why does Gortex cost so much?

Answer 1

Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex membrane, electron microphotographGore-Tex is a registered trademark of W.L. Gore & Associates best known for its use in relation to waterproof/breathable fabrics. Gore-Tex was co-invented by Wilbert L. Gore (1912-1986) and his son, Robert W. For its invention, Robert W. Gore was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006.

Gore-Tex materials are typically based on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE and other Fluoropolymer products. They are used in a wide variety of applications such as high performance fabrics, medical implants, filter media, insulation for wires and cables, gaskets and sealants.

Gore-Tex material is composed of a thin, porous fluoropolymer membrane bonded to a fabric, usually nylon or polyester. The membrane has about 9 billion pores per square inch, each of which is approximately 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, making it impenetrable to liquid water while still allowing water vapor through. The result is a material which is breathable, yet waterproof and also windproof. The outer fabric is treated with water repellent.

The best known application for Gore-Tex fabrics is in outdoor activity clothing. In this context, it helps keep the wearer protected from the wind and rain, while nonetheless allowing sweat to evaporate and escape. This is in contrast to traditional plastic raincoats, for example, which lack breathability and therefore promote a build up of humidity in the air inside the coat, preventing sweat from evaporating effectively.

The first commercial consumer product using Gore-Tex was a tent called the Light Dimension that was created and sold by the Seattle firm, Early Winters, Ltd., in 1976.

Gore requires that all garments made from their material have taping over the seams, to eliminate leaks.

Gore's sister product, Windstopper, is similar to Gore-Tex in being windproof and breathable, but is not waterproof.

Answer 2

You are paying for all the research and development to create/find the product on top of what it costs to manufacture it. It is a great product, too, so you have to pay a premium. There are a few imitators, but I would not trade in my Gortex ski pants and jacket for anything.

Answer 3

As one of the earlier successes of nanotechnology it kind of deserves to be expensive. Besides, it works better then most everything in a whole lot of applications. You get what you pay for and all that jazz.

Answer 4

It's owned by Al Gore, so it also reduces your carbon footprint and prevents global warming:)

Answer 5

Because it is well worth it.

Answer 6

cause it is worth it