So What Is Gore-Tex?

So what is Gore-Tex and why is it so good?  GORE-TEX is a brand that produces the best waterproof, windproof and breathable fabrics on the market.  For our store we have brands like Burton AK that use Gore-Tex in the snowboard jackets, bibs, mitts, gloves and pants we sell.

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS GORE-TEX AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

GORE-TEX ia an incredibly durable fabric that is really breathable, waterproof and windproof.  GORE-TEX is made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene – or PTFE.  The fabric keeps water and weather out but allows moisture to breathe from the inside.  There are 3 key tech features that make Gore-Tex what it is, the membrane, the laminate and the seams.

1) The heart and soul of Gore-Tex in the ultra thin membrane. The membrane has about 9 billion microscopic pores that are about 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water, but 700 times bigger than a molecule of moisture vapour.   Techy huh?Water is unable to pass through to the inside of the membrane but on the other side water that is turned to vapour from the heat of your body can escape.  

2) The laminate in Gore-Tex is when the membrane is sandwiched together with the other fabric in the garment, usually nylon.  This is where you find your 3-Layer (where the membrane is bonded to fabrics on both sides), and 2-layer (where the membrane is bonded to a fabric on one side)  Gore-Tex can also have a liner on the other meaning for example you can get insulated and non-insulated jackets and pants.

3) Especially in Australia this feature is a key due tour very wet and windy weather.  Sealed Seams on GORE-TEX with complete weatherproofing and prevent them from leaking.  You can see this by looking at the inside of say a Burton AK jacket and see what looks like strips of tape along the internal seams.  This seals any gaps that have been created around the stitching and locks everything out.

Look for the authentic Gore-Tex tag on select snowboard outerwear.