology that
continues to revolutionize outdoor garments, footwear, gloves, and accessories. Read it carefully. Use it to help
you when selling to customers and as an everyday reference tool. You will see that there are many reasons to
buy GORE-TEX ® and WINDSTOPPER ® products, and knowing them will enable you to match your customers’
needs with the best products.
THANK YOU
As the preceding pages hopefully demonstrate, we put an enormous amount of energy, resources and passion into
making the most advanced outdoor fabrics in the world. And we truly appreciate your interest and involvement.
As an informed player in the outdoor industry, we count on you to share our story with outdoor athletes and
enthusiasts. We believe the better they understand the technology and quality that go into GORE-TEX® and
WINDSTOPPER® products, the more likely it is they will settle for nothing less.
OUR BRANDS
Products live on shelves and hangers. Brands live in the hearts and minds of consumers. The GORE-TEX® brand is
one of the most trusted in the world with a 97% repurchase rate, while the WINDSTOPPER® brand enjoys a 98%
repurchase rate.
For more than 30 years, our products have delivered comfort and protection so people can enjoy their passion for
the outdoors.
So a GORE-TEX® or WINDSTOPPER® brand hang tag is not just a piece of paper.
It is a promise. A promise we take very seriously. When a product carries our label, you and your customers should
know that it represents decades of innovation and testing that guarantees that it will perform as promised.
24
COMFORT SCIENCE
The Science of Comfort
Comfort is an abstract concept. But it depends on something very concrete: your microclimate. A thin
layer of protective air that surrounds you, your microclimate is as delicate as it is crucial. To preserve
that micro­c limate—and therefore your comfort—we have spent years working to understand and
overcome the processes that threaten it.
Evaporation
When water evaporates off our skin it cools us down. That’s why our bodies sweat during
exercise to prevent us from overheating. But if our clothes aren’t breathable, transfer of
moisture vapor can’t occur causing our sweat to stay against the skin.
Conduction
Hold a snowball in a bare hand and you feel how a cold
object draws heat from a warm one—or conduction. Wet
clothing quickly conducts heat away from your warm, dry
body. And it happens very fast—in fact, water transfers heat
up to 23 times faster than air. This moisture can come from
rain and snow on the outside or perspiration on the inside.
In either case it leads to rapid heat loss and explains why a fabric’s ability to let sweat
evaporate is as important as its waterproofness.
Convection
You feel convective cooling—better known as the “windchill effect”—when
cold wind blows through your sweater. It robs your body of the warmth
trapped in your personal microclimate—the thin layer of air between your
skin and your clothing. This is why being windproof is essential for a
clothing system to be comfortable.
Used in some of the world’s most respected garments, gloves and footwear, GORE-TEX ® fabric is engineered
to preserve our fragile microclimates in even the most extreme conditions.
The following pages detail some of the science, principles and products that have kept millions of outdoor
athletes and adventurers comfortable.
2
the heart of gore-tex® products
The GORE-TEX ® Membrane
What it is
The GORE-TEX® membrane is an extremely
thin layer of expanded polytetrafluoro­ethylene
(ePTFE) that is bonded to an outer textile and,
in many instances, a lining. It is completely
wind and waterproof, yet is permeable for
water vapor. This means water from the
outside can’t penetrate, cold winds can’t pass
through and perspiration escapes easily.
How it Works
The GORE-TEX® membrane has over 9 billion
pores per square inch. These pores are 20,000
times smaller than a water droplet making the
membrane totally waterproof. But they are 700
times larger than a water vapor molecule which
means perspiration passes right through.
A CLOSER LOOK
The GORE-TEX® membrane under an
electron microscope. To a drop of water
it looks like an impenetrable wall, but to
a water vapor molecule it is an expansive,
easy-to-pass-through web.
To ensure durability of the fabric, an oleo­
phobic (or oil-hating) layer is integrated into
the membrane. This prevents contamination
from body oils and products such as insect
repellent that ultimately lead to leaks.
A variety of GORE-TEX® membranes have been
developed for multiple end uses.
(Thermal insulation in wind)
GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™ promise
150
We Don’t Just Make a Product—We Make a Promise
100
50
0
WINDSTOPPER
products
¨
Other
windproof
products
Other
non-windproof
products
If you’re not completely satisfied with the waterproofness, windproofness, or breathability of your GORE-TEX ®
product, Gore will repair it, replace it, or refund your purchase price.
It is one thing for a company to guarantee what it makes. It is quite another for it to guarantee what others make.
But that is exactly what we do. Working hand-in-hand with our licensed manufacturing customers, we approve every
garment style that utilizes GORE-TEX ® fabrics. We can promise that no matter who makes the garment, if it has the
GORE-TEX ® label on it, it has been certified to be durably waterproof, windproof and breathable for its intended use.
Ret.(Pa2m2/W)
0
6
13
WINDSTOPPER¨
products
Other
windproof
products
Other
non-windproof
products
3
GORE-TEX® product principles
The Approach that Changed Outdoor Comfort Forever
Protecting us from threats to our comfort requires a three-pronged set of defenses: Waterproofness,
Windproofness and Breathability. These terms are often misused in the outdoor industry. But we have
very clear standards for what each of those means.
What “waterproof” means to us
In laymen’s terms, we believe waterproof garments shouldn’t leak. Ever. Even during the most
severe weather and in the most demanding applications.
In engineering terms, that means we create GORE-TEX®
fabrics to withstand water entry pressure of 30 pounds per
square inch (psi) or more. As a frame of reference, when
kneeling on wet ground, a person weighing 165 pounds
exerts about 16 psi on his knees—3 psi when sitting.
But we also understand that a garment’s waterproofness
depends on more than just the fabric. That’s why we insist
that GORE-TEX® garments be constructed with fully-sealed
seams and effective closures for the hood, wrists and neck
to prevent wicking up sleeves or hems.
Water/Snow
Outer
fabric
GORE-TEX ®
membrane
Liner
This means in virtually every weather condition on Earth—from driving downpours to blinding
blizzards—a GORE-TEX® garment will keep you dry and comfortable.
DWR: Durable water repellent treatment
prevents water from soaking into the top
layer of fabric.
What “waterproof” doesn’t mean to us
Water Resistant—A water resistant garment will not keep your customers dry for long. Usually
achieved with tightly woven fibers or with thin coatings, water resistance eventually allows
water to penetrate the garment.
Water Repellent—This typically refers to a treatment applied to a garment’s outer fabric.
This causes water to bead up and roll off. Often referred to as DWR (durable water repellency)
this is, by itself, not an adequate method of waterproofing.
However, when combined with waterproof GORE-TEX® fabric, DWR stops the saturation
(or “wetting out”) of the exterior fabric and the resulting conductive heat loss that can leave
the wearer feeling cold and damp. This also keeps the garment from taking on undesirable
water weight.
4
Waterproof is only half the story. For outdoor athletes, a garment will only be truly comfortable if it
is also breathable and windproof.
WHAT “WINDPROOF” MEANS TO US
A windproof fabric shouldn’t let air pass through it. This prevents
convective heat loss or windchill.
In technical terms, this is known as air permeability. It is measured by
the volume of air, in cubic feet, that can pass through one square foot
of the fabric in one minute—otherwise known as the cfm (cubic foot per
minute). The lower the cfm of a fabric, the more windproof it is.
Wind
Outer
fabric
GORE-TEX ®
membrane
Liner
For our standards, we consider a fabric to be windproof only if its air
permeability is 1.0 cfm or less.
WHAT “BREATHABLE” MEANS TO US
“Breathability” is one of our industry’s most
misunderstood terms. It is not, as many believe,
about a fabric’s ability to let air move through it,
rather it refers to how well it lets your sweat
escape, in the form of moisture vapor.
Moisture vapor
Outer
fabric
GORE-TEX ®
membrane
Liner
Our standards require that even during heavy exertion our fabrics must
breathe well enough to allow sweat to evaporate freely.
A body’s ability to push out that sweat is determined by something known as “driving force.” The difference
between the temperature and humidity inside the clothing and outside the clothing creates that pressure.
The highest driving force occurs in non-humid, cold conditions. But since no garment can affect the outside
temperature and humidity, its driving force is at the mercy of weather conditions.
5
GORE-TEX® GARMENTS
Turning Principles into Products
GORE-TEX ® fabric revolutionized outdoor apparel, and every year
since has seen new constructions, advances and enhancements.
As a result, the GORE-TEX ® membrane can be found at the heart
of an array of high-performance garments, footwear and gloves
for nearly every end use imaginable.
LAYERING FOR COMFORT
Garments that can manage moisture, control heat transfer and
protect us from the weather must work together.
The solution: a clothing system made up of specific layers that
work together to ensure the optimal combi­n ation of breathability
and waterproofness so you stay dry and warm.
Wicking
layer
Insulating
layer
Weather
protection layer
The Wicking Layer (Base Layer)
Worn next to the skin. Made from non-absorbent fibers
that “wick” liquid away from the skin.
The Insulating Layer
Worn over the wicking layer. Synthetic insulators wick
better than natural fibers and retain some of their
insulating ability when wet.
The Weather Protection Layer
The most crucial layer. Beyond protection from the
elements, it must keep insulating layers dry. And it
must be breathable to keep the moisture from the
wicking layers from accumulating.
6
GORE-TEX® Garment fabric construction
The Inside Story
GORE-TEX ® fabrics are created by laminating the GORE-TEX ® membrane between high-performance lining
and shell textiles. Multiple GORE-TEX ® membranes have been developed for specific end uses, but the
GORE-TEX ® membrane ensures that the finished laminate will provide the ultimate waterproof, windproof,
and breathable protection.
Moisture vapor
escapes
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
Outer fabric
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Lining
WINDCHILL INDEX (°F)
Moisture vapor
escapes
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
5 mph
31
25
19
13
7
1
-5
27
21
15
9
3
-4 -10 -16 -22 -28 -35
25
19
13
6
0
-7 -13 -19 -26 -32 -39
24
17
11
4
-2
-9 -15 -22 -29 -35 -42
10 mph
15 mph
20 mph
Outdoor Temperature
Ambient
Temperature
0
-5
-10 -15
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
Outer fabric
GORE-TEX®
membrane
-11 -16 -22 -28
Lining
Moisture vapor
escapes
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
Outer fabric
GORE-TEX®
membrane &
carrier fabric
Lining
GORE-TEX®
Laminate
Gore-Seam®
Tape
Stitch
2-Layer Construction
Ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities, with this
construction a GORE-TEX® membrane is bonded to the
outer fabric only. The benefit: the separate lining inside
ensures better wearing comfort and versatility. This
construction can be combined with insulation, keeping
the wearer dry and warm.
3-Layer Construction
Unlike the 2-layer construction, this construction
bonds the GORE-TEX® membrane to both the outer
fabric and the inner lining. The benefit: no movement
between the layers, which means less wear and tear,
and greater durability.
z-liner Construction
A GORE-TEX® membrane is bonded to a lightweight
fabric and a Z-Liner is freely suspended between the
outer fabric and the lining. The benefit: fewer sealed
seams means manufacturers have more freedom for
fashion applications. This construction can be combined
with insulation.
SEAM TAPING — Bringing it all together
Every stitch in a seam is a potential leak. That‘s why
for absolute waterproofness, GORE-TEX® products
rely on GORE-SEAM® tape applied by specially trained
manufacturers in certified factories.
7
gore-tex® garment product classes
Options for Every Need
GORE-TEX® Performance Shells
The Universal Solution
GORE-TEX® Pro shells
The Professional’s Choice
Testing
Whole Glove Leak Test
We seal and submerge a glove in a tank of water. We then pump 2
psi of pressurized air into it to reveal even the smallest of leaks in
its construction.
Designed to provide comfort and durable
waterproof and windproof protection.
GORE-TEX® Performance Shells are ideal
for a wide range of outdoor activities.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cycling
Fishing
Golf
Hiking
Hunting
Motorcycling
Running
Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Travel
There are multiple GORE-TEX® Performance
Shell fabrics and construction methods,
including insulated, non-insulated, 2Layer, 3-Layer and Z-Liner. Whether it’s a
garment with a more fashionable design
or one engineered with versatility in mind,
GORE-TEX® Performance Shells provide an
array of products designed for the widest
range of uses.
Moisture
vapor escapes
For those compelled to be outdoors,
whether driven by passion or profession,
GORE-TEX® Pro Shells are engineered with
the most rugged, most breathable fabrics
for extended and extreme conditions.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fishing
Hunting
Motorcycling
Mountaineering
Sailing
Skiing
Snowboarding
Winter Climbing
Care
GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabrics are available
in insulated, non-insulated, 2-Layer
and 3-Layer constructions. To ensure
GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabrics meet expectations, the fabrics’ waterproofness and
breathability are tested in conditions that
simulate intensive field use. So in even the
most brutal conditions, they will remain
extremely breathable and waterproof.
Moisture
vapor escapes
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
Outer fabric
Outer fabric
GORE-TEX®
membrane
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Lining
GORE-TEX® Performance Shell
8
Whole Glove Breathability Test
Again we seal the glove and this time push hot steam through it.
By weighing the glove before and after the test, we can compare
how much water it has retained and therefore how breathable it is.
Lining
Always check the care information with
each product for additional instructions.
WASH
Hand wash in warm water with a very
small amount of mild detergent.
Rinse
Remove all detergent residue. Rinse
several times.
Dry
Wrap gloves in a dry towel and squeeze
from fingertips down. Do not wring or
knead wet gloves.
Bleach
No bleach. No fabric softener.
Dry clean
Do not dry clean.
Water Repellency
Use commercially available sprays to maintain
durable water repellency on textile, or use a
leather care product that does not inhibit the
breathability.
Air-dry gloves without exposure to heat or
dryer. When glove is partially dry, insert
hand and form a fist to reshape glove.
GORE-TEX® Pro Shell
17
gore-tex gloves
Whatever your customers’ outdoor activity, there is a garment designed with GORE-TEX ® fabric that will keep them
comfortable so that they can enjoy their outdoor pursuits to the fullest. To guide the selection process, there are
four product classes, each created to meet a different set of needs.
When hands in gloves get cold, it’s almost always caused by moisture in the insulation. It may come from the
outside if they’re not waterproof or from the inside because they don’t breathe and perspiration gets trapped.
This is why GORE-TEX ® gloves have become the choice of serious winter athletes and adventurers.
GORE-TEX® soft shells
Softness and Warmth Combined
GORE-TEX® paclite® shells
When Weight and Size Matter
With a GORE-TEX® membrane bonded to
the outer fabric and a fleece-like liner on
the inside, GORE-TEX® Soft Shells mean
reduced layering and improved freedom
of movement in colder conditions.
Featuring the lightest, most packable
fabrics, GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shells are
extremely breathable and are ideal when
weight and space are critical.
®
High-Tech Comfort for Your Hands
GORE-TEX® Gloves
Keep Hands Dry and Warm
You simply can’t enjoy winter sports without dry, warm hands. Durably waterproof
and breathable, GORE-TEX® gloves keep water on the outside, while letting perspiration
easily escape from the inside. The result: Your hands stay warm when it’s cold and dry
when you sweat.
GORE-TEX® Gloves with XCR® Product Technology
Drier, Warmer, Longer
Moisture elements
Moisture vapor
(sweat)
Shell material
“eXtended Comfort Range” means greater breathability
in an even wider range of temperatures. So when it’s
cold outside, hands stay warm longer. And when it gets
warm or your activity level increases, hands remain
comfortably warm and dry longer.
GORE-TEX® Gloves with Gore 2 in 1 Technology
One Glove, Two Options
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Insulation
Inner lining
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
GORE-TEX® Soft Shells bring together
the benefits of waterproofness, breath­
ability and windproofness but with added
features of soft and quiet. Because it has
the GORE-TEX® membrane at its core, the
warmth and weather protection do not
impact the breathability of the product.
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Outer fabric
Insulation
Lining
You no longer need to choose between warmth and grip
in a glove. This elegantly simple design gives you two
ways to wear these gloves: In the warm chamber, the
insulation provides warmth over all sides of the fingers.
While in the grip chamber, the insulation is only on one
side giving optimum feel and breathability.
Grip chamber
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Skiing
Snowboarding
Travel
Winter Climbing
Warm chamber
Moisture
vapor escapes
Cycling
Fishing
Golf
Hiking
Hunting
Running
Ski Touring
Travel
A GORE-TEX® membrane with a protective
“oil-hating” layer means a separate lining
is not required, making GORE-TEX®
Paclite® Shells lighter and more compact.
While other waterproofing technologies
will leak with repeated folding, creasing
and packing, GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shells are
durable enough to withstand years of use.
Moisture
vapor escapes
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
GORE-TEX® membrane
and inner lining are
Outer material securely bonded to each
other
GORE-TEX® Gloves with X-TRAfit™
PRODUCT Technology
Sometimes a firm grip is essential. So we created a
system that uses a proprietary grip tape to bond our
GORE-TEX® membrane directly to the inner liner. So
your hands stay dry and warm, but when you grab
something, there are no loose layers to slip.
16
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
Outer fabric
Outer fabric
GORE-TEX®
membrane
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Lining
Grip tape prevents
movement between
the layers under
pressure
GORE-TEX® Soft Shell
Protective layer
GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shell
9
gore-tex® fabrics
Can our Competitors Compete?
While GORE-TEX ® fabrics have been the leader in waterproof, windproof, breathable products for
years, the category has become crowded with brands, claims and technologies making it difficult for
consumers to understand their options. To bring some clarity, we have subjected other waterproof,
breathable fabric technologies in the market to the same standards we set to measure our performance.
This is how they compared:
Proof of Performance—Testing
Breathability
Breathability
Based on ISO11092
Durability of
Waterproofness
Initial
Waterproofness
Initial
Waterproofness
Breathability
Microporous Coatings & Laminates
These fabrics use thin microporous polyurethane materials
to block water from passing through the garment. They were
not very waterproof due to the inconsistent thickness of the
material and we found their breathability to be variable.
Garments with a microporous coating failed quickly due to
cracks developed by flexing in the thin areas of the material.
Durability of
Waterproofness
Based on ISO11092
Durability of
Waterproofness
Based on ISO11092
Initial
Waterproofness
Durability of
Waterproofness
Breathability
Initial
Waterproofness
Durability of
Waterproofness
Monolithic PU Coatings & LaminateS
Using a continuous polyurethane coating or film, these
fabrics were decently waterproof when new, but were
typically not durably waterproof and tended to fail more
quickly in the field as the membrane saturated and flexed.
The breathability of these fabrics varied greatly depending
on the thickness of the polyurethane layer.
Breathability
Initial
Waterproofness
Breathability
Initial
Waterproofness
Durability of
Waterproofness
Durability of
Waterproofness
Breathability
Breathability
Initial
Waterproofness
Durability of
Waterproofness
Breathability
Initial
Waterproofness
Breathability
Durability of
Waterproofness
Durability of
Waterproofness
Initial
Waterproofness
Breathability
Breathability
Durability of
Waterproofness
Initial
Waterproofness
Initial
Waterproofness
Based on ISO6330
and ASTM D 751-06
Durability of
Waterproofness
Based on ISO6330
and ASTM D 751-06
LEAK TEST MACHINE
While in production, the GORE-TEX® bootie in every pair of boots or shoes
is factory tested to ensure feet will stay dry, even if the leather or fabric upper
is completely soaked.
Centrifugal Tester
Boots filled with water are spun at high speeds. The resulting pressure forces water
through even the smallest of holes to discover leaks. These tests are performed at
every Gore certified factory.
Durability of
Waterproofness
Breathability
Initial
Waterproofness
Breathability
Initial
Waterproofness
Durability of
Waterproofness
Durability of
Waterproofness
Breathability
Initial
Waterproofness
Simple Steps for Peak Performance—Care
Durability of
Waterproofness
Durability of
Waterproofness
Initial
Waterproofness
Other ePTFE MembaneS
Short for expanded polytetraflouroethylene, this is one of
the materials used in the GORE-TEX® membrane. On its own,
this material is highly breathable but without the additional
components of the GORE-TEX® membrane, both initial and
durable waterproofness can be compromised.
Based on ISO11092
Based on ISO811
Durability of
Waterproofness
Durability of
Waterproofness
Initial
Waterproofness
Breathability
Based on ISO811
Initial
Waterproofness
Breathability
Initial
Waterproofness
Based on ISO6330
and ASTM D 751-06
Breathability
Durability of
Durability of
Waterproofness
Waterproofness
THE COMFORT TEST
While our GORE-TEX® membrane is breathable, to be truly comfortable, every
material and component in the shoe must also contribute to the “climate performance”
of the footwear. So we test the entire shoe for breathability and climate comfort.
Artificial feet that “sweat” are put into the shoes, which are measured to ensure water
vapor escapes, and that water retention levels at various temperatures are acceptable.
Durability of
Waterproofness
Based on ISO811
Breathability
Breathability
Based on ISO6330
and ASTM D 751-06
Breathability
Initial
Waterproofness
Initial
Initial
Waterproofness
Waterproofness
Microporous Coatings & Laminates
Monolithic PU Coatings & Laminates
Bi-component Coatings & Laminates
Other ePTFE Membranes
GORE-TEX ® Membrane
Breathability
Based on ISO11092
Breathability
Breathability
Initial
Waterproofness
Bi-component CoatingS & LaminateS
As the name implies, these fabrics are made up of two
parts. The combination of microporous and monolithic
materials led to increased initial waterproofness, but in
return breathability was often compromised.
Based on ISO811
Mechanical Boot Flex Test
These mechanical feet flex new footwear styles in water up to 200,000 times—or around
250 miles of simulated use. If a leak occurs for any reason, the boots must be modified
and resubmitted for further testing.
Breathability
Initial
Waterproofness
Durability of
Waterproofness
Initial
Waterproofness
Durability of
Waterproofness
Initial Waterproofness
measured by psi
Breathability
PERMANENT PROTECTION
The GORE-TEX® membrane inside GORE-TEX® footwear needs no maintenance. It is a composite material
of outstanding stability. Provided it is not punctured, it
remains 100% waterproof—guaranteed.
DIRT REMOVAL
To clean leather shoes/boots use a brush and lukewarm
water. For textile shoes/boots use a sponge.
WATERPROOFING
Waterproofing is not necessary and will only hinder the
breathability of the shoe.
CARE PRODUCTS
No care product can harm the GORE-TEX® membrane.
However, fat or oily products such as greasy creams,
leather oils or silicon-based products inhibit the
breathability of the whole shoe. Any water-based product
will clean the upper without impacting the breathability.
measured by (m 2* mbar/W)*10 2
Durability of Waterproofness
measured by hours
Initial
Waterproofness
Based on ISO811
Durability of
Waterproofness
Based on ISO6330
and ASTM D 751-06
The outside points of the triangle represent the average of the results for the GORE-TEX ® fabrics tested.
The interior triangles reflect the average results for the competitive fabric technologies.
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gore-tex® Footwear
gore-tex® fabric TESTING
Outdoor Comfort Starts from the Ground Up
Proving the Promise
Cold, blisters, added weight: virtually every outdoor activity stops being enjoyable the moment your feet get
wet. This is why GORE-TEX ® footwear has become a staple on trails and summits around the world. Waterproof
and highly breathable, it protects you in a wide range of conditions—guaranteed.
MATERIAL TESTS
GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Footwear
Every component of the shoe—even how it is
constructed—is tailored around making the
footwear extremely breathable. So they are
ideal for highly aerobic activities. Comfortable
even in warm temperatures or indoors, they
are the perfect footwear for all-day casual
wear and travel.
Moisture
elements
Moisture vapor
(sweat)
Upper material
Protective knit
GORE-TEX® membrane
Starting with the baseline material, we perform a battery of lab tests to ensure the laminate is performing
to our standards. Examples: Breathability Test, Suter Test, Cold Flex Test, Abrasion Resistance.
Inner lining
SYSTEM TESTS
Available for: Trail Running, Road Running, Hiking,
Casual Shoes, Travel
GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort Footwear
Provides optimum comfort and durably
waterproof protection for all kinds of
outdoor activities in even the most adverse
weather conditions.
Every single new GORE-TEX ® product prototype—from every manufacturer—is put through its paces in the Gore testing labs.
If it survives there, the testing gauntlet only gets tougher with rigorous field testing in actual conditions. And it’s not just the
GORE-TEX ® fabric that’s tested: the entire system of outer fabric, insulation, membrane and lining has to meet the extraordinary
performance standards of GORE-TEX ® products before it is cleared for production.
We’ve developed a series of tests that start to replicate the application for which the product
is intended. Examples: The Walking Simulator, Whole Glove Leak Test, Rain Chamber.
Moisture
elements
Moisture vapor
(sweat)
Upper material
CONTROLLED HUMAN TESTS
Protective knit
GORE-TEX® membrane
Inner lining
Available for: Backpacking, Climbing, Hunting, Hiking, Winter Boots, Casual Shoes
Not everything can be measured on a dial or a screen. We use people to start judging how finished
products feel, work and wear. Examples: Environmental Chamber, Comfort Tests.
FIELD TESTING
GORE-TEX® Insulated Comfort Footwear
Integrating a layer of breathable insulation,
these shoes bring added warmth to the waterproof, breathable mix making them the perfect
footwear for being active in even the worst
winter conditions.
Moisture
elements
Moisture vapor
(sweat)
Upper material
Protective knit
GORE-TEX® membrane
Insulation
GORE-TEX® products are then put through the ultimate test of performance and comfort
in actual field conditions. Numerous people will test the garment in its end use before it is
approved for commercialization.
Inner lining
Available for: Hunting, Work, Expeditions, Trekking,
Alpine Uses
Only after every one of these tests has been passed, will a
product earn the right to carry the GORE-TEX® brand label.
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gore-tex® PRODUCTS
GORE-TEX® product care
We have created a variety of technologies to increase garment functionality. Refer to garment hang tags to see
which additional features may be present.
People are often surprised to learn how simple it is to care for their garments with GORE-TEX ® fabrics. And best of all,
this simple maintenance doesn’t just sustain the garment’s performance, it can improve it.
Additional Features
Gore Micro Grid Backer Technology
Using an innovative patent-pending internal backer
fabric, this new technology improves internal abrasion and snag resistance, enhances breathability and
decreases weight. It also allows the garment to slide
easily over mid-layers.
Simple Steps for Peak Performance
Gore Micro Grid
Backer structure
Machine wash warm (104ºF/40ºC);
Rinse thoroughly.
Consult the outerwear care label for
additional instructions.
Tumble dry medium (or warm steam iron)
until completely dry to maintain water
repellent finish.
For more details visit gore-tex.com/care
Available for: GORE-TEX® Pro Shells
Product may also be dry-cleaned.
Gore comfort mapping Technology
Mirroring the climate zones of the body such as
shoulders, back and joints, specific GORE-TEX®
fabrics are combined to increase breathability,
comfort against skin, warmth, fit and other comfort
characteristics where they are needed most.
Different fabrics inside the
garment improve your comfort
Available for: GORE-TEX® Performance Shells GORE-TEX® Pro Shells
GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shells
GORE-TEX® Soft Shells
Extreme wet weather coNSTRUCTION
Advanced garment design techniques are used to create
garments that deliver superior protection against extreme
and extended wet weather conditions.
Available for: GORE-TEX® Performance Shells GORE-TEX® Pro Shells
GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shells
GORE-TEX® Soft Shells
Gore™ optifade™ concealment
The first concealment system designed around animal
vision and not human eyesight.
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