Everything You Need To Know About Gore-tex
Winter signals the coming of the Christmas season. However, some people don’t like the coldness brought by the season, especially those who love working in the sun. Getting out of bed becomes more challenging, and staying outside is almost unbearable. Choosing your outfit for the winter is another reason the snowy grounds and cold breeze constitute a significant hassle.
Most people already prepare their stuff, including their choices of workout clothing. Instead of getting stressed out, others love the challenge the winter season brings. One popular type of fabric people wear during winter is Gore-tex. This waterproof, breathable, highly durable, and windproof fabric is used in the production of clothing, footwear, and accessories.
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The Fundamentals of Gore-tex
Gore-tex is a material made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene known for its wide range of applications. Its history dates back to 1958 through American businessman Bill Gore. The co-founder of W.L. Gore and Associates found a market opportunity for polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, and later became known as the DuPont Teflon.
In 1969, it was discovered that PTFE could be stretched to form a strong, absorbent material. This unique property of PTFE has led to its wide variety of usage. Today, it has become the trademark Gore-tex, used mainly for its waterproof and windproof properties. Apart from its versatility, the material is also admired for its temperature range and aging qualities.
How does Gore-tex work?
Gore-tex contains a membrane composed of over nine billion microscopic pores. These pores are 20,00 times smaller than water. Because of this composition, water is unable to pass through the membrane. However, water, as moist, can pass outside, which allows sweat to pass to the outside.
The laminate is another feature of Gore-tex. This feature appears when the membrane is bonded with the main body fabric like nylons. Gore-tex comes in a variety of fabric compositions, including the three-layered ones. In three-layer fabric construction, the membrane is attached to face materials on both sides. There’s also the two-layer construction, the insulated and the uninsulated laminates.
Different types of Gore-tex
As the Gore-tex technology evolved, different fabric types became available in the market. Most ski clothing and snowboarding attire have a Gore-tex component. The traditional Gore-tex fabric continues to be a favorite among mountaineers due to its waterproof, windproof, and breathable qualities. These come in two or three-layer constructions, both of which are known for their durability.
Other variants of Gore-tex are the Gore-tex Active and Gore-tex Pro. If you like skiing and mountain climbing, you probably have worn some Gore-tex Active fabric before. This type is lightweight and breathable, which is excellent for more strenuous activities. The Gore-tex Pro, meanwhile, is made for activities under extreme conditions. If you’re into multi-day mountaineering and freeriding, this type of Gore-text must be your choice.
Clothing and Gear Made from Gore-tex
Gore-tex is a popular material in protective gear and clothing. This fabric has replaced vinyl in rubber suits due to its breathability and comfort. Garments made from Gore-tex like jackets and boots could help you get rid of dirt, water, and even molds. An infinite number of shapes are made from Gore-tex since it can be heat sealed.
Skiing and snowboarding jackets
When you’re looking for waterproof jackets, you would want them made from an impenetrable material. At the same time, your jacket must allow sweat to get out. These qualities make Gore-tex fabric stand out from the rest. It provides you with the right amount of protection from wind and water without discomfort. You’re free to move and stay active because its base layers keep you from too much sweat.
Walking and hiking boots
An uncomfortable pair of boots could make your winter walking and hiking exercises frustrating. With Gore-tex technology in many designs today, your outdoor boots are exceptionally waterproof and highly breathable. Gore-tex lined boot will keep your feet dry on rainy days and keep them breathing on hot summer days. This way, you won’t have to worry about wet and muddy trails stopping you.
Outdoor gloves
For most people, cold hands mean a cold body. Your other layers will basically be useless if you have nothing to protect your hands. That’s why high-quality gloves are essential when going out for winter activities. Gore-tex gloves, like boots, are breathable and waterproof. This fabric ensures that your hands stay warm during the cold and keep it dry when the weather is hot.
Choice of Proper Layers
Running in cold weather without proper gear or clothing could make you drench in sweat or freeze all over. Appropriate attire in the cold involves science to avoid any hassle in your outdoor jogging, hiking, or walking. There are combinations you should follow and the type of materials you should use to ensure a smooth day in the cold weather.
Base Layer
These are the first set of clothes that touch your skin. Base layer clothing must wick moisture to avoid an uncomfortable feeling. Your choice of fabric for the base layer must force sweat to the other layer, and it should dry fast. If you’re on full running gear, the base layer is a crucial part.
Insulating Layer
The second layer of clothing must keep all the warmth in and all the cold out. Examples of insulating winter clothes are those made of wool. Cotton and polyester are also excellent choices.
Outer Layer
Putting on a jacket is the essence of having an outer layer. This last layer of clothing should give you that extra warmth in the cold. Your hat and gloves could be considered outer clothing. Gore-tex fabric is a popular example of outer layer clothing, especially among hyper-active winter athletes.
Conclusion
The importance of Gore-tex fabric cannot be undermined. To some extent, it has saved lives and kept people warm in the cold for over half a century. This fabric became an essential solution for outerwear and allowed people to go outside even under harsh weather conditions. The discovery and apparent revolution for Gore-tex is undoubtedly a milestone that has benefited millions of people worldwide.