Many of us have heard of GORE-TEX – the most common name when it comes to a waterproof technology. GORE-TEX is known primarily as a membrane used in fabrics, but its also used worldwide in the medical industry, as insulation for wires and cables, as well as my favorite dental floss. The basis of GORE-TEX is the material PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene for those who want to know). It is stretched into a thin layer then added to a face fabric – usually made from Polyester or Nylon as a waterproof breathable layer. Essentially the membrane layer is made of little pores, so tiny that they allow vapor to go through, but not a water droplet. This is the breathable part. Why are GORE-TEX Jackets so popular? Well for one, they do work – keep you dry and help move moisture away from the body, and are readily available. You can get a variety of versions from Patagonia, The North Face, and Peak Performance to name just a few.
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