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Wat is GORE-TEX en hoe werkt het?
GORE-TEX is a membrane, a thin layer made from Teflon, a non-stick, heat-resistant layer. But what does this layer do? It's like an invisible shield that protects you from the elements. Waterproof, yet breathable. This is due to the microscopic pores: 1.4 billion per square centimeter to be precise. Small enough to keep water droplets out, but large enough to allow your sweat to escape. It's like having a mini ventilation system on your skin!
But GORE-TEX is not just any membrane. It is combined with an outer fabric and a lining, creating a powerful combination that keeps the seams waterproof thanks to GORE-SEAM tape. It's a thin layer, only 0.01 mm thick, but very powerful. Under a microscope, it looks like a maze that keeps water droplets out while maintaining your comfort inside. A barrier against wind and rain, but an open door for breathable comfort.
GORE-TEX 2-Layer
What makes these products so special? The GORE-TEX membrane is directly bonded to the outer fabric, making it a lightweight and compact companion for all your adventures.
These products skip the heavy lining, which means you'll not only stay dry but the product is also lightweight. Want extra warmth? Just add an insulating layer between the membrane and outer fabric for that extra comfort.
Sometimes brands choose to protect the GORE-TEX membrane with a thin layer instead of a solid lining. This makes it a "2.5-layer" wonder – lighter and more compact.
GORE-TEX 3-Layer
GORE-TEX 3-Layer is like a sandwich. The outer layer is a sturdy and durable layer. Then comes the GORE-TEX membrane, this thin layer is the middle layer.
What makes this membrane so special? It's like a barrier for water, but it lets air through. This means that rain stays out, but your sweat can escape. Now, add the inner lining, like a soft inner layer that keeps you warm.
The 3-layer construction ensures everything stays in place. The membrane does not move away from the outer fabric and lining. This means not only durability but also consistent protection from the elements, time after time.
Image by: @Peak Performance
The different types of GORE-TEX
There are many different types of GORE-TEX, each designed for a specific adventure. These include GORE-TEX Pro, GORE-TEX Performance, GORE-TEX Active, GORE-TEX Paclite, and GORE-TEX Paclite Plus. In this section, we’ll go through all the types, and you’ll find out which membrane is the best fit for you.
Image by: @GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX Pro
GORE-TEX Pro is not just a membrane like all other membranes. Products treated with GORE-TEX Pro are extremely robust and durable. It provides full windproof protection, and GORE-TEX even promises that you'll stay dry, no matter the conditions. The treatment is also highly breathable. It’s designed for adventurers who enjoy extreme conditions such as freeriding, ice climbing, or mountaineering. If this treatment isn't what you're looking for, read on.
Afbeelding door: @GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX Pro
Gore-tex Pro is niet een membraan net zoals alle andere membranen. De producten die behandeld zijn met GORE-TEX pro zijn extreem robuust en duurzaam. Het biedt een volledig winddichte bescherming en GORE-TEX belooft zelfs dat je gegarandeerd droog blijft, in alle omstandigheden. De behandeling is ook nog zeer ademend. Het is gemaakt voor avonturiers die houden van extreme omstandigheden zoals freeriden, ijsklimmen of bergbeklimmen. Is deze behandeling niet wat je zoekt, lees dan verder.
Bilde av: @GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX Performance
Met GORE-TEX Performance blijf je gegarandeerd droog en de ademende prestaties blijven langer dan de andere gore-tex behandelingen. Dit membraan is ook erg robuust, hierdoor heeft het product een lange levensduur, met gedurende dezelfde prestaties. Deze behandeling is gemaakt voor freeriden, bergbeklimmingen of wandelingen.
GORE-TEX Performance
With GORE-TEX Performance, you’re guaranteed to stay dry, and the breathable performance lasts longer than other GORE-TEX treatments. This membrane is also very robust, giving the product a long lifespan while maintaining the same performance. This treatment is designed for freeriding, mountain climbing, or hiking.
Image by: @GORE-TEX
Image by: @GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX Active
GORE-TEX Active is designed for demanding activities where you’re likely to sweat a lot. The treatment is waterproof and windproof. What makes this treatment special is that it’s extremely breathable, so you stay dry even while perspiring. This membrane is also very durable and long-lasting. Because the treatment is so lightweight, it’s perfect for demanding activities such as cycling, running, cross-country skiing, ski touring, or strenuous hikes.
GORE-TEX Paclite
As the name suggests, this treatment is designed for products that are easy to pack and can be quickly pulled out of your bag when the weather turns. The treatment is extremely lightweight and breathable. Like all other treatments, it is also waterproof and windproof. Products with this treatment are made for activities such as adventurous hikes, golfing, camping, and also for everyday use.
GORE-TEX Paclite Plus, just like GORE-TEX Paclite, is made for products that are easy to pack and can be quickly pulled out of the bag when the weather changes. The difference between the membranes is that GORE-TEX Paclite Plus is made for more extreme conditions. The membrane is slightly more robust and lasts longer. This treatment is designed for mountaineering and demanding hikes.
Image by: @GORE-TEX
Bilde av: @GORE-TEX
GORE-TEX Paclite
Zoals de naam het al zegt is dit een behandeling die gemaakt is voor producten die een gemakkelijke pakbaarheid hebben en die gemakkelijk uit de tas kan halen als het weer omslaat. De behandeling is extreem licht en ademend. De behandeling is natuurlijk net zoals alle andere behandelingen water- en winddicht. Producten met deze behandeling zijn gemaakt voor bijvoorbeeld, avontuurlijke wandelingen, golfen, kamperen en ook voor dagelijks gebruik.
De GORE-TEX Paclite Plus is net zoals GORE-TEX Paclite gemaakt voor producten die een gemakkelijke pakbaarheid hebben en die gemakkelijk uit de tas kan halen als het weer omslaat. Het verschil tussen de membranen is dat GORE-TEX Paclite Plus gemaakt is voor extremere omstandigheden. Het membraan is dan ook iets robuuster en gaat langer mee. Deze behandeling is gemaakt voor bergbeklimmingen en veeleisende wandelingen.
How to maintain GORE-TEX?
Many people think it’s bad for a GORE-TEX product to be washed regularly, but this is not true; it’s actually good to wash the product regularly. Why is this important? It’s all about the DWR treatment that the products have. What is a DWR treatment? DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment ensures that water droplets slide off the products. The treatment can be damaged by dirt, insect repellent, smoke, cooking fumes, and other impurities. This can be prevented by washing the product regularly. When you wash the product, let it dry, and then heat it, the DWR treatment is restored. Always check the care label before washing a GORE-TEX product. If the product no longer repels water, it means the DWR treatment has worn off, but you can solve this in various ways. There are special detergents that restore the treatment, and there’s also a spray you can apply to the product to restore the treatment.
Image by: @GORE-TEX
When is a product waterproof?
It all has to do with the water column. The water column is a measure used to indicate the waterproofness of fabrics. It shows how much water pressure the material can withstand before water penetrates. The water column is usually measured in millimeters (mm). The higher the water column value, the better the material resists water.
But how is this measured? The process starts by placing a tube, with a diameter between 2.5 and 5 cm, filled with water on the fabric. The height of the water in the tube is gradually increased until water starts to seep through the material. At that point, the height of the water is measured and expressed in millimeters, which becomes the water column value. So, if you have a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm, it means the fabric can withstand a water pressure of up to 20,000 mm. A pressure higher than 20,000 mm (equivalent to 20 meters) will make the product no longer waterproof. A product is considered truly waterproof at a pressure of 20,000 mm.
But how does this pressure work? Imagine you're kneeling in the snow; there is more pressure because your body weight is distributed over a smaller surface area compared to sitting on your bottom. So, how much pressure is there? When kneeling, a pressure of about 2,000 mm occurs. When sitting on your bottom, this pressure is much lower, about 1,000 mm.
Shop the GORE-TEX products from Peak Performance below.