GORE-TEX® PRODUCTS

GORE-TEX® PRODUCTS
Retail Training Manual
gore-tex.com
CONTENTS
3
The Science of Comfort
4 The Heart of GORE-TEX ® Products
The GORE-TEX ® Membrane
1 5 GORE-TEX ® Fabrics
Can our Competitors Compete?
17
GORE-TEX ® Footwear Product Classes
5 GORE-TEX ® Product Principles
19 GORE-TEX ® Glove Product Classes
7 GORE-TEX ® Garment Fabric Constructions
21 WINDSTOPPER ® Products
9 GORE-TEX ® Garment Product Classes
22 WINDSTOPPER ™ Membrane Technology
11 GORE-TEX ® Garments Additional Features
23 WINDSTOPPER ® Garment Product Classes
24 WINDSTOPPER ® Garment Performance
13 GORE-TEX ® Garment Care
25 WINDSTOPPER ® Garment Care
14 GORE-TEX ® Fabric Testing
26 Sustainability Message
1
GORE FABRIC TECHNOLOGY
The science and research that has gone into developing GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER®
products over the years is extraordinary. This booklet will give you a strong foundation in the Gore
technology that continues to revolutionize outdoor garments, footwear, gloves and accessories.
Taking time to read it will help you understand the many reasons to buy GORE-TEX® and
WINDSTOPPER® products. Knowing these reasons will enable you to match your customers’ needs
with the best Gore products.
OUR BRANDS
Products live on shelves and hangers. Brands live in the consumers’ hearts and minds. With a
97 percent repurchase rate, GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER® brands are trusted by consumers
worldwide. 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 more than 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 can trust that it represents decades
of innovation and testing that guarantees it will perform as promised.
GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™ PROMISE
We Don’t Just Make a Product—We Make a Promise.
If you’re not completely satisfied with the waterproof, windproof or breathable
performance of your GORE-TEX® product, Gore will repair it, replace it or refund
your purchase price.
2
THE SCIENCE OF COMFORT
Comfort is an abstract concept, but it depends on something very physical: your microclimate.
A thin layer of protective air that surrounds you, your microclimate is as delicate as it is crucial.
To preserve your microclimate—and therefore your comfort—we have spent years working to
understand and overcome the processes that threaten it.
Convection
You feel convective cooling—better known as the wind
chill effect—when cold wind blows through your garment,
robbing your body of the warmth trapped in your
microclimate. This is why being windproof is essential for
a clothing system to be comfortable.
Evaporation
When water evaporates off your skin, it cools you down.
That’s why your body sweats during exercise—to prevent
you from overheating. But if your clothes aren’t breathable,
moisture vapor can’t escape, causing your sweat to stay
on your skin.
Conduction
Conduction is the transfer of heat from a warm object to
a colder one. Just hold a snowball in your bare hand for a
minute, and you quickly feel how the snowball draws heat
from your warm hand. 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 can lead to
rapid heat loss and explains why a fabric’s ability to let sweat
evaporate is as important as its waterproof protection.
Trusted manufacturers choose GORE-TEX® products for durably waterproof, windproof and
breathable protection.
3
LAYERING FOR COMFORT
Garments that can manage moisture, control heat transfer and protect you from the weather must
work together. Wearing the proper clothing system will ensure the optimal combination of comfort
and protection.
THE BASE LAYER — Worn next to the skin, this layer is made of non-absorbent fibers that “wick” liquid
away from the skin.
THE INSULATING LAYER — Worn over the base layer, this layer keeps you warm. Synthetic insulators
work better than natural fibers and retain some of their insulating ability even when wet.
THE WEATHER PROTECTION LAYER — This layer protects you against the elements while keeping the
insulating layers dry. And it must be breathable to keep moisture from accumulating in the other layers.
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 durably
waterproof and windproof, yet it is water vapor permeable. This means water from the outside
doesn’t penetrate, cold wind doesn’t pass through, and perspiration can escape.
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.
Body oils and products such as insect repellent can contaminate the membrane, ultimately
causing it to leak. To prevent contamination and ensure durability of the fabric, a protective layer
is integrated into the membrane. A variety of GORE-TEX® membranes have been developed for
multiple end uses.
A CLOSER LOOK
The GORE-TEX® membrane under
an electron microscope
To a drop of water, the membrane
looks like an impenetrable wall;
but to a water vapor molecule,
it is an expansive web that’s
easy to pass through.
4
GORE-TEX® PRODUCT PRINCIPLES
The Approach that Changed Outdoor Comfort Forever
Protecting you from threats to your comfort requires a three-pronged defense:
waterproofness, windproofness and breathability. These terms are often misused in the
outdoor industry, but we have very clear standards for what each of these means to us.
OUR DEFINITION OF WATERPROOF
In laymen’s terms, we believe waterproof
garments shouldn’t leak — even during severe
weather and 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, a 165-pound
person exerts about 16 psi on his knees when
kneeling and 3 psi when sitting on wet ground.
But we also understand that a garment’s
waterproof protection depends on more than just
the fabric. That’s why we require 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
DWR: Durable water-repellent
treatment prevents water from
soaking into the top layer of fabric.
HOW OTHERS DEFINE WATERPROOF
It is easy to get confused when looking for a waterproof garment. Some
manufacturers use terms that sound like the garment will protect you from water,
but they are not really waterproof, particularly when force is applied, such as
when you sit or kneel:
Water-Resistant—Usually achieved with tightly woven fibers or thin coatings,
water-resistant constructions quickly allow water to penetrate a garment as soon
as the surface becomes saturated (commonly referred to as wet-out).
Water-Repellent—This level of protection typically refers to a treatment applied
to tightly woven fabric, causing water to bead up and roll off. Often referred
to as DWR, durable water repellency by itself is not an adequate method of
waterproofing because the surface eventually wets out.
However, a waterproof garment combines a durably water-repellent fabric with a
waterproof membrane, which provides both protection and comfort. This unique
construction in GORE-TEX® fabric blocks water entry and helps prevent the
conductive heat loss that can leave you feeling cold and damp. This combination
also keeps the garment from taking on undesirable water weight.
5
Being waterproof is only half the story. For those devoted to the outdoors, a garment
will only be truly comfortable if it is also windproof and breathable.
OUR DEFINITION OF WINDPROOF
A windproof fabric shouldn’t let air pass
through it because this airflow causes
convective heat loss and the wind chill
effect. In technical terms, this is known as
air permeability. Measured in cubic feet per
minute (cfm), air permeability is the volume
of air that can pass through one square foot
of the fabric in one minute. The lower the
cfm of a fabric, the more windproof it is.
To meet our standards, a windproof fabric’s
air permeability must be equal to or less
than 1.0 cfm.
Wind
Outer
fabric
GORE-TEX ®
membrane
Liner
OUR DEFINITION OF BREATHABLE
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 breathability refers
to how well the fabric lets
your sweat escape in the
form of moisture vapor.
Outer
fabric
Moisture
vapor
GORE-TEX ®
membrane
Liner
We require our fabrics to breathe well enough to
allow your sweat to evaporate even during heavy exertion.
A body’s ability to push out that sweat is determined by something known as “driving
force.” The difference between the temperature and humidity both inside 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.
6
GORE-TEX®
GARMENT FABRIC
CONSTRUCTIONS
Turning Principles into Products
GORE-TEX® fabric revolutionized outdoor
apparel, and every year since has seen new
advances and enhancements. As a result,
GORE-TEX® products can be found at the heart
of an array of high-performance garments for a
wide range of outdoor activities.
All GORE-TEX® fabric constructions are durably
waterproof, windproof and breathable, so you
stay dry and comfortable in a variety of weather
conditions and activities. They keep your body
dry by allowing perspiration vapor to escape,
which keeps you cool during activity and warm
during cool-down by helping to regulate your
body heat.
The Inside Story
GORE-TEX® fabrics are created by laminating the
GORE-TEX® membrane between high-performance
lining and outer textiles. Multiple GORE-TEX®
membranes have been developed for specific
end uses, but the GORE-TEX® membrane ensures
that the finished product will provide outstanding
waterproof, windproof and breathable protection.
7
Moisture vapor
escapes
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
Outer fabric
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Lining
TWO-LAYER
GORE-TEX® FABRIC
The unique construction of a two-layer GORE-TEX®
fabric combines a GORE-TEX® membrane to an outer
material resulting in a lightweight garment that keeps you
comfortable and protected.
Moisture vapor
escapes
THREE-LAYER
GORE-TEX® FABRIC
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
Garments made with three-layer GORE-TEX®
fabric combines a GORE-TEX® membrane
sandwiched between an outer textile and an
inner lining for added durability to keep you
comfortable and protected from the elements
without adding bulk or weight.
Outer fabric
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Lining
Outer fabric
Water vapor
(sweat)
THREE LAYER
GORE-TEX® ACTIVE FABRIC
Moisture
(rain, snow, etc.)
Lining integrated in
GORE-TEX® membrane
GORE-TEX® Active fabric combines a
lighter, thinner GORE-TEX® membrane
with fine denier performance textiles
to deliver the ultimate lightweight
three-layer solution. On the liner side,
a proprietary lamination technology
integrates the backing textile directly
into the GORE-TEX® membrane
allowing for extreme breathability and
excellent next-to-skin comfort.
8
GORE-TEX® PRODUCT CLASSES
Fit for Use
GORE-TEX® Products
Garments engineered with GORE-TEX ® fabric are durably waterproof and windproof, combined with
optimized breathability - enduring products that maximize protection and comfort for the wearer.
Moisture
vapor escapes
ACTIVITIES
Cycling
Fishing
Golf
Hiking
Hunting
Motorcycling
Running
Skiing
Snowboarding
Travel
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
Outer fabric
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Lining
GORE-TEX® Pro Products
Garments engineered with GORE-TEX® Pro fabric are built for maximized ruggedness and are ideal for
extreme and extended use.
Moisture
vapor escapes
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
Outer fabric
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Lining
9
ACTIVITIES
Fishing
Hunting
Motorcycling
Mountaineering
Sailing
Skiing
Snowboarding
Winter Climbing
GORE-TEX® Active Products
Garments engineered with GORE-TEX® Active fabric are built for extreme breathability and
are ideal for highly aerobic, done-in-a-day activities.
ACTIVITIES
Moisture
vapor escapes
Alpine Running
Fast Ascent
Mountaineering
Endurance
Running
Ski Touring
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
Outer fabric
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Protective
layer
Garments engineered with GORE-TEX® product technology offer a unique solution for specific activities and climate
conditions to fit the individual needs of the consumer. Each GORE-TEX® product class consists of a distinct laminate
package including specific core technologies such as membrane, lamination processes and textile choices.
GORE-TEX® Products
GORE-TEX® Pro Products
GORE-TEX® Active Products
Sweat management1
All GORE-TEX® products carry the
GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™
promise
PRODUCT CLASS
GORE-TEX®
Products
Ruggedness
Durable
waterproofness
for the intended
end use
Ruggedness
Sweat management
Durable waterproofness
Windproofness
Windproofness
***
**
*****
*****
GORE-TEX® Pro GORE-TEX® Active
Products
Products
*****
***
*****
*****
**
*****
*****
*****
1Breathability and next-to-skin comfort
10
GORE-TEX® PRODUCTS
Additional Features
We have created a variety of technologies to increase garment functionality. Refer to the
garment hang tag to see which additional features may be present.
Moisture
vapor escapes
GORE-TEX® FABRIC WITH
PACLITE® FABRIC TECHNOLOGY
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
Garments made with GORE-TEX® Paclite® fabric are
durably waterproof, windpoof and very breathable.
With lightweight and packable construction, these
garments are ideal for activities when weight and
space are critical.
Outer fabric
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Protective
Layer
Available for: GORE-TEX® Products
Moisture
vapor escapes
GORE-TEX® FABRIC WITH
Z-LINER FABRIC TECHNOLOGY
Rain, snow and
wind stay out
Garments made of GORE-TEX fabric with Z-liner
fabric technology are durably waterproof, windproof
and very breathable. They are the ideal solution for
those who want versatile all-day weather protection
without compromising style.
®
Outer fabric
GORE-TEX®
membrane &
carrier fabric
Lining
Available for: GORE-TEX® Products
HUMAN VISION
UNGULATE VISION
Tri-chromatic color (red, green, blue)
Sharper vision, 20/20
Di-chromatic color (shades of yellow, blue & gray)
Diminished vision acuity, 20/40
GORE™ OPTIFADE™
CONCEALMENT
TECHNOLOGY
This unique hunter concealment approach considers animal vision rather
than human perception as the ultimate test for effective concealment.
This pattern applies revolutionary new findings in animal vision science,
camouflage science and computer technology. In contrast to mimicry
camouflage, which attempts to match the hunter with the environment,
GORE™ OPTIFADE™ concealment technology prevents the animal from
recognizing the hunter as a predator.
11
Available for: GORE-TEX® Products, GORE-TEX® Pro Products
GORE MICRO GRID BACKER TECHNOLOGY
Using an innovative patent-pending internal backer
fabric, this technology reduces abrasion and
snagging, enhances breathability and decreases
weight. It also allows the garment to slide easily
over insulating layers.
Gore Micro
Grid Backer
structure
Available for: GORE-TEX® Pro Products
GORE COMFORT MAPPING TECHNOLOGY
Mirroring the climate zones of the body such as
shoulders, back and joints, specific GORE-TEX ®
fabrics are engineered 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® Products
EXTREME WET WEATHER CONSTRUCTION
Advanced fabric design techniques are used to create
garments that deliver superior protection against
extreme and extended wet weather conditions.
Available for: GORE-TEX® Products,
GORE-TEX® Pro Products
12
SEAM TAPING — BRINGING IT
ALL TOGETHER
Every stitch in a seam is a potential leak.
That‘s why for maximum waterproof
protection, we rely on GORE-SEAM® tape.
Every seam in GORE-TEX® garments, footwear
and gloves are sealed by specially trained
manufacturers in certified factories using
patented equipment from Gore.
GORE-TEX®
laminate
GORE-SEAM®
tape
Stitch
GORE-TEX® PRODUCT CARE
Simple Steps for Peak Performance
People are often surprised to learn how easy 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.
Machine wash warm (104ºF/40ºC);
rinse thoroughly.
Tumble dry on medium heat
until completely dry to maintain
water-repellent finish.
13
You may also dry-clean the garment.
Consult the outerwear care label for
additional instructions.
For more details, visit gore-tex.com/care.
GORE-TEX® FABRIC TESTING
Proving the Promise
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 assess each product style. And it’s not just the finished GORE-TEX® product that’s
tested but the textiles, insulations, membrane and linings must meet performance standards.
Materials are tested in Gore’s labs and prototypes are rigorously field tested in actual conditions.
MATERIAL TESTS
Starting with the baseline material, we perform a battery of lab tests to ensure the laminate is performing
to our standards. Examples: Breathability Test, Cold Flex Test, Material Inspection
SYSTEM TESTS
We’ve developed a series of lab tests that start to replicate the application for which
the product is intended. Examples: Suter Test, Abrasion Resistance
CONTROLLED PERFORMANCE TESTS
Not everything can be measured on a dial or a screen. We have people judge how finished
products feel, work and wear as they experience different environments and activities.
Examples: Rain Chamber, Comfort Tests
FIELD TESTING
If they pass our lab tests, the prototypes are then put through the ultimate test of
performance and comfort in actual field conditions. Numerous people test the product
in its end use before we approve it for commercialization.
If it has a GORE-TEX® label on it, it has been certified to be
durably waterproof, windproof and breathable for its intended use
and carries the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY® promise.
14
GORE-TEX® FABRICS
Can our Competitors Compete?
GORE-TEX® fabrics have been the leader in durably waterproof, windproof, breathable products
for years. However, the market has become crowded with other brands, claims and technologies
that make it difficult for consumers to understand their options. To clarify these options, we
evaluated other waterproof, breathable fabric technologies, subjecting them to the same testing
standards we set to measure our fabrics’ performance. This is how they compared:
Microporous Coatings and Laminates
These fabrics use thin microporous
polyurethane (PU) materials to block
water from passing through the garment.
They were not very waterproof because of
the material’s inconsistent thickness. Also,
we found their breathability to be variable.
Garments with a microporous coating
failed quickly because cracks
developed in the thin areas of the
material when it was flexed.
Monolithic PU Coatings and Laminates
With a continuous polyurethane coating
or film adhered to the outer layer, these
fabrics were waterproof when new.
However, they lost their waterproof
protection and tended to fail more quickly
when tested as the coating saturated
and flexed. The breathability of
these fabrics varied greatly
depending on the thickness
of the polyurethane layer.
15
Bi-component Coatings and Laminates
As the name implies, these fabrics are
made of two parts: a microporous layer
and a monolithic material. The combination
increased initial waterproof protection,
but in return, breathability was
compromised.
Other ePTFE Membranes
Short for expanded polytetrafluoroethylene,
this is one of the materials used in the
GORE-TEX® membrane. On its own,
ePTFE is highly breathable; but without
other components that we add to
the GORE-TEX® membrane,
waterproof protection can be
compromised initially and
over time.
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.
Microporous Coatings & Laminates
Monolithic PU Coatings & Laminates
Bi-component Coatings & Laminates
Other ePTFE Membranes
GORE-TEX ® Membrane
Breathability
Based on ISO 11092
Initial Waterproofness
measured by psi
Breathability
measured by (m 2* mbar/W)*10 2
Durability of Waterproofness
measured by hours
Initial
Waterproofness
Based on ISO 811
Durability of
Waterproofness
Based on ISO 6330
and ASTMD 751-06
16
GORE-TEX® FOOTWEAR PRODUCT CLASSES
Outdoor Comfort from the Ground Up
Cold, added weight, blisters: Most outdoor activities stop being fun the moment your feet
get wet. This is why GORE-TEX® footwear has become a staple on trails and summits around
the world. Durably waterproof and breathable, our fabrics protect you in a wide range of
conditions—guaranteed.
GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Footwear
Every component of the shoes—even how they
are constructed—is tailored to make them
extremely breathable. Ideal for highly aerobic
activities even in warm temperatures or indoors.
Moisture
elements
Moisture
vapor (sweat)
Upper material
Protective knit
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Inner lining
ACTIVITIES:
Trail Running, Road Running, Hiking,
Casual Shoes, Travel
GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort Footwear
This footwear provides optimum comfort and
durably waterproof protection in all kinds of
outdoor activities, even in the most adverse
weather conditions.
Moisture
elements
Moisture
vapor (sweat)
Upper material
Protective knit
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Inner lining
ACTIVITIES:
Backpacking, Climbing, Hunting,
Hiking
GORE-TEX® Insulated Comfort Footwear
Integrating a layer of breathable insulation,
these shoes bring added warmth to the
waterproof, breathable mix, making them the
ideal solution for extreme winter conditions.
ACTIVITIES:
Hunting, Work, Expeditions, Hiking,
Alpine Sports
17
Moisture
elements
Moisture
vapor (sweat)
Upper material
Protective knit
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Insulation
Inner lining
Proof of Performance—Testing
MECHANICAL BOOT FLEX TEST
These mechanical feet flex prototype styles in water up to
200,000 times, which simulates around 250 miles of use.
If the footwear leaks, the design must be modified and
resubmitted for further testing.
THE COMFORT TEST
Even though our GORE-TEX® membrane is breathable, every
material and component in the shoe must contribute to its
climate performance for the footwear to be truly comfortable.
So we test every prototype to ensure it meets minimum
standards for breathability and climate comfort. We insert an
artificial sweating foot into the shoe to measure the rate of
moisture loss under controlled conditions.
LEAK TEST MACHINE
Before being inserted into a shoe or boot, GORE-TEX® booties are
factory-tested to ensure your 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 any hole that will lead to leaks.
These tests are performed at every Gore certified factory.
Simple Steps for Peak Performance
PERMANENT PROTECTION
WATERPROOFING
The GORE-TEX membrane inside GORE-TEX
footwear is a composite material of outstanding
stability, so it needs no maintenance. As long
as it is not punctured, it remains 100 percent
waterproof—guaranteed.
®
®
DIRT REMOVAL
Cleaning GORE-TEX® footwear is as easy as
using lukewarm water on the outside. To clean
leather shoes/boots use a brush, and for textile
shoes/boots, use a sponge.
Additional waterproofing is not necessary,
however, water repellent restorative treatments
of shoe upper components may be used if
recommended by the shoe manufacturer.
CARE PRODUCTS
There are many types of upper materials
available in GORE-TEX® footwear. Please follow
the manufacturer’s recommendation for the
treatment and care of shoe uppers. While
no care product can harm the GORE-TEX®
membrane, we advise against the use of fat or
oil-based treatments of leathers as they can
affect the overall breathability of the shoe.
18
GORE-TEX® GLOVE PRODUCT CLASSES
High-Tech Comfort for Your Hands
If your hands get cold even while you are wearing gloves, it’s often caused by moisture
in the insulation. It may come from the outside if the gloves aren’t waterproof or from the
inside if they don’t breathe, which traps perspiration. This is why GORE-TEX® gloves have
become the choice of serious winter athletes and adventurers.
GORE-TEX® Gloves
Protection and Comfort for Your Hands.
You simply can’t enjoy winter sports with wet, cold 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 drier for longer.
GORE-TEX® Gloves with XCR® Product Technology
Drier and Warmer for Longer
“eXtended Comfort Range” means greater breathability in
an even wider range of temperatures. So when it’s cold
outside, your hands stay warm longer. And when it gets
warm or your activity level increases, your hands remain
comfortable and drier for longer.
Perspiration
(sweat)
Cold and
moisture
Inner lining
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Insulation
Outer fabric
GORE-TEX® Gloves with GORE 2-in-1 Technology
One Glove, Two Options
You no longer need to choose between warmth and grip
in a glove. The simple design of GORE 2-in-1 Technology
has two chambers so you can choose what you need
most from your gloves. The extra insulation in the warm
chamber provides added warmth for your entire hand in
those times you aren’t physically active. With insulation
only on one side, the grip chamber gives you optimum
feel and breathability when you need extra dexterity.
GORE-TEX Gloves with X-TRAFIT™
Product Technology
®
Sometimes a sure grip is essential, so these gloves have
a grip tape that bonds the GORE-TEX® membrane directly
to the inner liner. With this technology, your hands stay
dry and warm, but when you grab something, there are
no loose layers to slip.
19
Perspiration
(sweat)
Cold and
moisture
Insulation
Warm
chamber
Tag
Grip
chamber
GORE-TEX®
membrane
Lining
Outer fabric
Grip tape prevents
movement between
Cold and
moisture
layers under pressure
Lining
Perspiration
(sweat)
Outer
fabric
Testing
Whole Glove Leak Test
A GORE-TEX® glove is sealed and submerged in a
tank of water. We then pump 2 psi of pressurized
air into it to reveal any leaks in its construction.
Whole Glove Breathability Test
Hot steam is pushed through a GORE-TEX® glove.
By weighing the glove before and after the test, we
can compare how much water it has retained and
therefore how breathable it is.
Care—It’s Easy
Always check the care information with
each product for additional instructions.
BLEACH
Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
WASH
Hand-wash your gloves in warm water with
a very small amount of mild detergent.
DRY CLEAN
Do not dry clean.
RINSE
Remove all detergent residue by rinsing
the gloves several times.
DRY
Wrap your gloves in a dry towel, and
squeeze from fingertips down toward the
palm. Do not wring or knead wet gloves.
WATER REPELLENCY
Use commercially available sprays
to maintain durable water repellency
on gloves with textile exteriors; for
leather gloves, use a water-based
care product that does not inhibit
the breathability.
Air-dry gloves without exposure to heat or
a dryer. When the gloves are partially dry,
put them on, and form a fist to reshape
the gloves.
20
WINDSTOPPER® Products
Wherever you go, the wind stops.
To stay comfortable, you need to keep your microclimate in
perfect balance. In other words, the amount of heat your body
produces has to match the amount it loses.
WINDSTOPPER® garments help manage that delicate balance,
even when your activity level and the weather are constantly
changing. To do this, WINDSTOPPER® garments block wind from
reaching your skin to cool you down while allowing perspiration
to escape and prevent overheating.
Stop the Wind Chill with Excellent Windproof Protection
Although textiles such as microfibers, closely woven fabrics and
many fleece materials are often considered windproof, even light
winds can penetrate most of these fabrics, making you feel chilled
and uncomfortable. By Gore’s standards, a fabric can only be
considered truly windproof if its air permeability is 1.0 cfm or less.
It’s a standard that every WINDSTOPPER® product easily meets.
Stop Overheating with Maximum Breathable Comfort
The enhanced breathability of WINDSTOPPER® fabric helps
your body manage its microclimate without expending too
much energy. The billions of pores in the WINDSTOPPER™
membrane let water vapor (sweat) escape easily, even at high
levels of physical activity.
WINDCHILL INDEX (°F)
Outdoor
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
21
Perceived Temperature
Temperature
0
-5
-10 -15
-11 -16 -22 -28
Wind speed greatly
affects how cold we
feel when exposed to
different temperatures.
A LOOK INSIDE
WINDSTOPPER™ Membrane Technology
The WINDSTOPPER™ membrane is an ultra-thin protective layer that may be
laminated to a variety of textiles, making it very windproof. This means that
virtually any textile can be made windproof by adding the WINDSTOPPER™
membrane—without any impact on the textile’s breathability.
From your skin’s point of view, this makes outerwear with the WINDSTOPPER™
membrane a unique experience. Its billions of micropores make it extremely
breathable, yet it is also a virtual brick wall against wind so that you
stay comfortable.
Additionally, because the micropores in the WINDSTOPPER™ membrane are
so small, it also sheds light rain and snow.
The billions of micropores of the
WINDSTOPPER™ membrane let
water vapor escape easily, even at
high levels of physical activity.
WINDSTOPPER® products combine high levels of windproof
protection and breathable comfort.
Durably Windproof
Protects your body’s
microclimate from the chilling
effects of wind and weather.
Extremely Breathable
Prevents overheating and
perspiration buildup by allowing
moisture vapor to escape easily.
Snow and water
resistant
Outer shell
WINDSTOPPER™
membrane
Inner layer
22
WINDSTOPPER® Garment Product Classes
The wind stops here.
Being windproof and extremely breathable are the two qualities at the heart of every
WINDSTOPPER® product, whether they’re designed as insulating or outer layers, for
outdoors or indoors.
WINDSTOPPER® Active Shells
Wind
Lightweight
fabric
Water vapor
(perspiration)
WINDSTOPPER™
membrane
Lining
The lightest, most packable option,
WINDSTOPPER® Active Shells keep you
comfortable during highly aerobic activities. The
extremely breathable WINDSTOPPER® fabric keeps
your body dry and cool by allowing excessive body
heat to escape efficiently from the garment. At the
same time, its water-resistant construction sheds
light rain and snow, and it dries quickly.
Activities: Cycling, Running, Ski Racing,
Upland Hunting
WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shells
Wind
Soft outer shell
Water vapor
(perspiration)
WINDSTOPPER™
membrane
Warm, soft
inner layer
Combining the comfort of a soft insulating
layer with the water resistance of a shell,
WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shells enable you to move
freely in a wide range of activities and weather
conditions. Providing comfort as an insulating
or outer layer, this water-resistant shell sheds
light rain or snow, and it dries quickly.
Activities: Climbing, Mountain Biking,
Hunting, Golf
WINDSTOPPER® Technical Fleece
Wind
Warm fleece
Water vapor
(perspiration)
WINDSTOPPER™
membrane
Soft inner layer
Providing added warmth and comfort with less
bulk than a traditional fleece, the WINDSTOPPER®
Technical Fleece is effective as an insulating
or outer layer in cool and windy conditions.
The windproof construction of WINDSTOPPER®
Technical Fleece delivers up to 250 percent
more warmth than a non-windproof fleece in
windy conditions.
Activities: Backpacking, Hiking,
Motorcycling, Fishing
WINDSTOPPER® Insulated Shells
Wind
Lightweight fabric
WINDSTOPPER™
membrane
Warm loft insulation
Water vapor
(perspiration)
23
Lining
Soft, lightweight and warm, WINDSTOPPER®
Insulated Shells keep the warm air in and the
cold wind out. Ideal for athletes who don’t let cold
windy conditions stop them, the WINDSTOPPER®
Insulated Shell allows perspiration to escape easily,
keeping you warm and dry from the inside. At the
same time, the water-resistant fabric sheds light
precipitation, protecting the insulation so you stay
dry from the outside as well.
Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding, Fishing
WINDSTOPPER® Product Performance
Tested, Analyzed and Proven
WINDSTOPPER® products are some of the most analyzed, most tested and most studied of
their kind. The wearer’s comfort and performance has been examined under stringent lab
conditions. Field tests ensure that results from the lab translate to real-world use.
The Storm Cube
The Storm Cube is a climate chamber cooled
to 39°F and capable of wind speeds up to 32
mph. It is equipped with an infrared camera
so our engineers don’t just feel the difference
WINDSTOPPER® products make in cool outdoor
conditions, they see it.
The Color of Comfort
Although microfibers, closely woven fabrics and many fleece materials are often
considered windproof, light winds can penetrate most of these fabrics, making you feel
chilled and uncomfortable. The infrared test demonstrates the different effects of wind
with and without WINDSTOPPER® membrane.
WITHOUT the WINDSTOPPER™ membrane
This is what the wind chill effect looks like without
WINDSTOPPER® fabric. The blue areas indicate
that this fabric doesn’t withstand wind. Although
the temperature remains the same, you will quickly
feel cold as soon as the wind starts blowing.
WITH the WINDSTOPPER­™ membrane
And this is what the wind chill effect looks like
with WINDSTOPPER® membrane. The red areas
indicate the warmth that remains, thanks to the
WINDSTOPPER® fabric’s ability to block the wind.
You remain comfortable and warm, and you can
maintain your level of physical activity.
WINDSTOPPER® Gloves
Simple items at first glance, gloves fill a complex
role. Our hands perspire more than we realize,
creating lots of opportunity for heat loss. So
gloves can’t simply keep out the cold, they also
need to release the sweat. That’s why windproof,
breathable WINDSTOPPER® gloves are the
difference between comfort and misery.
24
WINDSTOPPER® products comply with the highest
technical standards in the industry. To ensure
these high quality standards are met, both fabrics
and garments undergo continuous testing as
part of a unique quality assurance program. This
is completed at independent facilities and in
extensive field and lab tests. The goal is complete
customer satisfaction.
WINDSTOPPER® Product Care
Tough Products–Easy Care
Don’t hesitate to wash your WINDSTOPPER®
products regularly. They will continue to look good
and function well even after extensive washing.
Some lined WINDSTOPPER® garments, however,
may contain materials (e.g., wool) that require
special care. Make sure you always follow the
care instructions on the label sewn into the
garments, as this will significantly enhance the
life of the garment.
Machine wash regularly (104ºF/40ºC).
Tumble dry at medium to low heat.
Questions, Comments:
1-877-ASK GORE
windstopper.com
25
WE ENJOY THE OUTDOORS…
SO WE PROTECT IT!
In the Fabrics Division of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., our mission
is to deliver protective fabrics for people who enjoy the outdoors
and those who work in challenging places. Behind every product,
you’ll find a firm commitment to performance, reliability and
safety without causing needless harm to the environment. This
commitment is based on a concept we refer to as fitness for use—
delivering a quality product to meet the demands of a specific
application. Our approach results in high-performance fabrics that
meet international safety requirements, provide durable protection
in work or play, and are an environmentally sound choice.
Throughout the lifecycle of our products, we evaluate our impact on the
environment. Our approach rests on three key elements:
• Sound science as the basis for product development
• A comprehensive approach for analyzing our environmental footprint
• Product durability as the cornerstone of our corporate philosophy
For more information about our commitment to the environment,
visit www.gore-tex.com
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.
Because you are an integral player in the
outdoor industry, we count on you to share our
story with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
We believe the better they understand the
technology and quality that go into GORE-TEX®
and WINDSTOPPER® products, the more likely
consumers will settle for nothing less.
26
Gore Merchandising Catalog
FREE To Our Valued Retail Partners
This catalog was created for our valued retailers selling
GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER® products. Our brands
are strong and continue to be two of the most trusted
outdoor consumer brands, as proven with a repurchase
rate of more than 97 percent.
All of these materials are FREE of charge.
Place your order today.
Call 1-877-ASK-GORE.
All global manufacturing sites for functional fabrics of Gore have passed the
bluesign ® screening and have implemented the bluesign ® standard successfully.
1-877-ASK GORE
USA
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
295 Blue Ball Road
Elkton, Maryland 21921
gore-tex.com
© 2012 W. L. Gore & Associates Inc. GORE-TEX®, GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™, GORE®, PACLITE®, WINDSTOPPER®,
GORE-SEAM®, GORE™ OPTIFADE™, XCR® and X-TRAFIT™ and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates