Gore-Tex® fabric sandwiches together layers of nylon, a polymer called polytetrafluoroethene (or PTFE
Polytetrafluoroethylene
Polytetrafluoroethylene is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene that has numerous applications. The well-known brand name of PTFE-based formulas is Teflon by Chemours. Chemours was a spin-off from DuPont, which originally discovered the compound in 193…
What is Gore-Tex fabric?
What is GORE-TEX fabric? GORE-TEX is a patented type of waterproof fabric made with a variant of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) known as expanded PTFE (ePTFE). As one of the first flexible waterproof fabrics invented, GORE-TEX remains a highly popular waterproofing material with few significant competitors.
Is Gore-Tex better than coated nylon?
Gore-Tex is stronger than coated nylon in some sense it is weaker because it. requires more care. But it is there to serve a function and in this sense it is. the best stuff there is. It does what it is supposed to do.
Is Gore-Tex breathable?
Gore-Tex is a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane and registered trademark of W. L. Gore & Associates. Invented in 1969, Gore-Tex can repel liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through and is designed to be a lightweight, waterproof fabric for all-weather use.
What is Gore-Tex waterproofing?
As one of the first flexible waterproof fabrics invented, GORE-TEX remains a highly popular waterproofing material with few significant competitors. GORE-TEX consists of PTFE fabric that has been stretched during post-production.
Is GORE-TEX made of nylon?
Despite its waterproof structure, Gore-Tex is a thin fabric, thus offering ease of use. This type of fabric is made up of three different layers. The top layer is usually made of nylon or polyester. This forms the outer structure of the suit.
Is GORE-TEX polyester or nylon?
GORE-TEX® Pro has a sparsely woven nylon backer that is twice as durable as traditional tricot liners and allows moisture vapour to pass quickly through to the GORE-TEX® membrane.
What material is GORE-TEX made out of?
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)Invented in 1969, Gore-Tex can repel liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through and is designed to be a lightweight, waterproof fabric for all-weather use. It is composed of stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is more commonly known by the generic trademark Teflon.
Why is GORE-TEX better than nylon?
Benefits of GoreTex Gore-Tex has the desirable properties of nylon, but is also 'breathable'. It lets water vapour from sweat pass to the outside, but it stops rain drops from passing to the inside. Clothing made of Gore-Tex is very useful to hikers and other people who work or play outside.
Which jacket is best nylon or polyester?
Polyester jackets tend to be cooler than nylon and although both fibers are UV resistant, polyester has a higher resistance and is able to withstand more prolonged exposure to the sun than nylon without breaking down.
Which is better nylon or polyester?
As noted about their many similarities, both polyester and nylon are strong and due to their polymer (plastic) based construct, they are notably lightweight. On the strength of material and durability front, Nylon would take the edge as it is the stronger of the two fabrics, and with much greater ability to stretch.
What are the disadvantages of GORE-TEX?
What are the Disadvantages of Gore-Tex?Gore-Tex is Expensive. With publicity and prestige comes a price tag to match. ... Performance Tapers Slowly Over Time. ... Seams are Always a Weakness. ... Difficult to Care for. ... Made from Chemicals. ... Some Gore-Tex Products can be Hit or Miss.
Why is it called GORE-TEX?
ePTFE, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, is created by Bill's son Bob Gore when he rapidly stretches PTFE under certain conditions. The result is an incredibly strong, microporous material with an amazing list of characteristics, including low water adsorption and good weathering properties.
What is so special about GORE-TEX?
Gore-Tex is a waterproof and breathable fabric membrane that has some very special characteristics which make it the perfect material for outdoor gear. Its microporous properties repel water from the outside but let it breathe on the inside to avoid condensation and improve breathability.
What is the best material for a waterproof jacket?
The best-known such fabric is Gore-Tex, a breathable waterproof fabric invented and trademarked by the Gore family in 1969 that replaced the typical inner layer of waterproof clothing, usually made from polyurethane, with a thin, porous fabric.
Is anything better than Gore-Tex?
The most sustainable GORE-TEX alternative fabric is waxed cotton. Waxed cotton is exactly like it sounds: wax (typically beeswax or linseed) is applied to cotton, giving the cloth a hydrophobic coating.
Is Gore-Tex really waterproof?
GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ and GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® garments are designed to keep light rain and snow out. Which means that, yep, some GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ products are even water resistant.
Is nylon good for rain?
The question, Is nylon waterproof? is a common one and the short answer is no, nylon is not waterproof. As a fabric, it will actually absorb water and when wet, will allow water to pass through it.
Which is more waterproof polyester or nylon?
Both nylon and polyester resist water, but polyester resists it better than nylon. Additionally, polyester's water-resistant properties increase as the thread count rises. However, neither material is fully waterproof unless it's coated with special materials.
How long does Gore-Tex last?
Gore-Tex isn't forever Even powerful Gore-Tex has a lifespan. For people that use their gear daily, this lifetime can range from three to five years while those who use less frequency can get close to 15 years out of their garments.
Is pertex waterproof?
Pertex® Shield fabrics provide lightweight waterproof protection whilst remaining highly breathable.
What is a GORE-TEX PRO?
This is gear for going further than you’ve ever been before. GORE-TEX PRO garments are for outdoor professionals and serious outdoor visionaries who need the most rugged and durable protection available. They are designed to be extremely breathable and come with the ultimate GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™ promise for waterproof protection in a totally windproof product. So you can master even most extreme situations.
What is a Gore TeX laminate?
3-layer GORE-TEX PRO laminates also benefit from patented Gore Micro Grid Backer technology, now developed with solution dyeing (for the non-stretch GORE-TEX PRO fabrics, carrying the “GORE-TEX PRO NEW” tag). The specially woven lining protects the membrane from abrasion on the inside, and slides easily over layers meaning you can move freely. The low denier backer is still highly breathable and robust, without adding excessive weight.
How many deniers are in a GORE TEX PRO?
Built with robust outer face textiles, GORE-TEX PRO garments are highly abrasion- and snag-resistant. Only textiles between 30-200 denier are used, and all products must pass our extremely rigorous tests. GORE-TEX PRO garments are tested in the lab by our team of dedicated scientists and out in the most extreme conditions all around the world by professionals and athletes.
What is GORE-TEX fabric?
GORE-TEX is a patented type of waterproof fabric made with a variant of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) known as expanded PTFE (ePTFE). As one of the first flexible waterproof fabrics invented, GORE-TEX remains a highly popular waterproofing material with few significant competitors.
Where is GORE-TEX fabric produced?
W.L. Gore and Associates operates manufacturing facilities in a variety of different countries. This corporation does not disclose which of these facilities produces the most GORE-TEX fabric. Examples of nations where W.L. Gore has established operations include the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China.
How much does GORE-TEX fabric cost?
GORE-TEX is one of the most expensive synthetic fabrics. It is only possible to source this textile from the W.L. Gore corporation, which charges relatively hefty prices. Once you have acquired GORE-TEX fabric, you must send your completed garments back to W.L. Gore for certification, which entails an additional fee. Many manufacturers believe, however, that the GORE-TEX logo is well worth the price.
What different types of GORE-TEX fabric are there?
There are quite a few different types of GORE-TEX fabric. This material also has a couple of competitors that are worth noting:
How does GORE-TEX fabric impact the environment?
GORE-TEX fabric has a notably negative impact on the environment. Not only is the production of PTFE harmful to the environment and to textile workers, but it’s necessary to periodically spray GORE-TEX with DWR to keep it breathable. The safety of DWR has not been established, and this substance is a known environmental toxin.
What is PTFE made of?
First, PTFE is produced in the form of rods, blocks, or other large, solid shapes. As the polymer form of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), this process begins with forming TFE by combining fluorspar, hydrofluoric acid, and chloroform.
What is the purpose of a GORE-TEX suit?
GORE-TEX was included in space suits throughout the 1980s, and this material is used in a wide variety of medical applications including sutures and vascular grafts. The porosity of GORE-TEX allows bodily tissues to grow through it, making this inert material ideal for cardiovascular implants.
When was nylon made?
Nylon. Invented in 1935, some six years before polyester, nylon (aka polyamide) was the world’s first synthetic fiber and the original polymer used in jacket construction. Softer, stronger, and more expensive than polyester, nylon is regarded for its strength and durability.
Which is better, nylon or polyester?
Invented in 1941, polyester is typically more abrasion resistant, faster drying, better at wicking away moisture, easier to dye, and less expensive to produce than nylon . Polyester jackets tend to be cooler than nylon and although both fibers are UV resistant, polyester has a higher resistance and is able to withstand more prolonged exposure to the sun than nylon without breaking down.
What is a hooded jacket?
A hooded jacket can protect you from more than just rain, but with added features comes added weight and greater danger of getting caught on stuff. Removable hoods are now also an option and whether or not you want one depends on the elements you intend to play in. If you opt for a hood, be sure that it doesn’t limit your visibility and if your pursuits of choice involve the use of a helmet, check that your jacket hood is designed to fit one inside.
Is tricot a good material for a jacket?
Typically derived from polyester, it’s very soft and more breathable than both polyester and nylon. Tricot jackets tend to be heavy, warm, and good at wicking away sweat. They are, however, less water- and wind-resistant than their nylon and polyester counterparts, making tricot more preferable in casual or light athletic wear that doesn’t involve extreme weather conditions.
Can nylon ropes be used for climbing?
Cords created using nylon can be made strong enough to pull a car and nylon is the main fiber behind most climbing equipment including climbing ropes as it has considerable stretch and can safely support your body weight during huge falls. Dirt and debris do not hold well to nylon, making it easy to clean.
Is a lightweight jacket waterproof?
In fact, even fully waterproof, insulated jackets are weighing in at just a few ounces, making them easy to bring along on any adventure. In general, the more features, insulation, and durability you need, the heavier your jacket will be, so choose wisely and be sure your jacket fits the activity you’ll be using it for.
Is a jacket packable?
Though all jackets are technically packable, the packable jacket design you’re looking for here is one where packability will save you significant space when it’s not on your body. The smaller you can get it to close up on itself and stay that way, the better.
What is a GORE TEX?
GORE-TEX® Pro garments provide the highest level of durable waterproof/breathable performance available. GORE® Micro Grid Woven Backer delivers garments that are consistently the lightest and most compact in the industry.
What is the best Gore tex membrane?
Overall, Pro 3L is the most technical and advanced Gore-tex membrane. The three layers of fabric include the inner liner, outer face fabric and sandwiched in between is the waterproof membrane with a trade secret construction. Pro 3L is going to be able to react the quickest to rapid changes in body temperature when performing high intensity activities, and be the most breathable overall.
What is 100% polyester?
100% polyester / 2.4oz/yd 2 , 83g/m 2 A lightweight, plain weave textile with a smooth polyester outer face for moisture shedding, and a breathable WINDSTOPPER ® membrane for active use in windy conditions.
What is 100% nylon face?
100% nylon face / 2.2oz/yd2 , 126g/m2 A durable plain weave face fabric that uses a textured warp yarn and a false twist textured fill yarn, backed with a polyester knit fabric for comfort.
What is dense construction?
Dense construction minimizes the exposure of yarns to abrasive contact, reducing damage to filaments and maintaining surface integrity. A durable micro-grid woven backer reduces weight and is also highly abrasion resistant. DWR finish.
What is layer fabric?
layer fabric: 3.4oz/yd2 , 114g/m2 A lightweight nylon fabric with a mini ripstop construction for increased tear strength and durability. DWR finish.
What is a prefix in GORE?
Prefixes are an Arc’teryx system to identify the face fabrics applied to GORE technologies. Each element describes a property that defines the nature of the fabric.
Is Gore-Tex a good membrane?
Bottom line, Robin: Gore-Tex is great, but there are lots of other great membranes, too. Determine your budget and your needs, then decide which category of raingear you need. Check out all these shell reviews we’ve done in recent years.
Do jackets keep you dry?
Here’s my honest opinion: There are tons of jackets out there—some really well priced “house fabrics”—that will keep you dry, if that is your primary goal. But if you need a jacket that’s really breathable as well, that’s when it pays to fork out some extra money.
Overview
Applications
Gore-Tex materials are typically based on thermo-mechanically expanded PTFE and other fluoropolymer products. They are used in a wide variety of applications such as high-performance fabrics, medical implants, filter media, insulation for wires and cables, gaskets, and sealants. However, Gore-Tex fabric is best known for its use in protective, yet breathable, rainwear.
History
Gore-Tex was co-invented by Wilbert L. Gore and Gore's son, Robert W. Gore. In 1969, Bob Gore stretched heated rods of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and created expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). His discovery of the right conditions for stretching PTFE was a happy accident, born partly of frustration. Instead of slowly stretching the heated material, he applied a sudden, accelerating yank. The solid PTFE unexpectedly stretched about 800%, formin…
Manufacture
PTFE is made using an emulsion polymerization process that utilizes the fluorosurfactant PFOA, a persistent environmental contaminant. In 2013, Gore eliminated the use of PFOAs in the manufacture of its weatherproof functional fabrics.
See also
• Extended Cold Weather Clothing System
• Hipora
• SympaTex
• PrimaLoft
• "The Dinner Party" (Seinfeld)
External links
• Official website
• Gore website