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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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.
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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
