Elkton, MD (December 16, 2008)–Building upon the positive consumer reaction to Gore Comfort Mapping Technology in apparel, W. L. Gore & Associates, the inventor of GORE-TEX® Products with the Guaranteed To Keep You Dry® promise, launches the next generation of this technology, maximizing user comfort in snowsports through intelligent design. The new Gore Comfort Mapping Technology, with advanced patent pending lamination and seam sealing techniques, will debut in a number of GORE-TEX® Garments at SIA 2009, January 27-30, from respected brands including Mammut, The North Face®, Rossignol®, and Scott.
The combination of new GORE-TEX® laminates with significantly enhanced Gore Comfort Mapping construction technology enables the needs of the various climatic zones of the body to be addressed more specifically and more efficiently through the strategic placement of functional fabrics. Examples include: insulating warmth for the body's core, antibacterial textile fabrics for armpits, and softer materials for the more sensitive neck area. The new technology also enables designers to address the unique needs of men and women and the varying temperature requirements for different parts of the body.
"Gore's continued, extensive research has identified solutions that now offer snowsports enthusiasts even more comfort and versatile protection against wind and weather," said John Reaney, product specialist at Gore. "Gore Comfort Mapping Technology uses the latest in material components and technical features to optimize warmth, breathability, wearer comfort, heat regulation and fit where it really makes a difference for skiers. Combining all of these benefits with the reduced bulk of a 3-layer piece, these new GORE-TEX® garments are ideal for freeride skiers, but are versatile enough for all types of skiing, and even everyday winter wear."
The fusion of lamination and garment construction, enabled by Gore Comfort Mapping Technology, will allow for entirely new vectors in design and performance. The outer shell of the new GORE-TEX® Garments can be cut and seamed independently from the lining. This enables designers from the world's top snowsports brands to create the ideal functional garment with unique textures, colors and designs. Additionally, the interior of the jacket can now offer a broad range of highly functional lining fabrics depending upon the amount of insulation needed for the various parts of the body during the intended end use of the jacket. Through the new patent pending heat-activated bonding process, the interior and exterior of the garment are then bonded together and sealed to ensure they are durably waterproof according to Gore's rigorous quality standards.
"Gore's new Comfort Mapping Technology allows for more possibilities in fashion and design. It provides consumers with the versatility and functionality typically found in a 2-layer shell, delivered in a lighter weight, low bulk, performance 3-layer jacket," continued Reany. "In a nutshell, it's zoned warmth with less bulk."
Perhaps best known for its consumer products like GORE-TEX fabric and ELIXIR guitar strings, Gore is a leading manufacturer of thousands of advanced technology products for the electronics, industrial, fabrics and medical markets. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware, and employs approximately 8000 associates in 45 facilities throughout the world. For more information about W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. and GORE products, call 1-800-431-GORE or visit gore-tex.com.
Cynthia Amon
W.L. Gore & Associates
camon@wlgore.com
443-553-333
GORE-TEX, GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY, GORE and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. ©2008 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., 295 Blue Ball Rd., Elkton, Maryland, 800-431-GORE, gore-tex.com.