W.L. Gore: No Longer Simply Waterproof-Breathable

TECH TOPLINE: Gore-Tex will remain the same, but W.L. Gore is greatly expanding its offerings this year.

One of the biggest names in outerwear is radically altering its product offerings this year, moving away from 100-percent waterproof-breathable membranes and into a variety of laminates to cover a world’s worth of outdoor scenarios.

W.L. Gore partner brands now have more options to design jackets for every condition, from light drizzle to dry cold along with high exertion in the rain. And while the list of “firsts” for Gore is lengthy as they have dominated the waterproof-breathable market for years, this is the first time they’ve moved beyond their signature “guaranteed dry” philosophy. 

Retailers and consumers alike will undergo a renaissance in understanding how Gore products work for them in their outdoor pursuits. An expansion into new, “water-resistant” categories fills in the gaps between hard and soft shell protection. The new technology falls under a new “Gore Branded Products” encompassing all non-Gore-Tex products.

The “Gore-Tex” ingredient mark will continue to represent guaranteed waterproof-breathable protection, including the Gore-Tex Active, Gore-Tex, and Gore-Tex Pro laminates. Included is the new Gore-Tex C-Knit softer handed construction available in jackets from more than a dozen brands.

The new Gore products include a first-ever, two-layer membrane to be used with insulation (ie. puffy jackets), called Gore Thermium. This new spin on shell construction promises to be windproof, water-resistant and breathable – but not waterproof. The laminate is seam sealed and coupled with a partner brand’s insulation of choice, such as Primaloft, sandwiched by an inner lining.

A new Gore Windstopper fabric will include products with Light Rain Resistance and products with Insulation Protection. This replaces technologies previously called Active Shell, Soft Shell and Technical Fleece. Light Rain Resistance protects from drizzle and extends the usability of a soft shell jacket. Insulation Protection is employed in jackets built for high-intensity output in cold climates.

And speaking of high intensity, Gore also introduces a new Gore One membrane technology that turned its laminate-based philosophy on its head. The new tech puts the membrane on the outside, significantly lightening the product while eliminating the need for a face fabric (and a DWR coating).  The goal is preventing the “wetting out” of the exterior surface during trail running and road cycling – for now. It is currently available in only three brands: Castelli, Arc’teryx and The North Face; as well as in Gore Bike and Gore Running Wear.