[Closed] New 'lightest most breathable Gore-Tex ever' out next month...

Isn't the membrane fragile and stuff? Why did it took them 46 years to ditch the protection layers?

Surely it will fall apart when shown a twig?

Would work for the road or commuting mind

Looks interesting. Wonder what it does for the windproof qualities.

Is it not very similar to paclite?

I do find it amazing it has taken this long to engineer out the face layer....

Modern nano techno whatsits and chemistry should be able to create some kind of aerogel/carbonium/nano-chemical-engineered 'fabric' that *is* the membrane...

I look forward to it.

Do they do clear?

designed for street, trail & mountain running, as well as road cycling

So I'm guessing not for activities where it may be subjected to wear, e.g. when carrying a backpack. So that rules out mtb and skiing.

best get saving up for one of these then .... if we all chuck in I recon we might be able to afford one!

For shell jackets out of waterproof, breathable and durability, then durability is the one I am most willing to sacrifice (within reason).

Sounds like this Columbia stuff:
[url= http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/gear-news/2016---columbia-reinvents-waterproof-fabrics/14481.html ]Outdry[/url]

Looks like Goretex have finally invented Pertex Shield.

Interested...

I still can't see it working great in typical British yuk conditions as there isn't much of a concentration gradient between outer and inner.

Looks interesting. Wonder what it does for the windproof qualities.

It'd be completely windproof and waterproof just like the current stuff I guess. It's not Paclite or Pertex Shiled - which has a face fabric - and the membrane isn't exposed, it'll have some sort of PU layer on the outside. The thing it looks closest to is that Columbia OutDry Extreme.

I think it's interesting because the limiting factor on every waterproof jacket I've ever used on a bike in sustained rain has been that eventually the outside fabric just soaked out, felt cold and clammy and caused condensation inside. Maybe this won't do that. And probably it still won't be breathable enough anyway... 😉

Interested in how they are going to colour the PU face... It will be interesting to see if all brands launch with the same colour (black!). Or a small collection of primary colours. Also interested to see if its taped externally, or welded.

I'm not sure the protective outer layer is PU, but it'll be something along those lines I guess. The Columbia stuff is either yellow or red, I think, but presumably they can colour it however they choose. I kind of hope it's not externally taped, that stuff always seems to peel off eventually, but who knows.

Have you seen any in person yet? I'm kind of surprised that it has stayed this hidden right up until launch. I guess it will be a big story at ISPO.

When I googled this, I got a load of links from 18 months ago, and links to garments already on sale. Am I missing something?

Gore-tex's website suggests that the facing fabric and liner are all bonded into the membrane, so they are still there.

Yep, this is a new version without a face.

Interesting that they say perfect for running and cycling... I wonder if the face isn't durable enough for mountaineering?

I reckon waterproof fabrics are finally delivering on the promises Gore and others have been making for the last 20 years. I've just treated myself to a Montane Direct Ascent jacket in eVent, and it's in a different league to my 15 year old Gore Tex XCR. And eVent seems to be slightly old hat now- I've not tried Neoshell(?) or the newer Gore stuff but from what I've read they're maybe even better still.

Have you seen any in person yet? I'm kind of surprised that it has stayed this hidden right up until launch. I guess it will be a big story at ISPO.

Nope, I saw the Columbia stuff at Friedrichshafen in the summer, but the new Gore Active has been flying pretty much under the radar as far as I can see, all very secret squirrel. If you were being cynical, you might think it's been rushed out to gazzump OutDry Extreme, but you never know with Gore. Normally they announce stuff around six months or more in advance, not the month before it goes on sale.

I reckon waterproof fabrics are finally delivering on the promises Gore and others have been making for the last 20 years. I've just treated myself to a Montane Direct Ascent jacket in eVent...

Ironically, this is not because of Goretex at all.

Goretex and most fabrics are permeable membranes. A solid piece of plasticy substance that water can travel through, which doesn't work well when it's humid and warm outside. eVent is actually millions of tiny holes which let air through, which is far more breathable especially in UK conditions. So in many ways Goretex's hold on the market is to the detriment of breathability.

If you want breathability in the UK and especially for cycling you need a microporous membrane (ie with the holes) which means eVent, Endura's PTFE or I *think* one of the Pertex ones.

Interesting that they say perfect for running and cycling... I wonder if the face isn't durable enough for mountaineering?

Well I'd guess that mountaineering means (to most people) colder drier conditions which means traditional Goretex would work well enough for the lower exertion. Dunno though.

I'd be worried about the durability of the garment when getting splattered with mud and being consequently abraded.

Will cost a million quid and last five minutes which'll suit the market its aimed at.

[quote=Rio ]

designed for street, trail & mountain running, as well as road cycling

Not my experience of mountain running, but I suppose a lot of folks just carry a bum bag.