goretexistä

Gore-Tex is a brand of waterproof, breathable fabric created by W. L. Gore & Associates. Its defining characteristic is a microporous membrane made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). This membrane is laminated to a textile, often a nylon or polyester outer shell, and sometimes a liner. The pores in the ePTFE membrane are significantly smaller than a water droplet but larger than a water vapor molecule. This structure allows liquid water to be repelled from the outside while permitting perspiration vapor to escape from the inside, thus keeping the wearer dry and comfortable.

The technology was developed in the late 1960s by Bill and Vieve Gore. The first commercial Gore-Tex product was introduced in 1976. Its applications are widespread, commonly found in outdoor clothing such as jackets, pants, and footwear, as well as gloves, bags, and even medical devices. The effectiveness of Gore-Tex products depends on their construction and intended use, with different variations of the fabric designed for specific levels of waterproofing, breathability, and durability. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and reapplication of DWR (durable water repellent) finishes, is recommended to preserve the fabric's performance.