US’ W.L. Gore has launched Gore-Tex active shell laminate for autumn/winter 2011-2012 collections. With a streamlined 3-layer construction, this new class of waterproof and windproof garment delivers extreme breathability and excellent next-to-skin comfort for all year-round outdoor use. W.L. Gore is a global materials science for transforming industries.

All-weather fast-forward athletes such as trail runners, mountain bikers and speed ascent fanatics can now complete their done-in-a-day activities in lightweight garments with advanced moisture management, without compromising on durable waterproof protection The Gore-Tex Active Shell laminate offerings are set to be extended further for the summer 2012 collections.

Climbing has turned into speed climbing, mountaineering is done after work, haute route tours are done in four days rather than six, and Transalp tours have become Speed Transalp tours. As well as expecting more of themselves, these athletes also have increasingly high expectations of their clothing. There is a growing demand for extremely lightweight, minimalist outdoor apparel where every gram counts and where outstanding functionality is partnered by an attractive, sporty look. 

Gore has succeeded in producing a good-looking product for outdoor fast forward athletes in which key functional features such as extreme breathability and light weight unite with the comfort of guaranteed durable waterproof protection. Athletes remain warm and dry – even when they get caught in unexpected rain or a sudden cold snap. New and exclusive laminate technology This has been made possible thanks to the new Gore-Tex Active Shell laminates. They combine a lighter, thinner Gore-Tex membrane with fine denier performance textiles to deliver the ultimate 3-layer solution for the active consumer, the company said in a press release.

On the liner side, a completely new, never seen before lamination technology integrates the backer textile directly into the Gore-Tex membrane allowing for extreme breathability (RET<3) and excellent next to skin comfort. Sweat is very quickly conveyed away from the skin and transported out through the textile in the form of water vapour, while moisture produced by rain, snow and wind has no chance of penetrating. These moisture management capabilities ensure optimum body climate control for maximum sports performance.

Minimalist, compact design means maximum breathability and lighter weights: Gore works closely with the manufacturers’ designers to ensure that the intended lightweight and highly breathable garments (jackets, short-sleeved jackets and short-length trousers) are produced from the highly functional, durably waterproof Gore-Tex Active Shell laminates without any superfluous features. For highly aerobic activities such as running, biking and training there are polyester fabrics with knit surfaces (jacket weight < 300 grams) and for fast alpine ascent there are woven nylon shells (jacket weight < 400 grams).

“With our Gore-Tex Active Shell laminate technology, we have succeeded in bridging the gap between extreme breathability, lighter weight and optimum weatherproof protection. This is the first, totally waterproof garment that really does feel comfortable next to your skin during highly aerobic uphill activities,” Martin Lankes, product manager at Gore and passionate alpine athlete, said in a press release.