GORE-TEX®

The origin of waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® outerwear, footwear, and gloves starts with five little letters: ePTFE. ePTFE, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, was created by Bob Gore in 1969 when he rapidly stretched PTFE under certain conditions. The result was an incredibly strong, microporous material with an amazing list of characteristics including low water adsorption and good weathering properties. By 1978, GORE-TEX® fabric was introduced and the world met the first truly waterproof, breathable outerwear. Thanks to our commitment to innovation and creativity, waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® products have continued to improve and evolve to keep in step with the changing needs of our customers. The basic hallmarks that make our outerwear, footwear, and gloves the choice of serious professionals and casual outdoor enthusiasts alike remain, however:

The GORE-TEX® membrane: The secret of GORE-TEX® products -- which are both completely waterproof and completely breathable at the same time -- lies within its our revolutionary bi-component membrane. The membrane contains over 9 billion microscopic pores which are approximately 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water, but 700 times bigger than a molecule of moisture vapor. So while water in its liquid form cannot penetrate the GORE-TEX® membrane, as moisture vapor it can easily escape.

Waterproof, windproof and breathable: The GORE-TEX® membrane makes garments durably waterproof, windproof and breathable so that you stay dry and comfortable.

Durable: Waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® outerwear is made of the very toughest fabrics and is thoroughly tested to guarantee performance even after serious wear and tear. Easy care: Just because it’s high tech doesn’t mean it has to be high maintenance. GORE-TEX® fabric is extremely easy to take care of and won’t lose its effectiveness even after repeated washing.

Guaranteed to Keep You Dry® Promise: Perhaps the most important aspect of breathable, waterproof GORE-TEX® outerwear. We firmly believe in our outerwear and back it up with a promise: No liquid from the outside will get to you on the inside. This includes moisture from the wet grass you’re kneeling in to the sudden squall you get caught in. We take this guarantee seriously. If you are not completely satisfied with the waterproofness, windproofness, or breathability of your GORE-TEX® product, then we will repair it, replace it, or refund your purchase price.

Born of innovation, creativity and a love of discovery, waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® outerwear encourages you to get out there and get more out of the outdoors. And remember, if it doesn’t say “GORE-TEX®” brand, it’s not.