Mountaineering Clothing

What is Gore-Tex?

Gore-Tex is a combination of special materials designed specifically to keep water out. It starts with a Gore-Tex membrane that is then laminated to high performance textiles which is then sealed with a special solution. This pretty much guarantees waterproof protection. Its kind of like carbon fiber in clothing form.

So what is this special membrane? It's a special material composed of billions of small pore like structures. These structures are many, many times smaller than a water droplet, but much bigger than a water vapor molecule. What this does is prevent water from penetrating but at the same time allowing perspiration to evaporate. Your body can still breath and stay comfortable all the while staying dry.

But that isn't all! The real beauty of Gore-Tex is in the textiles. These textiles are specifically made to be waterproof, wind proof and yet still breathable. With such specific abilities one would think that choices in color, weight, etc, would be limited, but that isn't the case. There are often many styles and colors to choose from so you can determine what kind of weight, texture, and abrasion resistance you want.

The parka is the ultimate default choice in rain gear. When one thinks of a parka images of the bright yellow cover come to mind. It's built with one goal in mind and that is to keep you dry. By coupling the parka with Gore-Tex technology you've got a recipe for success. With the choices available in Gore-Tex textiles your options in style and color are no longer limited to the standard bright yellow.

So the next time its storming and you have to take the trash out be sure to bring along your Gore-Tex parka to stay dry!