ELKTON, Md. (March 6, 2015) – Having launched GORE‑TEX® Active in 2011 and GORE‑TEX® Pro in 2013, W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) is now unveiling the most versatile 3-layer fabric ever. GORE‑TEX® products with GORE® C‑KNIT™ Backer Technology are 100 percent windproof and waterproof, yet lighter and even more breathable and softer than comparable previous generation products. The increased breathability and softer feel is achieved through a revolutionary backer construction made of an extremely fine nylon circular knit fabric and a lamination procedure specifically engineered to complement this construction. The new product line is designed for hikers, trekkers, skiers and snowboarders looking for versatility and comfort. These new jackets and pants will be available at retail for fall/winter 2015.

Gore offers a range of products to suit different outdoor activities: GORE‑TEX® Pro fabrics are built for maximized ruggedness in extreme weather conditions and are ideal for mountaineering and expeditions. GORE‑TEX® Active fabrics are extremely breathable and lightweight and designed for high aerobic activities like running or cycling. GORE‑TEX® products feature a diverse array of functional clothing solutions for moderate outdoor activities, as well as everyday rain and wind. Gore calls this concept “Fitness for Use.” The GORE‑TEX® brand promise applies to all these products and stands for: 100 percent waterproof and windproof – guaranteed!

New GORE‑TEX® products with GORE® C‑KNIT™ Backer Technology
The new 3-layer fabrics from the GORE‑TEX® products category address all hikers, trekkers, skiers and freeriders who rate outstanding comfort and a soft fabric texture up there with ultimate wet weather protection. Thanks to the specifically engineered and patent pending laminate construction (C‑KNIT™ Backer) the new products are lighter, softer and even more breathable than comparable previous generation products without compromising on ruggedness. The new backer is made with extremely fine yarns on circular knitting machines, producing a fabric with a little bit of stretch. A special lamination procedure was developed specifically for this new fabric technology. The knit backing slides easily over other layers, further enhancing wear comfort.

For the outer fabric, Gore uses soft, smooth textured nylon fabrics. Depending on the intended use, these can be anything from very thin, lightweight fabrics to heavier, more robust fabrics (i.e., for freeride pants). Positioned between the backer and the outer fabric, the reliable and proven bi-component GORE‑TEX® membrane made of ePTFE fulfills its function. All of the available fabrics are recognized for their outstanding breathability (RET score <6 (2.0 – 5.8).

Manufacturing partners
A number of trusted brands are offering products with GORE® C‑KNIT™ Backer Technology in their outdoor and snow sports collections for fall 2015. These include Arc'teryx, Armada, Berghaus, Burton, Dynafit, Eider, Haglöfs, Maloja, Mammut, Marmot, Millet, OR, Patagonia, Peak Performance, Salewa, Tilak, The North Face, Volcom and Ziener.

Gore is a technology-driven company focused on discovery and product innovation. Well known for waterproof, breathable GORE‑TEX® fabric, the company’s portfolio includes everything from high-performance fabrics and implantable medical devices to industrial manufacturing components and aerospace electronics. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Newark, Del., Gore posts annual sales of more than $3 billion and employs more than 10,000 associates with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and China, and sales offices around the world. Gore is one of a select few companies to appear on all of the U.S. “100 Best Companies to Work For” lists since the rankings debuted in 1984. The company also appears regularly on similar lists around the world.

Cynthia Amon
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