Guide to GORE-TEX technologies: jackets, shoes and gloves with membrane. About the secrets of membrane shoes Gore-tex membranes

In order not to get wet in the rain, it is enough to wear the most ordinary oilcloth raincoat: it will do the job perfectly if you are just standing outside. But if you try to run in a raincoat, then within a few minutes you will be thoroughly wet, but not because of the rain, but because of the condensation of the vapors from your body released when. And if you get wet in the cold, you can quickly freeze and get sick, so you shouldn’t experiment.

Story

When running and other physical activities in the rain or snow, it is necessary to solve two problems at once: not to allow water to pass through from the outside and to remove fumes from the inside. Until the second half of the 20th century, preference was given to the first solution: jackets and other clothes for rain were made waterproof, but at the same time “non-breathable”. But in 1969, Bill and Robert Gore, father and son, invented a membrane fabric that could hold water on one side and allow water vapor to pass through. They called this fabric Gore-Tex.

In 1976, the first line of clothing using this membrane was released, and in 1981, the crew of the space shuttle Columbia wore spacesuits made using Gore-Tex fabric.

Technology

Gore-Tex and other membranes are made up of microscopic pores, more than 1 billion per square centimeter. The size of these pores is 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water, but 700 times larger than a molecule of water vapor. It turns out that raindrops cannot penetrate inside, and evaporation goes outside unhindered. The membrane thickness is only 0.01 mm.

In order not to give water the slightest chance, clothes with membranes usually use special water-repellent zippers, and the seams are made in a special way. In addition, they are also sealed from the inside with a special tape.

Modern Gore-Tex clothing typically consists of three layers: an outer shell, a membrane, and a lining. The top layer is coated with a special compound called DWR (Durable Water Repellent - wear-resistant water-repellent material) and does not allow drops to linger on the surface. Over time, this coating wears out and the top layer begins to get wet. But the membrane itself does not allow water to pass through; it simply cannot remove evaporation outside as effectively, and moisture condenses inside. And many people mistakenly consider this a sign that the jacket has begun to get wet.

The same effect is possible in winter, when snow sticks to shoes or clothes and prevents them from “breathing.” In some cases, the characteristics of a DWR coating can be restored using a special spray.

Classification

The main characteristics of any clothing with a membrane are two indicators:

1. Water resistance in millimeters. To measure it, take a tube with a diameter of 2.5 cm and place it on the fabric. It is measured how many millimeters the tube can be filled with water before the membrane begins to let liquid through.
2. Breathability in grams. How many grams of water vapor can pass through a square meter of fabric per day?

These indicators are displayed in the form of two numbers, for example 10,000 mm/10,000 g. The table below will help you figure out how to translate these characteristics into understandable language.

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For city jogging, a jacket with a rating of 10,000 mm/10,000 g should be enough. But if you are planning to run trails in the mountains and be exposed to rain or snow for a long time, then it is better to choose something more serious, from 20,000 mm and above.

There are three main categories of membrane fabrics:

1. Everyday.
2. Professional.
3. For active sports.

Membranes from the first category, obviously, are intended for everyday wear; they can often be found in autumn and winter clothes or shoes. The latter are used in the manufacture of professional clothing, for example for climbers or. Well, as you probably already guessed, we need products made from fabric of the third category. Membranes for active sports are lighter and more breathable than others because they need to have time to remove more heat from the runner's or cyclist's body, which is heated by activity. In the Gore-Tex line, the family of such “active” fabrics is called Gore-Tex Active, so when choosing clothing for sports, you need to pay attention to those that use this type of membrane.

Remember that you cannot choose the cheaper option, because the main difference between good clothes and bad ones is their service life. In the first months, you may not notice the difference, but over time, the characteristics of a cheap jacket - primarily in terms of heat dissipation - can significantly deteriorate, and a high-quality membrane will be almost like new.

Care

In order for clothing with a membrane to serve you as long as possible and not lose its properties over time, it is necessary to take care of it. These clothes are needed in washing machine separately from other items at a temperature of no more than 40 degrees and using a small amount of liquid laundry detergent. Powder, stain remover and bleach are contraindicated. Well, don’t wring it out, because this can lead to the formation of wrinkles.

In 1969, Bob Gore discovered a special process for processing polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), and this served as the starting point for the use of polymers in the textile industry. The first fabric called GORE-TEX® appeared in 1978. It began a revolution in materials that changed all ideas about clothing for sports, and then the city.

PTFE polymer is a unique material, one of the most chemically resistant and plastic in the world. PTFE is mechanically stretched to form a thin film - a microporous membrane. The secret of the GORE-TEX® membrane is that it is a two-component composite. The porous ePTFE film is hydrophobic, that is, it repels water. It integrates oleophobic, i.e. grease-repellent, a substance that allows water vapor to pass through the membrane and creates a physical barrier for fatty substances that pollute the pores (sweat, cosmetics, repellents).

The GORE-TEX® membrane guarantees 100% waterproofness. It contains about 1.4 billion pores per 1 square meter. cm, but the pore size is 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water. This prevents water at a pressure of no more than 30 bar (= 30 m of water column) from passing through it. For comparison: rain in urban conditions creates a pressure of 5-7 m of water column.

GORE-TEX® materials are highly durable and long lasting. The fabrics on which the membrane is applied are specially selected so that their texture does not allow water to completely clog the pores of the membrane, otherwise the “breathing” properties of the material will be impaired. All sewing products using membrane materials GORE-TEX® is created only by licensed manufacturers. Compliance with all technological requirements for working with Gore-Tex materials, the most important of which is the treatment of seams with a special waterproof tape, is controlled directly by W.L. Gore & Associates.

The functional properties, convenience and comfort of products made from GORE-TEX® materials determine their widest use. Fashionable casual wear, as well as clothing, hats, shoes, tents, sleeping bags for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, rescuers, paramilitary structures, high-altitude extreme tents - this is not a complete list of applications for GORE-TEX® materials.

GORE-TEX® materials

GORE-TEX® 2-layer- the membrane is knurled on the reverse side of the outer fabric; from the inside it is protected by a free-hanging lining fabric. The most popular membrane fabric for universal use, soft and lightweight, with good vapor permeability.

Application: urban clothing, skiing and snowboarding, hiking, cycling, golf, etc.

GORE-TEX® 3-layer- a pioneer of membrane materials, the fabric with which the GORE-TEX revolution began. The membrane is enclosed between two layers of fabrics - external and internal, a durable and waterproof laminate.

Application: skiing, cycling, hiking, urban clothing.

GORE-TEX® XCR®- fabric that provides maximum comfort during active sports in any weather and season. GORE-TEX® XCR breathes on average 25% more than classic GORE-TEX. The structure of the fabric is similar to the classic 2- and 3-layer GORE-TEX, but the membrane and materials are thinner, lighter and stronger.

GORE-TEX® XCR® 2-layer- the membrane is laminated on the reverse side of a durable outer fabric, the garment has a loose lining of mesh or other material.

Water resistance: minimum 28 meters
Vapor permeability: less than 45 RET
Wind protection: 100%

Application: alpine skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking, multisport.

GORE-TEX® XCR® 3-layer- the membrane is laminated between a durable outer and inner fabric made of a very thin and fine mesh, the lightest material among laminates with one of the best vapor permeability indicators. The fabric has high wear resistance and tensile strength. The choice of professionals.

Water resistance: minimum 28 meters
Vapor permeability: less than 60 RET
Wind protection: 100%

Application:

GORE-TEX® XCR® Stretch- the structure of the fabric is similar to 3-layer GORE-TEX®. The outer fabric is very durable PA Cordura with elastane, the inner fabric is made of PA and also contains elastane, and a special elastic GORE-TEX® XCR® Stretch membrane is glued between them. Clothes made from such a laminate are very comfortable and durable, do not restrict movement, providing complete protection from wind and rain, and at the same time have high vapor permeability.

Water resistance: minimum 28 meters
Vapor permeability: less than 60 RET
Wind protection: 100%

Application: mountaineering, rock climbing, cycling, skiing, multisport.

GORE-TEX® PACLITE®- lightweight membrane fabric designed specifically for trekking and cycling. Garments made from Gore-Tex® Paclite® are the lightest possible weight and don't take up much space. Instead of inner fabric, the new Gore-Tex® Paclite® uses a thin layer of carbon fiber and a grease repellent to prevent clogging of the membrane's pores. Thus, the fabric breathes well, does not get wet, and it is much lighter than the classic GORE-TEX® and GORE-TEX® XCR laminate, although it is somewhat inferior to them in strength.

Application: mountaineering, rock climbing, cycling, hiking, multisport.

GORE-TEX® Soft Shell- a whole family of membrane fabrics that are softer and warmer than classic GORE-TEX®. The membrane is located between a durable outer material and a soft and warm inner one. Flannel, fleece or Polartek can be used as internal insulation. The outer material can be fleece, Polartec or woven and/or stretchy. GORE-TEX® Soft Shell clothing allows you to reduce the number of layers, combining protective and insulating functions. It protects from rain and wind, breathes well, and is usually used as a middle layer.

Application: mountaineering, alpine skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice climbing.

Detailed description of the various membrane structures included in the GORE-TEX® class: 2-layer, 3-layer, Z-liner, LTD, Paclite. Features, purpose and characteristics

Products GORE-TEX®is the widest class of membrane clothing from W. L. Gore & Associates.

To avoid confusion, you should immediately clarify that in modern classification There are three product classes for GORE-TEX® membrane clothing, one of which is also called GORE-TEX®, and the other two are distinguished by the presence of additional markings - Active and Pro. Thus, clothing with a membrane from this manufacturer is represented in three classes: GORE-TEX®,GORE-TEX® Active And GORE-TEX® Pro.

In turn, the GORE-TEX® class combines several types of membrane materials:

2-layer(two-layer laminate)

3-layer (three-layer laminate)

Z-liner (independent two-layer laminate)

LTD(backing laminate)

Gore has also placed another subgroup of products here - lightweight two-layer equipment made using Paclite® product technology.

Let's take a closer look at these varieties.

General Design Features of the GORE-TEX® Class

This group is positioned by the manufacturer as universal, casual, comfortable and stylish clothing, suitable for almost any active activities, except those associated with high intensity or extreme conditions.

When creating products in this series, depending on the purpose, various types of textiles, various design solutions and production and technological processes are used.

The membrane used in this group is two-component, that is, it consists of a porous ePTFE layer and a very thin non-porous PU layer. This combination is more resistant to stains than a “pure” ePTFE membrane, but may have slightly worse breathability.

2-layer construction (two-layer laminate)

In this type of laminate, the membrane is glued to the back of the facing fabric, and a lining protects it from the inside. The lining may be solid or mesh, but it is not attached to the membrane. An additional layer of insulation can be placed between the lining and the membrane layer. All seams are taped with special GORE-SEAM® tape.

Visually, a two-layer laminate can be identified by the presence of a lining that is not integral with the outer layer, or by a mesh lining through which a layer of white coating—the membrane itself—is visible.

Purpose of clothing with a two-layer GORE-TEX® membrane

Two-layer laminate is one of the most versatile, so it is used in products for various purposes - from lightweight jackets for simple hiking to motorcycle equipment.

3-layer construction (three-layer laminate)

Here the membrane is also glued to the outer fabric, but, unlike the two-layer version, the lining is not freely positioned, but is glued to the membrane. As a result, there is no internal friction between the layers, which means better protection of the membrane layer from mechanical damage.

Products with a three-layer laminate have less volume and weight than those with a two-layer laminate, and provide additional freedom of movement.

The three-layer structure is easily recognized by its “solidity” - the outer and inner layers cannot be separated or moved relative to each other. The inner layer can be either simple or insulated. All seams are taped with GORE-SEAM® tape.

Purpose of clothing with a three-layer GORE-TEX® membrane

A three-layer membrane sandwich is lighter, more compact and stronger than a two-layer one. At the same time, it is quite comfortable, does not restrict movement and is therefore suitable for more active activities.

Z-liner construction (independent two-layer laminate)

The fundamental difference between this type of laminate and the previous two is that in it the membrane is not connected either to the outer fabric layer or to the inner lining. It is glued to a special thin fabric, and then is freely placed inside the clothing between the outer and lining layers.

This solution allows you to use any facial and lining fabrics, and also reduces the number of seams requiring sealing. This technology gives designers freedom in design and choice of materials and makes it possible to apply stylistic solutions that are suitable for both fashionable urban clothing and specialized equipment. A jacket with a Z-liner may not differ in appearance from a jacket without a membrane.

Z-liner goes well with heat-insulating materials, so a product with an independent membrane layer and insulation not only protects from bad weather, but also warms.

Purpose of clothing with Z-liner

The free placement of the membrane laminate provides comfort and makes it possible to apply a variety of functional and stylistic solutions to both designers of fashionable and sophisticated urban clothing, and manufacturers of special equipment.

LTD (underlayment laminate) construction

In this type, the membrane is attached to the inner lining of the product. Thus, all outer layers and insulation are in no way dependent on the design constraints associated with the membrane. As with the Z-liner, this allows designers and constructors to use any fabrics and their combinations, without limiting their imagination in choosing styles and individual solutions. Seams are sealed with GORE-SEAM® tape.

Purpose of clothing with LTD technology

LTD, like Z-liner, provides comfort in a wide range of stylistic solutions, so the scope of use of both technologies coincides.

Construction Paclite® product technology

This technology is designed to satisfy the needs of those who intend to use clothing with a membrane as lightweight and compact protection from occasional bad weather. Two-layer Paclite® laminate has no backing at all. Its role is played by a wear-resistant coating, which simultaneously protects the ePTFE membrane from contamination and mechanical damage from the inside. The small volume and weight of products with Paclite® will save space in your backpack and will not make it heavier.

Clothes containing Paclite® are easily identified by their characteristic dark gray coating on the reverse side. All seams are sealed with GORE-SEAM® tape.

Intended use of products with Paclite® product technology

Paclite® is suitable for cyclists or hikers who do not plan on serious or prolonged exercise, but want to protect themselves from possible rain and wind.

Additional Extreme Weather Construction Technologies

GORE-TEX® class can use special design solutions Extreme Wet Weather Construction, designed to protect against adverse climatic conditions, such as heavy rain and wind.

Characteristics of waterproofness and vapor permeability of GORE-TEX® class products

Regardless of the design used, all clothing in this class, according to the manufacturer, has excellent waterproofness and windproofness.

The breathable properties of products depend on the number of layers, the presence of insulation and the type of lining, but, nevertheless, they also have fairly high indicators.

Summary

The GORE-TEX® class includes several types of membrane laminate structures. This is the most versatile class, suitable for daily use. However, please remember that it is not intended for extreme conditions or intense physical activity.

Various types of membrane sandwiches make it possible to produce both stylish urban clothing and specialized equipment.

The waterproof, breathable and windproof characteristics of this class correspond to the manufacturer's sloganGUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™.

Gortex

Gore-Tex membrane, electron micrograph

Schematic diagram of Gore-tex composite fabric for outerwear.

Gortex(English) Gore-tex) is a breathable material with high water resistance. It is manufactured by W. L. Gore & Associates. Used for the manufacture of special clothing.

Gortex is a system of three layers: outer fabric, membrane and inner fabric (lining). This material was invented for use in space by Rowena Taylor, Wilbert L. Gore and his son Robert W. Gore.

The Gortex membrane is made from Teflon (PTFE). The main properties of the material are water resistance and wear resistance. It owes these properties to the membrane. This membrane is a very thin fluoroplastic (Teflon) film. It has a huge number of holes per unit area.

The water resistance of Gortex is 20,000 mm water column. Such high water resistance is necessary because the human body puts a lot of pressure on clothing. This pressure can be even more than 10,000 mm of water column (it appears on a person’s shoulders when rubbing water with the straps of a backpack). The holes in the membrane are such that water in liquid form does not pass through them, but in vapor form, on the contrary, it passes freely.

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

See what "Gortex" is in other dictionaries:

Schematic diagram of Gore-Tex composite fabric for outerwear. Gore tex (pronounced gortex) is a “breathable” material that is highly waterproof. Manufactured by W. L. Gore Associates. Used for making... Wikipedia

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The peculiarities of the climate in our country force people to carefully approach their purchases. quality shoes. Who wants to suffer every day drying their boots after walking through snow and puddles, or, on the contrary, sweating in waterproof rubber galoshes? Today, quickly and accurately choosing a reliable pair of shoes is quite possible. To do this, you need to look for a model marked with the GORE-TEX logo, which guarantees its owners’ feet 100% dry and comfortable. Gore-Tex shoes never get wet!

Brand history

Breathable fabrics, now called GORE-TEX, were created by order of NASA, but became famous in the field of W. L. Gore & Associates was the first and only company in the production of “smart” matter used to make things for tourism.

GORE-TEX has achieved amazing results: today it is one of the leading manufacturers in the market of membrane materials, supplying products to the world's manufacturers of clothing and footwear for athletes and lovers of all types of outdoor activities. Gore Tex is a household name, as now almost any waterproof wearable item can be called Gore-Tex.

Features of GORE-TEX®

Unique properties: waterproofness and the ability to “breathe” made the technology so famous. As a result of research, scientists have found that human feet secrete about 25 ml of sweat per day at rest and about 100 ml during physical activity. This threatens overheating, and subsequently hypothermia, so removing moisture is vital, not allowing it to remain in the shoes. The main properties of the famous material are associated with this fact:

• Increased water resistance. Shoes with a Gore-tex membrane do not leak and this is its most important property. The unique membrane that creates such protection is a Teflon film with a huge number of pores, 20 thousand times smaller in diameter than a drop of water. This allows the material not to allow moisture to pass through at a pressure of 28,000 mm of water. Art., and it is worth noting that ordinary rain has a pressure of no higher than 7500 mm of water. Art.
• Ideal vapor permeability. Steam easily passes through the porous material, since the membrane holes are 700 times wider than its molecules. Therefore, it is true that sweat will evaporate from the surface of the skin at the strongest physical activity. A person’s skin in such high-tech shoes will definitely “breathe.”
• Reliable wind protection. The material is unique because in products where it is used, Gore-Tex shoes not only meet the windproof standard, but significantly exceed it.

In addition to dryness, the special “microclimate” of things created using Gore-tex technology is to maintain a constant temperature at 31°, which is recognized as the most comfortable while moving. The Gore-Tex product is cold-resistant, does not warp, and is very lightweight.

Gore-Tex keeps everyone, everywhere dry and comfortable

The membrane is designed for all seasons. The lines of popular manufacturers of quality shoes include models that:

It is unfair to assume that the scope of technology is limited exclusively to sports and active recreation. Today, most brands have a good range of fashionable membrane shoes for every day, plus models in business style. It is known that Gore-Tex shoes are in great demand by parents of children, because the highest demands are placed especially on children's shoes. Female models Gore-Tex performs well during long walks. In the huge variety of products made using this technology, you can find elegant options with heels or wedges. Each woman will choose the right pair for herself in accordance with her own taste, in any style, any color, and with or without lacing. And even for a comfortable stay, cozy slippers are offered.

Careful care required

An important condition for maintaining the properties characteristic of these products is regular Gore-tex. You just need to clean it with a brush or wipe it with a damp sponge, and after drying, treat it water-repellent compounds and sprays. Do not forget that the usual oily care products will close the pores of the material. The best solution is to purchase special care products for things made using this technology. It is recommended to dry products in natural conditions, placing them away from heat sources such as radiators and electric heaters, which can harm the unique membrane.

Gore-Tex shoes. Customer Reviews

After reading the opinions of users on the Internet, we can conclude that they fully confirm all the promises made by the creators and manufacturers of membrane shoes. You can especially often find reviews like this:

• with Gore-Tex you are not afraid of puddles, slush, or snow porridge;
• light, stylish and comfortable;
• durable and wear-resistant, they are not afraid of scratches;
• can last more than one season with proper care;
• dry, comfortable and simply “indestructible” shoes;
• very warm, can even be worn in winter, if not severe frosts, however, they slide a little.

Of course, there are also negative responses online. Judging by them, the product has the following disadvantages:

Choosing a store and the best price

The company does not directly sell products made using its own technologies. The gore-tex.com resource will only indicate the addresses of stores where you can buy shoes equipped with the branded Gore-Tex membrane. The manufacturer is represented in stores of the brands Adidas, Ecco, Salomon, Scott, Nike, Timberland and many others.

You can purchase products made using Gore-Tex technology at branded online stores, for example, Nordstrom, 6pm.com, Zappos and Amazon, where the selection is unusually wide. But you shouldn’t limit yourself only to these sites, use search services and make purchases at the best price.