GORE-TEX®SURROUND - Guaranteed to Keep You Dry
7 Nov 2017We’ve all heard of GORE-TEX® but few us know how it works. Read this if you’re interested in staying warm and dry.
What exactly is GORE-TEX SURROUND ®?
So what is GORE-TEX®? GORE-TEX® membrane is an extremely thin layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). It has over 9 billion pores per square inch. Each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet. It's these pores that give the GORE-TEX® fabric its characteristics. When used in the manufacture of a finished garment GORE-TEX® is bonded between an outer fabric treated with DWR (durable water repellent polymer) and high performance lining. All GORE-TEX® products carry the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY® promise. Meaning if you buy a GORE-TEX® garment from Humes Outfitters, by Schöffel, Dubarry or any other brand it has been certified by GORE-TEX® as durably waterproof, windproof and breathable for its intended use. AND. If you are not completely satisfied with the waterproofness, windproofness or breathability of your GORE-TEX® product, then the GORE-TEX® guarantee means the company will repair it, replace it, or refund your purchase price.How is GORE-TEX® made?
The manufacturing process of GORE-TEX® involves several steps. For the membrane production, PTFE pellets are stretched and shaped until they form a flat, microporous structure. This structure prevents liquid water to permeate it, yet allows vapor water to pass through - which is why GORE-TEX® is waterproof AND breathable. This membrane is then laminated to various textile materials, be it nylon or polyester, such as in the production of GORE-TEX® fleece. The outer layer is then treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent finish) to encourage formation of water beads which will run off the fabric, rather than be left to soak in and saturate which would interfere with the breathability.How Waterproof is GORE-TEX®?
Waterproof ratings are generally determined by placing a tube over the fabric and determining how high (in millimeters) a column of water you can pour into the tube before the fabric starts to leak. The waterproofness of the fabric is then reported in mm, e.g. 5000mm. Some manufacturers have developed their own testing methods that involve adding pressure to the process to simulate the effects of wind. So how waterproof is GORE-TEX®? GORE-TEX® has a waterproof rating on 298,000 mm.
Another way of measuring waterproofness is defined as its waterhead, i.e. mm of water per m2 of fabric a garment can sustain before it leaks. A garment can be sold as waterproof with a waterhead of 3mm. Or....you can, as above, develop your own highly eccentric and entertaining system for measuring waterproofness. Whether it’s from a driving rain, a damp bench you happen to sit on, or kneeling in wet grass, water can't penetrate GORE-TEX® fabric. Yet, the fabric will remain breathable, allowing for moisture from sweat to escape. Factoring in reasonable wear and tear, if your GORE-TEX® product is properly cared for and used as intended then you can expect it to remain waterproof, windproof and breathable for its useful life.
Breathability and Comfort
The thin layer of air that surrounds your body, known as your microclimate, is essentially what keeps you comfortable. The ideal microclimate is around 32°C and humidity of less than 30% - this is the temperature that we, as humans, are most comfortable at. Activity causes the body to perspire if this vapor is unable to escape it will form condensation inside the garment, which will eventually cool and cause your body temperature to drop. Leaving you feeling cold, damp and uncomfortable. Breathable fabrics allow perspiration to evaporate. As mentioned above GORE-TEX® is an extremely microporous fabric. Each pore is 700 times larger than a water molecule in its vaporous state (e.g. sweat) meaning perspiration passes right through. This is what makes the GORE-TEX® membrane breathable and comfortable.GORE-TEX® at Humes Outfitters
Humes Outfitters has an extensive selection of GORE-TEX® products for a range of outdoor activities: Mens GORE-TEX® Ladies GORE-TEX®
If you found this post informative and know of anyone in need of a 100% water and windproof jacket, please like and share this post using the social buttons. Thank you. 
