(Image source - Triumph)
One day, while doing some research on polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), a fancy name for plastic, a scientist named Bob Gore pulled a heated rod of ePTFE really, really hard.
The result? The rod stretched to 800%, or eight times its length, and at the subatomic level, the structure changed, and the new, stringy new material was almost 70% air. This meant that there were gaps in the material's structure, and those gaps could be made wider or narrower depending on how hard you pulled the rod. On further testing, it was found that sintering made the material even stronger.
(Image source - Grailed)
Essentially, what this meant was that the new material, called Gore-Tex (Gore because it was created by the Gore father-son duo, and Tex for textile) could allow or block the flow of vapor, depending on the manufacturing conditions. So, it's easy to imagine that Gore-Tex became of the best waterproofing fabrics in the market. Mind you, this was way back in the 1960s, so the material has been around for more than 50 years.
Gore-Tex fabrics are known for their durability, windproof properties, and resistance to water and abrasion. They are widely used in outdoor activities such as hiking, mountaineering, skiing, and cycling, as well as in everyday rainwear and outdoor apparel. In addition to clothing, Gore-Tex technology is also used in footwear, gloves, and other outdoor gear to provide protection and comfort in various weather conditions.
(Image source - Grailed)
Over the years, Gore-Tex has become synonymous with high-performance waterproof fabrics, and the brand is recognized and trusted by outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. However, it's worth noting that there are also other brands and technologies available in the market that offer similar waterproof and breathable features.
(Image source - The Fashion Starter)
As of 2023, Gore-Tex is up against some stiff competition from expensive name brands like AlpineStars, Dainese, and RevIt, as well as more budget-friendly brands like Olympia, Scott, and Rainguard. DryVent has proven itself as a capable alternative considering how expensive Gore-Tex is.
Some motorcycle brands like Triumph offer only Gore-Tex branded riding gear that's nearly 100% waterproof. By nearly 100% we mean that if you plan to ride a Tiger in Cherapunji in the middle of a down pour, you'll still remain as dry as a nice bottle of Tanqueray.
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About the author
Hi, I am Adreesh Ghoshal. I love Manna Dey, Mutton Keema, and Motorcycles equally. Sometimes, it's hard to choose.