What is GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ WINDSTOPPER®?
With GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ WINDSTOPPER® technology, wind and light rain are no longer an excuse to bail on your runs or hikes in the mountains. Clothing with this technology is totally windproof, water-resistant and can be taken on most adventures in the great outdoors as well as your daily bike commute.
What is it?
GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ WINDSTOPPER® is a technology that’s integrated with a GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ membrane, which is a very thin layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) with billions of microscopic pores. This membrane totally blocks the wind and at the same time allows perspiration to escape to the outside of the garment. GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ membranes are paired with a durable water-repellent outer fabric to keep light rain from penetrating the garment. This technology is not fully rainproof like Gore-Tex Shakedry™ or even GORE-TEX Paclite®, but the durable, water-repellent (DWR) treatment provides sufficient protection against light rain or cold snow.
How does GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ WINDSTOPPER® work?
GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ WINDSTOPPER® technology is composed of two or three layers depending on the qualities needed in the final garment:
- An outer layer made of fabric that has a durable, water-repellent (DWR) treatment
- An ultrathin protective membrane that’s combined with the outer fabric. On ultralight, two-layer garments, this membrane features an additional protective treatment on the interior.
- An inner lining is often used to protect the windproof membrane and, in garments that are intended for cold-weather use. An insulating layer can also be added between this inner lining and the membrane.
- The outer material (usually made of fabric) is the interface between you and the environment in which you practice your sport. This outer material can have different qualities including things like light weight and a soft hand or abrasion resistance. The outer fabric also features a durable, water-repellent treatment (DWR) that repels moisture from light rain or snow.
GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ membrane is the heart of the windproof protection found in WINDSTOPPER® garments. This ultra-thin layer blocks wind completely, even better than conventional fabrics with the tightest weaves. Like the original GORE-TEX membrane, the GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ membrane has billions of microscopic pores. However, the pores in the GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ membrane are larger than those found in the original GORE-TEX membrane which means they provide even greater breathability and sweat-wicking.
What are the advantages of GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ WINDSTOPPER® in Salomon products?
Salomon uses GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ WINDSTOPPER® technology in select jackets and pants to make them:
- Totally windproof: maximum comfort in windy conditions or for high-speed sports like alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and cycling. This windproof protection blocks cold air so you stay warm and comfortable.
- Superior breathability: great protection against the elements should always be combined with good breathability so that moisture produced from perspiration can escape. GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ WINDSTOPPER® garments guarantee superior breathability and optimum sweat-wicking even during sustained activity.
- Water-resistant: even though they’re not considered totally waterproof like clothing with the original GORE-TEX membrane, GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ garments receive a durable, water-repellent treatment that is resistant to light rain and snow. This is sufficient protection for most adventures in dry or slightly wet conditions.
GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ WINDSTOPPER® technology is also designed to protect our playgrounds by creating durable clothing that’s built to last. In addition, more and more GORE-TEX INFINIUM™️ garments are receiving a durable, water-repellent treatment that is PFCEC-free (which, after many days of use, can be reactivated by following our care guidelines).