Gore Blimey, It's New XCR

Gore's latest fabric, XCR - it stands for Extended Comfort Range, which means someone can't spell - is claimed to the the most breathable waterproof material they've ever produced. Gore says it's 25 per-cent more breathable than 'classic' Gore-Tex, whatever that is, but perhaps more meaningful are suggestions that it's roughly as breathable as Activent, the windproof material which Gore has recently dropped from its range. It opens up the possibility of a waterproof-breathable shell which will be better able to cope with high exertion activities like mountain biking and running.

The North Face Has European Rights to Two-Ply XCR

If XCR lives up to its lab tests, it should be pretty impressive. The North Face, which has the exclusive European rights to the two-ply version of the fabric says it's 30 per-cent more breathable than normal two-ply Gore-Tex. TNF is also among the companies using the three-ply version and says that the new version of the Kichatna mountaineering parka, out later this year, is a whopping 45 per-cent up on breathability next to the old one.

Berghaus Exclusive on Summit II XCR

Berghaus has exclusive rights to a lightweight three-ply version called Summit II XCR which they say has an 'incredible strength to weight ration combined with a soft hand.' Mmmmm... Berghaus, like TNF, is planning to use XCR in ultra-lightweight, high performance mountaineering garments, and an update to the acclaimed Pinnacle climbing jacket this autumn will use the fabric.

Given that breathability is enhanced by the dry, cold air at altitude anyway, we can't help wondering if someone's missing a trick by not producing a minimalist XCR ultra-lightweight breathable for runners and bikers. Then again, how long did it take to develop the double-chocolate Magnum?

Hit The Sites...

Berghaus

Gore Fabrics

The North Face