Gore-Tex is a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane and a registered trademark of W. L. Gore and Associates. Discovered in 1969, it can repel water while allowing water vapor to pass through (to remove sweat and moisture). It is designed to be lightweight and suitable for all weather conditions. It consists of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is better known by the generic trademark Teflon. Stretching this polymer forms a microporous material with over 9 million pores per square inch.
Gore-Tex is primarily used for the production of clothing and footwear, such as ski and snowboard apparel, jackets, as well as shoes and boots. Its performance in harsh weather conditions makes Gore-Tex almost synonymous with outdoor culture. Leading companies use this technology to create the lightest fabrics possible for their outdoor products. Since Gore-Tex membranes can be bonded with a variety of materials, Gore-Tex is also used in hats, gloves, socks, and even bags. Gore-Tex is also popular in the world of hiking shoes, with big names using it to repel water and keep your feet dry.
