Waterproof and breathable is the ultimate combination when it comes to active wear. It’s how Gore-Tex made their mark on the industry almost 40 years ago with their waterproof, windproof, and breathable clothing. However, even with the best clothing including Gore-Tex, when you’re really pushing yourself the sweat from the inside of your clothing can be as bad as the rain you’re trying to keep out.
In their constant pursuit of improved fabrics and new technology, Gore-Tex is introducing their new Active Line – a collection of pieces that use the latest Gore-Tex technology for highly aerobic activities…
If you’re tuned into the waterproof clothing world, you’ve probably heard the terms 2, 2.5 or 3 layer waterproof fabrics. This refers to how many of the layers are laminated together with 3 layer fabrics being the most durable and usually the most waterproof. However, 3 layer construction is typically less comfortable, less flexible, and less breathable.
To address the needs of activities where high aerobic activity produces a lot of heat and sweat, the new Gore-Tex Active fabric eliminates the face textile in favor of a permanent water beading surface. Paired with a Gore Micro Grid backer, the fabric is said to be the lightest and most breathable fabric ever produced by Gore-Tex. The fabric also eliminates the possibility of being chilled from a “wetted out” face fabric (since there isn’t any), and therefore offers shorter dry times and better packability. To be clear, this is not the same 3 layer Gore-Tex Active fabric currently available under the same name.
Able to be machine washed, Gore-Tex Active fabrics do not require tumble drying or reactivation of the waterproof membrane over time. Available this December in the typical Gore Bike and Gore Running wear, the fabric will also be available through Castelli for bike, and Arc’Teryx and The North Face for outdoor.
