Gore-Tex Pro is W.L. Gore’s top-of-the range waterproof membrane that’s been found in outdoor gear produced by some of the best brands in the industry. Now from 2020 onwards, the fabric company has revealed it will be offering three intriguing new variations of it.
In case you’re not familiar with the science behind Gore-Tex, in short it involves an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) lining that has thousands of tiny holes which are big enough to allow water vapour out from the inside but small enough to keep water droplets from seeping through. With Gore-Tex Pro, this membrane is sandwiched between a durable outer fabric and an internal C-knit backer which prevents sweat and dirt from clogging the pores,
Until now, the nature of the membrane has meant that any fabrics paired with it by brands need to be quite stiff. It’s why waterproof jackets with Gore-Tex Pro in the past have tended to appear quite crinkly and have sounded swishy. What’s changed is that Gore have created three different variations of the membrane which will now allow it to cater for a range of different fabric types.
Three New Types Of Gore-Tex Pro
The variations? That’ll be Most Rugged Technology, Stretch Technology and Most Breathable Technology.
Most Rugged Technology is, as the name suggests, the toughest of the three. It has a polyurethane element added to the membrane and will be best paired with higher denier face fabrics and a heavier backer. This is designed for people that are going to be putting their kit through its paces and want as much lifetime out of the product as possible. Face textiles of 70-200 denier are available on the Rugged line.
Stretch Technology will allow the end user greater freedom of movement making those critical moments on the mountain flow more easily. An elastic layer sits on-top of the membrane giving it 12%-20% more stretch. What’s even more impressive is that the product doesn’t lose any of its breathability or waterproof performance when being stretched.
Most Breathable Technology is the lightest of the three and has been designed for people that are going to be pushing themselves to the limit aerobically and working very hard. It can be used with a 30-denier laminate and therefore you’ll find extremely lightweight garments with this.
