New arc rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® stretch technology is the result of intensive research and development. It combines GORE-TEX Professional’s (Gore) proprietary technologies with different engineering techniques: the resulting arc rated Class 2 fabric technology has a unique stretch attribute which provides electrical workers with an extremely comfortable, easy to wear and lightweight solution to arc rated foul weather protection.

This multi-norm compliance fabric technology stands far above other existing arc rated hardshell rainwear solutions, as typically norm compliant PPE for electrical workers is heavy and bulky, restricts freedom of movement and absorbs water. This new fabric technology is remarkably different because it has 50% more stretch than other existing products available. It is waterproof, lightweight, flexible, and noticeably soft and comfortable to wear. Unlike other fabrics which serve this industry to protect workers against the risk of an accidental arc, it is also remarkably quieter when worn.

Arc Rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® Stretch Jackets and Trousers deliver flexible comfort and improved overall fit and are 45% lighter than other Class 2 arc protection rainwear. Workers can easily bend, kneel, climb, and stretch without any restriction of movement thanks to the innovative new GORE-TEX PYRAD® stretch technology.

Miguel Calixto, product specialist at GORE-TEX Professional comments: “The new arc rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® Stretch fabric technology has been developed with real-work situations and end user needs in mind and I believe we are setting new standards in arc rated multi-norm protective apparel, combined with lightweight stretch wearer comfort.”

The fabric consists of 2-layers in combination with a flame-resistant liner, an outer shell fabric and an advanced elastic ePTFE membrane, coupled with the protective GORE-TEX PYRAD® fabric technology. Its increased stretch is the result of the elasticity of the laminate, which is determined and conforms to EN ISO 20932-1:2020 + A1:2021. At a load of 30N the new GORE-TEX PYRAD® stretch laminate achieves an elongation of more than 12% in warp direction. It recovers over 85% of its original shape after being stretched. Typically conventional, non-elastic fabrics stretch less than 5% and recovery back to its former shape is poor. The elastic properties are durable and will not deteriorate in use or when laundered.

Multiple Wearer Benefits

New GORE-TEX PYRAD® Stretch Jackets and Trousers are ergonomically designed to support natural freedom of movement without constricting the wearer. Arc Rated GORE-TEX PYRAD® garments are durably waterproof and resistant to common hazardous liquids. They totally block out the wind, even in the stormiest conditions, which eliminates any wind chill factor and helps to maintain a comfortable wearing temperature. Additional wearer comfort is achieved because jackets and trousers engineered with GORE-TEX PYRAD® stretch technology delivers a 25% increase in breathability. This helps to prevent a buildup of moisture on the inside of the garments.

How does the GORE-TEX PYRAD® fabric technology work?

During an arc flash exposure, GORE-TEX PYRAD® fabric technology (countless reactive dots) rapidly reacts to the heat even before the outer shell starts to burn. The reaction of the dots causes them to expand by a magnitude of more than 10x higher than its original size and form a stable insulating protective shell of carbonaceous char with the face fabric (without melting or dripping) stopping flame propagation, blocking convective and radiant heat from the arc flash exposure, and reducing the heat transfer to wearers skin. In addition, the physical integrity of the laminate is maintained after heat and flame exposure, which means no break or hole formation.

Norm Compliance of the new GORE-TEX PYRAD® stretch technology includes:

• Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc, IEC 61482-1-2:2014 class 2 (7 kA), IEC 61482-1-1:2019, arc rating (Arc rating ELIM ≤ 40 cal/cm²; ATPV ≤ 46 cal/cm²) tested with 120 g/m² aramid/viscose (50:50) lining.
• Clothing to protect against heat and flame, EN ISO 11612 A1, A2, B1, C1, D2, E3, F1 clauses 7.2 – 7.6 (code letters B, C, D, E, F) tested with 120 g/m² aramid/viscose (50:50) lining.
• Protective clothing for use in welding and allied processes, EN ISO 11611 class 1 A1+A2 clauses 6.8 – 6.10 tested with 120 g/m² aramid/viscose (50:50) lining.
• High Visibility Clothing, EN ISO 20471 HI-VIS yellow, HI-VIS orange
• Protection against rain, EN 343 class 4/4
• Electrostatic properties, EN 1149-3/-5
• Protective clothing against liquid chemicals, EN 13034 Type 6 (PB)
• Rain Tower Test, EN 14360

Gore revolutionised the apparel industry 40 years ago with its waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric and remains a leading innovator in performance apparel. Gore products offer comfort and protection in harsh environments and in everyday life, so that wearers can achieve and experience more and more safely and with full confidence. From hiking in the pouring rain to military operations and firefighting, Gore's deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives the development of products with significant performance benefits. www.goretexprofessional.com/uk

The new GORE-TEX stretch rain suit for defense applications is a true game-changer for military personnel. Soldiers must run, climb, crawl, or operate weapons in any weather and often with limited space. They must be able to rely on their equipment, including their clothing. Gore research found that lower thermal burden and greater freedom of movement are two of the top user requirements. The new product technology is constructed in a way that elastic components are placed between a stretch membrane and robust polyamide face fabrics. The result is that the stretchability of up to 20% allows garment designs with a more tailored fit. Tighter fitting leads to reduced air gaps between the body and the outer shell and thus increased breathability by up to 25% as compared to current GORE-TEX rain suits.  

Two former special forces soldiers tested the garment not only in a parkour setting but also in a simulated reconnaissance mission! Here's their story!

Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to military operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. https://www.goretexprofessional.com/uk

Military missions can be rough. Soldiers must run, climb, crawl, or operate weapons in any weather and often with limited space. They must be able to rely on their equipment, including their clothing. Gore research found that lower thermal burden and greater freedom of movement are two of the top user requirements. So far, however, these where barely compatible with other key demands, such as maximum protection and durability.

Traditionally, a three-layer GORE-TEX product technology has delivered reliable protection from any weather and has provided resistance to contamination. Conventional stretch textiles, on the other hand, do give a lot of mobility and comfort, but they are too heavy and not as durable as they could be. They also tend to have high water pick-up.

Opposite to conventional stretch fabrics, where elastic components are placed in the face fabric, the new GORE-TEX stretch product technology, uses a completely different approach: elastic components are placed between a stretch PTFE membrane and robust polyamide face fabrics. The result is that the stretchability of up to 20% allows garment designs with a more tailored fit. Tighter fitting leads to reduced air gaps between the body and the outer shell and thus increased breathability by up to 25% as compared to current GORE-TEX rain suits.

“Our new stretch rain suit for use in defence is the first on the market to successfully deliver a unique and high-performance laminate combining the best of both textiles. Durable waterproofness and high breathability paired with more freedom of movement and a reduced thermal burden” says Oliver Opitz, Product Specialist for Defence at Gore. “Members of defence forces benefit from soft, elastic and noise-reduced clothing, while the new close fit of the fabric offers less restrictions in movement, and the high flexibility of the stretch material leads to reduced air gaps, which is why it allows a close fit for the combat clothing”.

Temperature compensation

No matter how long or intense the mission, the GORE-TEX stretch rain adapts quickly to all movements of the soldier. Besides the significant improvement in temperature compensation, the design allows for great comfort and easy combination with other ballistic protection without limiting mobility. Gore’s unique combination of innovative material technologies, modern, adaptive design, and focus on end-user needs has produced a new generation of clothing for defence forces that offers durable protection and comfort in extreme weather situations.

“With GORE-TEX Stretch rain suit, we are proud to offer soldiers a great wearing-experience,” says Oliver Opitz.

Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to military operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. https://www.goretexprofessional.com/uk

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W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) has announced the launch of the first GORE-TEX stretch fabric technology for application in defence rain suits. The new product technology is a successful combination of a durable hardshell fabric with highly breathable stretch components. This technological breakthrough reduces thermal burden for the soldier and gives at the same time, maximum freedom of movement. Watch the video to learn more about GORE-TEX stretch fabric technology English or French