Gore Thermium will provide protection for insulated clothing
One of the best known names in outdoor gear will introduce a new fabric later this year.
Gore, whose waterproof material is used by top brands across the world, will launch its Gore Thermium product this autumn.
The brand said its new material will be used in insulated clothing, and will help maintain the garment’s thermal qualities, whether using down, wool fleece or synthetic fibres.
The company also announced it was rejigging its branding to clarify its products’ different qualities. All three categories, Gore-Tex, Gore Windstopper and Gore Thermium, will also now include the company name.
A company spokesperson said the introduction of Gore Thermium would allow outdoor enthusiasts the pleasant feeling of being warm and durably protected in insulated garments in cold and wet conditions.
“This new approach ensures that the insulation of the garment is protected against water penetrating from the outside, keeping it durably dry,” the spokesperson said. “To function properly, insulation needs to be dry. Gore Thermium products make sure that a warm jacket is just that – even in light rain or snow – regardless of whether you are doing outdoor sport, on your way to the office or wandering around a Christmas market.
“Gore’s high-performance and robust functional fabrics are positioned directly over the garment’s insulation material – down, synthetic fibres or wool. They deliver complete windproof protection and stand up to light rain and brief snowfalls. However, not only is the wearer protected against exposure to water thanks to the durably light, rain-resistant membrane and the sealed seams, but the insulation is as well.
“After all, insulated outerwear can only keep you warm in cold conditions, as long as the insulation material stays dry. Only if they are dry, can down, wool or synthetic fibres demonstrate the full potential of the insulating layers of air trapped between their fibres. If these materials get wet, they go flat and lose their insulating value.
“In addition to this, cold bridging occurs easily when garments become wet: water conducts heat faster than air. When dry, down is considered the best of insulators. However down, in particular, tends to clump together when it gets wet, losing its loft and insulating properties. Gore Thermium fabrics ensure that down and other insulating materials maintain their loft even in these cold and damp conditions.”
Gore said clothing using Gore Thermium will be the garment of choice when warmth is wanted but without the hassle of taking along an extra jacket despite the prospect of light rain.
Among clothing brands planning to use the new fabric are Arc’teryx, Black Diamond, Gore Bike Wear, Millet, Mountain Equipment, Oakley, Odlo, Red Fox, Salewa, Sprayway, Tierra and Trangoworld.
Gore-Tex will continue as the company's waterproof brand but its logo lettering will be changed to fit the other brands
So customers can tailor their purchases to their needs, Gore said it will split its fabric branding into three distinct sectors. Gore-Tex will continue to offer durable waterproof, windproof and breathable materials in its existing Gore-Text, Gore-Tex Pro and Gore-Tex Active categories.
Gore Windstopper will describe its products with light rain resistance. It said these new laminates widen the area of function of traditional softshells. “In addition, Gore Windstopper products with insulation protection protect from wind and cold,” it said. “This product technology enables the production of lightly insulated, windproof clothing, exactly as it’s required for aerobic exercise at low temperatures.”
The new Gore Thermium laminate completes the trio of Gore fabrics.
WL Gore & Associates is the company behind the innovative fabrics and has been developing performance materials for the outdoor world for more than 40 year.
