Goretex
GORE-TEX® fabric was the first highly durable and windproof, waterproof/breathable fabric to be introduced to outdoor enthusiasts. Since its conception continuous improvements have been made to GORE-TEX® fabrics to meet an ever-increasing demand for highly functional and specialised fabrics. GORE-TEX® fabric is recognised as one of the most durable waterproof/breathable fabric available.
GORE-TEX® membrane consists of a composite of two unique materials with exceptional mechanical and chemical stability. The expanded PTFE (ePTFE) portion of the membrane contains over 1.4 billion microscopic pores per square cm. These pores are much smaller than a droplet of liquid water, but much larger than a vapour molecule. Water in its liquid form cannot penetrate the GORE-TEX® membrane, but as moisture vapour (a gas), it can pass through easily.
Integrated into the ePTFE structure is an oleophobic, or oil-hating, substance which allows moisture vapour to pass through, but is a physical barrier that prevents the penetration of contaminating substances such as oils, cosmetics, insect repellents and food substances, which could otherwise affect waterproof performance. Because the oleophobic substance is totally air-impermeable, the bicomponent membrane is totally windproof.
There are numerous GORE-TEX fabrics, including:
Performance Shell
Performance Shell which is suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities and has the following key advantages.
- Provides breathable comfort and durably waterproof protection
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Available in two and three layer construction the two layer fabrics are supple and quiet while the three layers are for extra-rugged use
- in the two layer construction a specific GORE-TEX® membrane is bonded to the outer material and protected on the inside by a separate lining
- For three layer construction a specific GORE-TEX® membrane is bonded to an outer material and an inner lining
Paclite
GORE-TEX® PACLITE® fabric uses a protective layer on the membrane made from an oil-hating substance and carbon. Gore’s advanced processing techniques allow the membrane to retain adequate durability and no separate lining is required which means that GORE-TEX® PACLITE® clothing is lighter and smaller to pack away than products made of two or three layer laminates.
Pro Shell
GORE-TEX® PRO SHELL is the optimum solution for outdoor professionals and serious enthusiasts who need to face extreme weather and tough conditions. Constructed in a similar manner to Performance Shell the fabric is made with the most rugged, most breathable, durably waterproof and windproof fabrics.
Using the same technology that created the revolutionary GORE-TEX® membrane, W.L. Gore developed an ultra-lightweight WINDSTOPPER® ePTFE membrane designed specifically to be used in conjunction with fleece. Proven to be twice as warm as standard fleece in cold wind, WINDSTOPPER® fleece stops the wind completely yet still allows body vapour to escape. Most other windproof fleeces are only marginally breathable. WINDSTOPPER® fleece maintains its original windproofness after extended use and washing.