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GORE-TEX: 50 YEARS OF
KEEPING YOU DRY [Highlights]
KEEPING YOU DRY [Highlights]
In 1969, Bob Gore discovered that polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) could be rapidly stretched into an entirely new microporous material: expanded PTFE, or ePTFE. The breakthrough laid the foundation for waterproof, windproof and breathable GORE-TEX fabrics, first introduced commercially in 1976. What began as a materials science discovery would go on to reshape the way we approach protection from the elements. Fifty years later, GORE-TEX has grown into a vast ecosystem of technologies, fabric constructions, industry partnerships and applications, extending far beyond the outdoor apparel we know so well.
To celebrate the anniversary, TECHUNTER visited GORE-TEX's European headquarters near Munich for an in-depth look inside the brand. We explored its laboratories to see how membranes are tested against the elements and how the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise is put into practice. From GORE-TEX INVISIBLE FIT to SURROUND footwear technologies, we also got hands-on with the engineering behind waterproof footwear, putting the products to the test ourselves in the legendary Rain Tower and Wind Cube.
To celebrate the anniversary, TECHUNTER visited GORE-TEX's European headquarters near Munich for an in-depth look inside the brand. We explored its laboratories to see how membranes are tested against the elements and how the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise is put into practice. From GORE-TEX INVISIBLE FIT to SURROUND footwear technologies, we also got hands-on with the engineering behind waterproof footwear, putting the products to the test ourselves in the legendary Rain Tower and Wind Cube.
The archives offered another perspective on the journey: from early GORE-TEX branding and the first Marmot jacket to feature the membrane, through decades of footwear and accessory innovations, to the transition from traditional PTFE membranes towards the newer ePE technology. A history not just of product development, but of an industry constantly redefining the relationship between materials, performance and the environment.
Beyond the familiar outdoor and lifestyle categories, we also explored the lesser-known Work & Safety and Defense divisions, discovering technologies developed for far more demanding environments. Highlights included PYRAD flame-resistant technology and GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD footwear, which combines a leather-like appearance with distinctive performance properties.
The visit concluded with a look at products developed with GORE-TEX's end-use partners, spanning everything from technical outdoor equipment to fashion collaborations. Among the highlights were pieces from Y-3, STONE ISLAND, PRADA, NONNATIVE, ARC'TERYX, ADIDAS TERREX, SALOMON, THE NORTH FACE and many more.
Fifty years on, the membrane is only the beginning of the story – explore our findings below to get a closer look.
GORE-TEX: 50 YEARS OF
KEEPING YOU DRY [Highlights]
KEEPING YOU DRY [Highlights]
In 1969, Bob Gore discovered that polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) could be rapidly stretched into an entirely new microporous material: expanded PTFE, or ePTFE. The breakthrough laid the foundation for waterproof, windproof and breathable GORE-TEX fabrics, first introduced commercially in 1976. What began as a materials science discovery would go on to reshape the way we approach protection from the elements. Fifty years later, GORE-TEX has grown into a vast ecosystem of technologies, fabric constructions, industry partnerships and applications, extending far beyond the outdoor apparel we know so well.
To celebrate the anniversary, TECHUNTER visited GORE-TEX's European headquarters near Munich for an in-depth look inside the brand. We explored its laboratories to see how membranes are tested against the elements and how the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise is put into practice. From GORE-TEX INVISIBLE FIT to SURROUND footwear technologies, we also got hands-on with the engineering behind waterproof footwear, putting the products to the test ourselves in the legendary Rain Tower and Wind Cube.
To celebrate the anniversary, TECHUNTER visited GORE-TEX's European headquarters near Munich for an in-depth look inside the brand. We explored its laboratories to see how membranes are tested against the elements and how the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY promise is put into practice. From GORE-TEX INVISIBLE FIT to SURROUND footwear technologies, we also got hands-on with the engineering behind waterproof footwear, putting the products to the test ourselves in the legendary Rain Tower and Wind Cube.
The archives offered another perspective on the journey: from early GORE-TEX branding and the first Marmot jacket to feature the membrane, through decades of footwear and accessory innovations, to the transition from traditional PTFE membranes towards the newer ePE technology. A history not just of product development, but of an industry constantly redefining the relationship between materials, performance and the environment.
Beyond the familiar outdoor and lifestyle categories, we also explored the lesser-known Work & Safety and Defense divisions, discovering technologies developed for far more demanding environments. Highlights included PYRAD flame-resistant technology and GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD footwear, which combines a leather-like appearance with distinctive performance properties.
The visit concluded with a look at products developed with GORE-TEX's end-use partners, spanning everything from technical outdoor equipment to fashion collaborations. Among the highlights were pieces from Y-3, STONE ISLAND, PRADA, NONNATIVE, ARC'TERYX, ADIDAS TERREX, SALOMON, THE NORTH FACE and many more.
Fifty years on, the membrane is only the beginning of the story – explore our findings below to get a closer look.
Beyond the familiar outdoor and lifestyle categories, we also explored the lesser-known Work & Safety and Defense divisions, discovering technologies developed for far more demanding environments. Highlights included PYRAD flame-resistant technology and GORE-TEX EXTRAGUARD footwear, which combines a leather-like appearance with distinctive performance properties.
The visit concluded with a look at products developed with GORE-TEX's end-use partners, spanning everything from technical outdoor equipment to fashion collaborations. Among the highlights were pieces from Y-3, STONE ISLAND, PRADA, NONNATIVE, ARC'TERYX, ADIDAS TERREX, SALOMON, THE NORTH FACE and many more.
Fifty years on, the membrane is only the beginning of the story – explore our findings below to get a closer look.
Images prepared by TECHUNTER Magazine.*
Photography: Alexander Zabelin.
Photography: Alexander Zabelin.
*All images above, as well as those on every page of this website, are the property of TECHUNTER Media and may not be used, reproduced, or distributed without explicit permission from the source.
