Gore-Tex for Sports

An Introduction to Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex, a trademark of W. L. Gut and Associates, is the first distinctive fabric that was invented to be waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Created with respect for the environment, this lightweight material is engineered for comfort while protecting the wearer from weather during outdoor activities.

GORE-TEX

Products made with GORE-TEX® is GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™ for your satisfaction. If you are not happy, the brand promises to repair it, replace it, or give a full refund of the purchase price.

GORE-TEX® is a trusted brand that is known for delivering comfortable products that shield you from the weather. You may question what exactly is the fabric. Is it just regular fabric that has a coating or is it fabric that is produced with a new type of technology? Can you find it as an outer fabric or does it line the inside of the textile? It is none of the above because it is unique and contains the following:

Products made with Gore-Tex exhibited at local shoe store
Products made with Gore-Tex exhibited at local shoe store


WHAT IS GORE-TEX® FABRIC?

GORE-TEX® is a trusted brand that is known for delivering comfortable products that shield you from the weather. You may question what exactly is the fabric. Is it just regular fabric that has a coating or is it a fabric that is produced with a new technology? Can you find it as an outer fabric or does it line the inside of the textile? It is none of the above because it is unique and contains the following:

THE GORE-TEX® MEMBRANE

The GORE-TEX® membrane can be found as the foundation of all the GORE-TEX® products. The structure of the design includes some remarkable features. The membrane consists of a thin layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) that contains over nine billion pores per square inch. These interesting elements give the fabric its unique qualities.

GORE-TEX® stands the test of time by ensuring the durability of waterproofness over the lifetime of the product. It can withstand penetration of water keeping you warm and dry in any harsh weather.

Windproof products can help you stay comfortable even if the windchill is trying to rob you of your warmth. GORE-TEX® fabrics are made to prevent the wind from passing through so you have a comfy microclimate inside your outdoor attire.

Breathability is much needed for activities outdoors. The GORE-TEX® allows your sweat to evaporate through the material to prevent any chance of buildup or overheating, leaving you dry and comfortable in any kind of vigorous movements.

THE GORE-TEX® LAMINATE

Next, the GORE-TEX® membrane is reinforced by bonding it to a high-performance lining and the outer textile. There are three different ways that the laminate is constructed in order to create a versatile selection of material.

  • 2-Layer Construction

The GORE-TEX® membrane is fused with just the outer fabric only which is practical for a wide variety of outdoor activities. It is a benefit because it improves the versatility of the clothing to suit each wearer.

  • 3-Layer Construction

This construction bonds the GORE-TEX® membrane to both the outer textile and inner lining so there is not movement between the layers which increases the fabric durability.

  • Z-Liner Construction

GORE-TEX® membrane binds to lightweight material and liner so that it is found independent between the outer fabric and inner lining. There are fewer sealed seams which give manufacturers freedom in their fashion designs.

THE GORE-TEX® TECHNOLOGY

GORE-TEX® product technology provides distinctive solutions for everyday versatility, more extreme daily activities, and intense athletic demands. Fierce testing is conducted on garments to make sure the outerwear meets the brand's high-quality standards.

GORE-TEX® PROMISE

The company backs all of their products with a promise. If for any reason you are not content with the GORE-TEX® product, send it back to get it repaired, replaced, or refunded. The brand calls it, "The GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™ Promise."

COMPANY HISTORY

The GORE-TEX® brand was created for outdoor fanatics to provide comfort and protection since W. L. Gore & Associates launched the idea in a home basement. In 1969, Bob Gore invented ePTFE to withhold its incredible characteristics under certain conditions. Gore then applies for the GORE-TEX® first patent with the ePTFE material.

The first commercial order of the GORE-TEX® fabric came in 1976 which made it the first fabric to be breathable, waterproof, and windproof all in one. Throughout the years, products have been using the material to create amazing apparel and accessories. Even NASA made spacesuits for their astronauts with GORE-TEX® fabric for the shuttle Columbia mission.

The brand experience gained so much confidence with the material that in 1989 the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™ warranty was introduced. This came before the international expedition to Antarctica where GORE-TEX® outerwear was used. One of the explorers even gives credit to the amazing product for saving his life during the excursion.

You can find GORE-TEX® fabric in hundreds of trusted outdoor apparel and accessory brands throughout the world. The waterproof, windproof, and breathable technology will continue to create new styles for the marketplace.

GORE-TEX® Quality and Testing

An organization that you can trust because it guarantees the products they make as well as the products made by others. GORE-TEX® work side by side with licensed manufacturers to determine and test each product. to determine if they meet their high standards. Rigorous testing in real world conditions, ensures that each product has the best ratings for performance.

Each product starts their testing at the baseline with lab tests of the laminate to produce quality material. The next series of tests puts the material through real world application in order to test the product for weather like conditions. Controlled tests are conducted by people in order to judge the finished product by the way that it feels, wears, and performs as they are put through different environments and activities. Lastly, prototypes are sent out in the field for crucial testing prior to commercial approval.

Responsibility Plan

GORE-TEX® brand has honorably decided to maintain a level of responsibility when creating GORE-TEX® products. While they are dedicated to improve their impact on the environment, they also demonstrate a high level of integrity with business relationships.

Being environmentally responsible means that the company continues their commitment to meet or exceed any health, safety, or environmental rules and regulations. Using Life Cycle Assessments, the products improve their environmental footprint by making sure that each product exceeds all levels of durability. The brand also promises to use chemicals that are safe for nature and their workers.

Fair and ethical behavior shows that GORE-TEX® brand is demonstrating how to conduct business. They make sure that everyone within their Enterprise is shown respect and integrity including workers, suppliers, customers, and stakeholders. Expectations are set with fair labor requirements, a positive workplace, and compliance in all legal and environmental regulations. In order to continue with a high-level code of conduct, they work with other companies that maintain a similar stance on social responsibility.


Gore-Tex Brand Ambassadors and Athletes

GORE-TEX® sponsors professional athletes and other individuals to represent the brand. The dedication and commitment from athletes and other outdoor enthusiasts is a valuable sought after trait. We partner with these individuals to support their endeavors in mountaineering, trail running, and skiing by supplying them with garments, footwear, and other accessories that is engineered with our technologies like GORE-TEX®.

One of the first Brand Ambassador was Reinhold Messner when he journeyed through the Himalayas in the late seventies. From that point forward, we have been supporting various athletes from around the globe and have supported their numerous adventures.

A few examples include:

Pep Guardiola

He believes that nothing should hold you back. Being one of the most successful football coaches, he works hard to continue searching for the best result.

Ralf Dujmovits

The first and only German high altitude climber to reach the summer of all fourteen of the world's 8000m peaks. He is one of the most experienced climbers in the world and has journeyed through the Himalayas, Alps, Andes, and Antarctic.

Stefan Glowacz

A climbing event competitor, he is best known for his ideology to climb without the assistance of technical aids. His expeditions soared through many countries including Canada, Greenland, Patagonia, Vietnam, Venezuela, and Antartica.

Greg Hill

Some describe him as being the fittest mountain skier of all time. After spending ten years in training, he climbed about 600,000 meters vertically. He ventured through twenty-one peaks in twenty-one days in the Monashee Mountains.

Robert Jasper

One of the world leaders in extreme mountain climbing, Robert set new standards for international alpine climbing on ice or mixed terrain. He completed the three greatest of the Alps; the Eiger, the Matterhorn and the Grandes Jorasses.

David Lama

For thirteen years, he used his talents as a competitive climber. He eventually turned his focus towards adventures and expeditions. Since before his first championship, he has been using the GORE-TEX® brand.

Tamara Lunger

She believes in giving 120% into whatever she sets her sights on. At the age of 23, she was the youngest woman to ascend the summit of Lhotse.

Seb Michaud

Seb has been putting on his skis since the young age of three. A pioneer in free skiing, he is well known for his backflips that often happen off of cliffs.

Edurne Pasaban

Being one of the most accomplished female climbers in the world, Edurne has journeyed through the summits of all fourteen of the world's 8000m peaks.

Janelle Smiley

With numerous championships under her belt, she is considered to be one of the best female mountain skiers in the world.

Mark Smiley

The love of the adventure drives this Certified Mountain Guide to do rock climbing, skiing, and ice climbing. He is also a filmmaker and photographer.

Nico Zacek

As the only German to ever compete at the Winter X Games in America, Nico uses his expertise to teach young freeskiers.

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