Fabric giant Gore-Tex changes tack to explain exactly how its new fabric works.
We're just back from a wet and drizzly Snowdonia and, for once, we didn't mind one bit because we were there to try out the new, lightweight waterproof fabric from Gore-Tex.
It's called Active Shell, it's reckoned to be the most breathable waterproof fabric Gore has produced and it's going to be aimed at people who are going fast and light when it appears from top brands in about a year's time. You'll have to wait until Monday for the full technical scoop and first real world - that's real as in wet, Snowdonian conditions - impressions.
But the one thing that was refreshing about the whole launch scenario, was that Gore dropped its traditional 'need to know' breathable cloak of secrecy and told us plainly and openly just how the new fabric is constructed, how the technology works, how the new Gore-Tex Active Shell compares to other fabrics in the Gore-Tex range and answered even our most annoyingly dense questions without batting an eyelid.
And that might not sound that important, but understanding the technology behind a fabric, helps you understand better which conditons it works best in and what it's for. And to top it all off, the Gore team got stuck in and came out running and mountain biking in the Snowdonian hills using test garments made from the new fabric.
So hats off to Gore for the new highly breathable brand of glasnost and just as important, a big get well soon to Gore's UK marketing supremo Anna, who had a 'bit of a moment' on the final descent of the Marin Trail and ended up with an assortment of stitches.
Full story next Monday.
