How Our GORE-TEX® Jackets & Pants Are Tested

Feb 13, 2019

We all know GORE-TEX® has set the gold standard for waterproof and breathable fabric technology on the market today, but are you aware of the testing process that goes on behind the scenes before a GORE product hits the market?

For those of you who don't know how the GORE-TEX® membrane works, here is a short description to fill you in. The GORE-TEX® membrane is created as a series of pores. Each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a water drop, yet large enough for vapor to pass through. This creates the ultimate membrane for keeping the inside of your garment dry while still allowing moisture and perspiration to pass through, effectively regulating your body temperature while keeping you comfortable inside your jacket or pants. 686 GORE-TEX® fabrics guarantee you will stay dry and warm in any condition, for the life of your garment. With all these guarantees to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, substantial testing must be done on each GORE fabric and product. Now is your chance to learn about the testing that goes on behind the scenes.

The Rain Room Test

GORE-TEX® uses an in-house weather room to test the waterproofing of their fabrics. Their state of the art testing facility is designed to simulate a multitude of rain conditions that you could potentially face in the outdoors. The Rain Room uses custom engineered rain nozzles strategically positioned to produce rain conditions ranging from a light drizzle to a heavy down poor. If our products do not hold up to this test they are returned until they are able to meet all of GORE's quality standards.

The Martindale Test

All GORE-TEX® fabrics are designed to withstand heavy weather conditions and handle a beating. To simulate these types of conditions and uses for which GORE-TEX® products are intended, the Martindale Test grinds wool or sandpaper against the fabric repeatedly with variable pressure depending on how tough the particular GORE fabric is designed to be. This aggressive test continues until GORE-TEX® validates the strength of the fabric.

The Cold Flex Test

GORE's Cold Flex Test puts their fabric through ranging temperatures all while stretching and compressing the fabric for a significant amount of time. In order to pass, the GORE-TEX® fabric must survive this strenuous test and be ready to be used for its intended purpose.

Our Athlete Test

While GORE-TEX® puts their fabrics through the wringer to ensure it upholds their quality standards, they also test our GORE-TEX® products and fabrics in-house to validate comfort, heat regulation and breathability. Once our fabrics and products are approved by GORE-TEX®, we take human trial a step further and test our GORE products with our athletes in a variety of locations and conditions to ensure our customers are getting the very best fit, weatherproofing, warmth and breathability expected from our GORE-TEX® Collection.

Our GORE-TEX® Fabrics & Products

It's important to note that not all GORE-TEX® fabrics are created equal. All 686 GORE-TEX® products made with our 2-layer stretch or 2-layer GORE-TEX® membranes are adhered to a highly durable nylon face fabric. This nylon exterior was strategically chosen for its tough face to ensure your jacket or pants last longer. This creates a better investment for you and also less waste in landfills over time.