That feeling is really annoying - our clothing is either wet or it stays dry but we sweat a lot in it. This problem can be solved by using Gore-Tex® mebrane. What is it ? It is a fabric with absolutely unique feaures. To understand it better, we should reveal little more about Gore-Tex® and its history.
History
In 1966, before the Gore-Tex® became registered trademark, another form of stretched PTFE tape was produced by John W. Cropper of New Zealand. Cropper had developed and constructed a machine for this use, however, he chose to keep the process of creating expanded PTFE as a closely held trade secret and as such, it had remained unpublished.
Three years later, Gore-Tex was co-invented by Wilbert L. Gore and Gore's son, Robert W. Gore. It was a happy accident when Bob Gore stretched heated rods of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The solid PTFE unexpectedly stretched about 800% and created expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). It formed a microporous structure that was about 70% air. After its inventors, it was introduced to the public under the trademark Gore-Tex and obtained three patents. In the 1970s Garlock, Inc. allegedly infringed Gore's patents by using Cropper's machine and was sued by Gore in the Federal District Court of Ohio. The District Court held Gore's product and process patents to be invalid. However, the Federal Circuit disagreed in the famous case of Gore v. Garlock, reversing the lower court's decision on the ground and Gore was thereby established as the legal inventor of ePTFE.
Either way
The main features of the membrane are clear. It is waterproof, windproof and at the same allows water vapor to escape. The sweating does not occur and the body can maintain its microclimate. But how can Gore-Tex actually do that ? We have already mentioned that fabric is more than 70% air. Each square inch of the GORE‑TEX membrane has 1,4 billion pores. Each of these tiny holes is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, but also 800 times bigger than a water vapor molecule. The water can not get through the small holes, but the steam molecule has enough space to escape the body. It may seem not so important, but let´s imagine following situation. We are hiking and it starts to rain. We put on our non Gore-Tex® jacket. We will either get wet very quickly or we will not get wet, but thanks to the zero breathability we will sweat, so we get wet anyway. This is not the case with Gore-Tex®. This membrane is not only waterproof and windproof, but also breathable. When you’re working hard, or the temperature rises, your sweat can escape thanks to the ventilation holes on your clothing.
As you can see, the GORE -TEX® membrane is reliable and above all - functional. But it can not be used by itself.
Two or three layers
Unfortunately the Gore-Tex® membrane can not be used on its own. The membrane is bond to high-performance linings and outer textiles, creating the GORE‑TEX laminate. Most often we can see so called 2-layer or 3-layer construction. The selection and technology of laminating is quite demanding. Neither of the layers must limit the functions of the membrane itself. With 2-layer construction, the Gore-Tex® membrane is bond to outer textiles. This construction can be used on many clothing. Moreover, it can be combined with an insulating lining, so we are not only dry but also warm. The 3-layer design utilizes revolutionary membranes that are specially processed and provide high strength. The membrane is durably bonded to both the rugged outer material and a specially developed robust inner lining.
No single hole
When we look at any clothes, we can see a lot of seams. And it is the same for Gore-Tex®products. These places are stitched in special way using a very thin needle. Unfortunately, the holes are still large enough to let the water in. The seams therefore represent a critical place where the water could get inside. In order to stop this, the seams must be taped. Technologies with special tapes are used to make this work.
Conclusion
As we can see, Gore-Tex® really is an universal mebrane, which we can use all year round. However, there are also situations where we should consider the use of this membrane. This mainly applies to summer footwear, where we should have higher beathability. However, the benefits prevail. For example, Gore-Tex® does not lose its properties with repeated washing and its life-span is surprisingly long. After all - we will be happy.