Few products have revolutionized the outdoor industry like GORE-TEX. From its humble beginnings in a Bob Gore’s basement, GORE-TEX has become synonymous with adventure. GORE-TEX has revolutionized the outdoor marketplace by providing innovative waterproof and breathable technology that enhances comfort, performance, and protection for outdoor enthusiasts across various activities and conditions. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the proof is in the products you buy – quite literally.
About GORE-TEX…
GORE-TEX is used in a wide variety of performance clothing, including everything from hiking boots to ski jackets. Outdoor brands such as Patagonia, ARC’TERYX, and The North Face are known for using GORE-TEX to deliver the most lightweight and performance-driven products for their avid fanbases. Not only does GORE-TEX apply to apparel, but it is also popular in the world of sneakers. Legendary running brands such as Nike, adidas, and New Balance are incorporating GORE-TEX technology into their sneakers to create a shoe that can repel water and keep feet dry. In short, GORE-TEX has been an essential part of the adventurous lifestyle since its founding.
As a whole, the outdoor industry has been increasingly focused on developing more environmentally friendly products and manufacturing processes in response to growing concerns about sustainability and environmental impact. GORE-TEX has been on the leading edge of this sustainability movement in its product development. So now, GORE-TEX, the world’s most recognizable waterproof-yet-breathable membrane, is ditching the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) chemicals.
The brand has introduced “ePE” (expanded polyethylene) membrane which prioritizes eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, aligning with the company’s commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint. In short, it’s PFC-fee and has a reduced carbon footprint achieved by its lower material mass along with new material combination. In other words, you get a product that’s not just good for your adventurous soul but puts your enviro-friendly heart at ease.
Durably waterproof, reliably breathable and totally windproof, the new ePE Membrane upholds the high standards of performance that have always been at the foundation of GORE-TEX. The new GORE-TEX material with ePE membrane keeps you dry without PFAS (Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances). Lighter and thinner, yet just as strong and durable as the materials that came before it. How do we know? Because we’ve been putting it through the paces the past several months. And we can tell you, that you get the same elevated protection you’ve always counted on from GORE-TEX, now just in a more environmentally friendly design.
In Conclusion…
The smart kids GORE-TEX have absolutely naied it. The long-developed new ePE membrane meets the demand from manufacturers for a totally PFC-free membrane while refusing to sacrifice on any aspect of performance. Driven by a growing recognition of the need to protect the natural environments that outdoor enthusiasts depend on for recreation and exploration, this next evolution of GORE-TEX is here for every adventure.