One of the first people to test the new Gore-Tex Pro technology is Mollie Hughes, who is wearing GORE-TEX PRO gear from Mountain Equipment during her current solo ski expedition to the South Pole. © Gore-Tex.

Since the Gore-Tex Pro fabrics category was first introduced in 2007, it has aimed to continuously push the limits in waterproof-breathable apparel built to provide the most rugged protection for extreme and extended weather conditions and activities.

Beginning in Autumn 2020, the Gore-Tex brand will offer three different types of waterproof-breathable fabrics in its Gore-Tex Pro product technology, each optimised for different types of performance. This will enable manufacturers to create apparel featuring differing types of performance for varying end uses.

Mark McKinnie, Product Specialist for Gore-Tex Pro, commented: “Until now, any brand that wanted to build a jacket with Gore-Tex Pro material could choose from a wide range of different fabric textiles, but they were all made with the same high-performing waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex fabric technology.

“Now, brands can optimise at a much higher level for different kinds of performance and different sorts of activities, by combining three different fabric technologies in the same piece of apparel or by choosing the technology that best suits the intended end use.”

© Gore-Tex.

The three waterproof, windproof and breathable Gore-Tex Pro fabric technologies, all meeting the Gore-Tex Guaranteed To Keep You Dry promise, include:

●     Gore-Tex Pro most rugged technology – This new Gore-Tex Pro fabric is the most rugged Gore-Tex fabric ever made in the Mountain Sports category. The extreme level of ruggedness is achieved via a 3-layer system using new membrane technology, very rugged face textiles and the robust Micro Grid backer in the new solution-dyed version, tested through the “Five-Finger-Scratch-Test”. It is well-suited to high-wear situations and people who want the longest possible garment life.

●   Gore-Tex Pro stretch technology – Using an entirely new approach to achieving stretch in a waterproof-breathable fabric, this new technology offers level of durability a consumer expects from a Gore-Tex Pro laminate in combination with up to 20 percent stretch for improved comfort when moving.

●     Gore-Tex Pro most breathable technology – For higher exertion situations, the rugged technology provides extreme breathability, minimising moisture build up and giving more comfort in more conditions. It newly offers lighter fabrics and comes with the new solution-dyed version of the Micro Grid backer.

McKinnie further commented: “New Gore-Tex Pro fabrics take the high performance that consumers equate with the Gore-Tex Pro name, increase performance in specific areas, and then allow manufacturers to build garments in the way they think makes the most sense for their customers.

“If climbing is the focus, you might want to incorporate stretch in the back of the shoulders and arms, the most rugged fabric at the elbows and top of the shoulders, and extreme breathability in the body. But for downhill skiing or mechanised mountain sports like snowmobiling, the most rugged laminate may take precedence over breathability and stretch.”

“Along with higher performance, new Gore-Tex Pro fabrics are also more sustainable. The most rugged and breathable versions use a new solution-dyed Micro Grid backer that reduces water use and carbon emissions in manufacturing, while offering outstanding performance. The Gore-Tex Pro fabric line also offers a wide range of solution-dyed face textiles, along with a range of face textiles made with recycled materials,” the company says.

New Gore-Tex Pro fabric technology will be available in Autumn 2020 from a range of high-end apparel makers, including Arc’teryx, Mammut, Mountain Equipment, Mountain Hardwear, Montbell, Norröna, and Patagonia.

www.goretex.com