The winter season is in full swing, and with it comes cold temperatures, snow, sleet, and plenty of other icky and wet weather delights. As much as winter weather can put a damper on your spirit and make you want to stay indoors, there are also many enjoyable outdoor activities that come along with this blustery season, such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating. If you are an outdoor junkie who balks at the idea of spending the winter season in hibernation, then you are going to want to read this article as it offers some useful information regarding a very efficient type of jacket called a Gore-Tex jacket that will help keep you warm and dry this winter.
Gore-Tex is a special type of fabric that was specifically designed to be both breathable and water-resistant. It was co-invented by Rowena Taylor, Samuel Allen, Wilbert L. Gore, and his son Robert. W. Gore. To be scientific, Gore-Tex is a permeable form of polytetrefluoroethylene that has a micro-structure typified by nodes that are interconnected by fibrils. In more simplified terms what this means is that Gore-Tex works by taking a special membrane that is composed of tiny pore-like configurations that prevent water from permeating the fabric while at the same time allowing perspiration to evaporate. The special membrane is then adhered to high performance materials and sealed with a special solution. A Gore-Tex jacket is a fantastic choice to get you through the winter weather months because it will keep you dry and allow your body to breathe comfortably.
Gore-Tex jackets are very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, which is ideal if you are going to be wearing your jacket while skiing, snowboarding or hiking. This type of jacket is a little on the expensive side but with the proper care, a Gore-Tex jacket can last you a very long time. Gore-Tex jackets must be cleaned regularly as both dirt and human sweat act as blockades to the pores that allow Gore-Tex to breathe. However, after continuous wear and cleaning sessions, a Gore-Tex jacket’s level of impermeability will decrease because the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment on the surface of the jacket’s fabric will become worn away. The DWR is not what makes the jacket water-resistant, however. Yet, the presence of DWR is still vital in order for the jacket to optimize its level of impermeability. To reinforce the DWR of a Gore-Tex jacket that has been worn and washed repeatedly, there are three things that you can do. First, try tumble drying the jacket. Second, iron the jacket on a low setting. If both of these options fail, a third tactic that you can try is re-proofing the jacket with a wash-in re-proofer.
Gore-Tex jackets are available in large array of styles and they come in almost any color. You can also find Gore-Tex jackets with detail work, such as a hood, taped seams, a collar, venting zips, cuffs, insulated lining, accessible pockets, or a snow skirt. Another nice feature about Gore-Tex jackets is that they come with a warranty.
If you are the type of person who likes to spend a lot of time outdoors even in cold, wet weather, then a Gore-Tex jacket would be a great investment for you. These jackets are a little on the expensive side but they are well worth it for all of the dryness and warmth that they will give to you.