For seasoned outdoor athletes, the brand GORE-TEX has become synonymous with top-tier performance in the gnarliest weather conditions. Everyone from ski guides to climbers and rescue crews relies on its durability and next-level waterproofing for safety in the mountains. Now, the storied company is elevating its gear and textiles to the next level with the announcement of the all-new GORE-TEX Pro line.

　　Not only is this advancement thinner than its predecessor, it’s also stronger and better for the environment. Let’s get into why we’re so stoked for the latest from GORE-TEX.

　　Play What Is GORE-TEX? Founded as a material science company in 1958 by W.L. Gore Associates, the firm is credited with discovering and popularizing ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene), a substance that’s vapor-permeable, but also liquid-proof. The first GORE-TEX jackets popped onto the market in 1976, and ever since, the brand has maintained its elite status as a household name in breathable, waterproof textiles and gear.

　　What makes this breakthrough in fabric technology so important is that they were the first company to pioneer a waterproof, windproof fabric that’s also breathable, so the interior of your jacket or shell doesn’t wet through as you sweat on intense uphill pursuits.

　　What’s New With GORE-TEX Pro? After 10 years of research and development, the company has released its all-new line of GORE-TEX Pro products this year. The key innovation here is the brand’s proprietary ePE membrane, which is thinner, lighter, and just as strong as its predecessor, all while cutting its carbon footprint by 40%.

　　The next generation of GORE-TEX Pro garments is designed utilizing a three-layer system: an inner, lightweight solution-dyed nylon that slides easily over base layers, a middle windproof and waterproof membrane, and a snag-resistant outer fabric that’s treated with a PFAS-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish. The result is a new wave of extremely rugged and reliable outerwear garments that are lighter and more environmentally friendly than previous lineups.

　　How Does It Get Tested? The team at GORE-TEX has a dedicated lab facility where humans, mannequins, and fabric samples endure thousands of hours of abrasion, waterproofing, and durability tests. In addition, the company works extensively with pro athletes and mountain professionals to test and get real-world feedback about how the products are performing in the field.

　　Before going to market, these fabrics have been scraped against rock walls, endured frigid ice climbs, and survived monsoon levels of rain. At the end of the day, those thousands of hours of testing led to key design modifications and textile innovations that create performance-ready gear you can buy in stores.

　　How Do I Care for GORE-TEX Pro? The first thing you’ll want to do before washing any GORE-TEX product is prepare it for the machine, by emptying all of the pockets, closing all the zippers, Velcroing the Velcro, etc.

　　Next, wash the garment, using a small amount of liquid detergent or, preferably, outerwear-specific performance wash. Never use fabric softeners, powdered detergents, bleach, or stain removers on your precious GORE-TEX gear.

　　Set your washing machine to a warm-water permanent press or normal cycle, where the spin speed is reduced, to avoid creasing and damage. The water temperature should be around 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).

　　After that wash cycle has completed, put your garment back into the machine for an additional rinse cycle, to make sure any excess soap and detergent has been removed. To dry your apparel, toss it into the dryer on a low heat setting, or line-dry it away from direct sunlight, to avoid harmful UV rays.

　　Finally, you’ll want to reactivate the product’s DWR. Place it back into the dryer on a warm, low setting for 20 minutes. This heat will help to reactivate the durable water repellent finish on the outer layer of the fabric. When the garment’s waterproofing can no longer be reactivated by heat, you can purchase and use a DWR pump spray to re-up its weather resistance.

　　When properly cared for, GORE-TEX Pro products can last for years of serious outdoor adventures.

　　SHOP GORE-TEX PRO This post is sponsored by GORE-TEX.