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With the winter season well underway, many people are planning wintry getaways to places like Colorado, New Hampshire, or Vermont so that they can take in all of the snow covered beauty and do some skiing, snowboarding, or other snow-related activity. If you live in a warmer, more southern climate, however, you are probably not accustomed to cold and rainy weather, and should therefore do some research before heading off on your winter wonderland vacation. If you are planning a trip to a cold weather climate and are wondering about what clothes to bring, then you are going to want to read this article as it describes a very useful piece of clothing called a Gore-Tex parka.
What is Gore-Tex?
Developed by Rowena Taylor, Samuel Allen, Wilbert L. Gore, and his son, Robert W. Gore, Gore-Tex is a permeable form of polytetrafluoroethylene with a micro-structure that is distinguished by nodes interconnected by fibrils. Say what? In other words, Gore-Tex is a type of fabric specifically designed to be water-proof. The way that Gore-Tex works is that it takes a special membrane made up of tiny pore-like constructions that prevent water penetration while allowing perspiration evaporation that is then laminated to high performance materials and sealed with a special solution. The beauty of a Gore-Tex parka is that while it allows you to stay dry, it also permits your body to breathe and be comfortable. If you are going to be in very cold climates, look for a Gore-Tex parka that is tightly woven and has extra insulation.
How durable is Gore-Tex?
A Gore-Tex parka that is properly cared for will last you for a long time. Gore-Tex parkas are a little on the expensive side, but they are well worth the price for their durability. The only catch, however, is that a Gore-Tex parka does need to be properly cleaned from time to time in order for it to retain its water-proof and breathability qualities. The reason for this is that both dirt and human sweat will obstruct the pores that permit Gore-Tex to breathe. Moreover, continuous wear and cleaning of a Gore-Tex parka will also lessen its level of impermeability because after time, these actions will wear away the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment on the surface of the parka’s fabric. While the DWR is not what makes the parka water-proof, this treatment is still necessary for the parka to maximize its water-resistance. To bolster the DWR after a Gore-Tex parka has been worn and washed many times, what you should try is tumble drying the parka or ironing it on a low setting. If these tactics do not work, you can also try re-proofing the parka with a wash-in re-proofer.
What styles do Gore-Tex parkas come in?
Gore-Tex parkas come in a wide variety of styles and they are available in virtually any color. As was previously mentioned, Gore-Tex parkas do run a little on the expensive side, so you should choose basic styles and colors that will last year after year. Some details that you might want to add to your parka include a hood, taped seams, a collar, venting zips, cuffs, insulated lining, accessible pockets, and a snow skirt. These features will help keep you warm and make your parka more comfortable.
Planning a winter vacation can be a lot of fun, it is just important to plan what you are going to wear to keep warm ahead of time so that you don’t wind up sitting in the ski lodge instead of hitting the slopes because you don’t have the proper attire. Gore-Tex parkas are a great investment that can keep you both warm and dry.