In 1969, Bob Gore, recognised that PTFE could be stretched under certain conditions, creating a microporous membrane. He had just discovered the GORE-TEX membrane, which began an unprecedented success story. Just a few years later in 1976, he was excited about his very first contract – that was indeed 40 years ago. With that, he set the cornerstones for a company that stands for outdoor apparel like no other does. Today, we look back proudly on 40 years of impressive stories and are thrilled to celebrate it with you all.

Take part and you could be a winner: What is your #GORETEX40 moment?

In the last 40 years, have you experienced a fantastic adventure with your GORE-TEX gear? Share it with us! It doesn’t matter if it’s about an adventurous trip to the base camp of Mount Everest, an amazing Sunday afternoon, a hike in the rain, or a ski trip with all of your friends many years ago that you will never forget. Use the hashtag #GORETEX40 between October and December 2016 and upload your best photo to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Every week we will choose one random winner from the posts and award the participant a pair of stylish GORE-TEX gloves. The best entry will win the grand prize: A complete winter outfit! Find more details and further information at www.goretex.co.uk/goretex40.

Birthday bash! Participating retailers

Of course, we aren’t celebrating by ourselves. Some of our retailers across Europe are also coming to the party, and you are all invited to celebrate with us: Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock, Maxi Sport, Sportland, Sportler, Globetrotter, Bergzeit, Bergfreunde, Snowleader, Au Vieux Campeur, Millet, Viladomat, Vertic Outdoor, Gigasport, AS Adventure, Barrabes, Intemperie, El Corte Ingles, Cuylás, Probike, a8.pl. Just drop by the store or take a look online, at some joining partners, you will also have the chance to win great prizes. We look forward to seeing your best #GORETEX40 moments.

Cleaning and care products, free

With every GORE-TEX product purchased at participating retailers, you will also receive a free bottle of care product (while supplies last). Regular care ensures optimum performance and extends the life of your outdoor apparel. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions – they are normally printed on a tag sewn inside the garment. Click here to find out more about how to take care of your GORE-TEX products.

History lesson: How it all began

What began as a plan to expand the range of uses for PTFE based solutions, ended with a product that was to revolutionise the world of outdoor apparel. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as ePTFE, is not only waterproof with its microporous structure, it is also breathable. A little known fact is that the PTFE material is integrated today into more than 1,000 end uses, from medical products to guitar strings. The GORE-TEX name however, has achieved worldwide recognition for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. Since 1989, the company has had the brand promise that guarantees customer satisfaction for the lifetime of the product, GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™. If a customer is unsatisfied with a GORE-TEX product, it will either be repaired, replaced, or the purchase price will be refunded. In the 40 years since the introduction of GORE-TEX products, Gore has impressively demonstrated its power of innovation again and again. Today, one can’t begin to imagine many outdoor activities without Gore, be that running, biking, skiing or trekking. So it’s absolutely time to celebrate! Share your #GORETEX40 moment with us. We look forward to it! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.