What is Gore-Tex?

At Outdoor Gear Exchange, we know as well as anyone that there are a lot of options for outdoor apparel. Many brands, making everything from shoes to hats, leverage GORE-TEX technologies in their products. So…

What is Gore-Tex?

GORE-TEX is a waterproof fabric membrane that only allows the passage of water vapor to remain breathable while keeping the interior dry. The GORE-TEX membrane is bonded to a product’s textiles using a lamination process and seam tapes are used to ensure the apparel is totally waterproof.

Gore-Tex: Past, Present, Future

The foundation of GORE-TEX technology, ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluorethylene) was created in 1969 by Bob Gore when he rapidly stretched PTFE under particular conditions. This technology, and other PFAS chemicals, found applications in everything from cookware, construction, electronics, outdoor apparel, and even aerospace. In the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins were tethered to the lunar lander with Gore materials. Despite the broad applications and incredible weathering properties of past GORE-TEX products, it is broadly known that PFAS chemicals don’t break down and are damaging to the environment. Current GORE-TEX products are made with ePE MEMBRANE - which is free of added PFAS, and even thinner than traditional GORE-TEX materials. Today, GORE-TEX applies the rigorous industry standards such as the bluesign Standard to ensure the confluence of quality and sustainability in their offerings. In short, GORE-TEX is putting sustainability at the forefront of its production line, while still improving the performance of its technology.