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Gore-Tex and Columbia products may revolutionize waterproof apparel

Products from Columbia and the Gore-Tex line are both expected to revolutionize waterproof apparel with new technology.

Gore-Tex
W.L. Gore & Associates’ new line of Gore-Tex products, along with competition from Columbia Sportswear, may both prove to be game-changers in the waterproof apparel industry.

The products are designed with a ‘permanent beading surface,’ which will eliminate the need for the chemical treatment long associated with waterproof apparel.

Eliminating the chemical durable water repellent (DWR) is expected to significantly increase the product’s life. The beading surface allows runners to shake off water as it sits on the surface of the material.

Previously, when the DWR wore off, runner’s apparel would get the ‘wetting out’ feeling where the material absorbs water rather than repelling moisture away from the body. The Gore-Tex waterproof apparel is expected to be available this month.

RELATED: Waterproof gear and how to care for it.

Gore-Tex explains the benefits of the technology:

The garment is still able to repel water completely via its permanent beading surface, which contains pores too small to let water in, but large enough to allow sweat vapours to escape.

Meanwhile, Columbia Sportswear’s technology is known as OutDry Extreme, with products expected to be released in February 2016. Other brands on board with the technology include The North Face and Arc’teryx.

Columbia Sportswear's Outdry Extreme
Columbia Sportswear’s OutDry Extreme

Gear Junkie did a test of the Columbia product earlier this summer.

RELATED: Gear of the week: Waterproof vs. water-resistant jacket.

If it means runners will stay dry, then we’re all for it.

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