GORE-TEX facility tour

[Big Fin]

At the generous invite of the Sitka folks, I am in Delaware, for two days of Gore-Tech session. Learning how W.L. Gore develops, tests, and brings products to market.

Amazing, at least to an inqusitivd mind such as I have. The first tour thid morning was guided by Betty Snyder, W. L. Gore's youngest child. She knows the company history as well as anyone, with the company having started in their basement in 1958.

A commitment to innovation and quality is very obvious, from top to bottom.

Heading to a facility where no phones or cameras are allowed. Here with two fellow Hunt Talkers - Mark Seacat and Corey Jacobsen.

More to follow when I get my phone out of the vault.

 

[DavidKeenan]

Very close to ya this morning. Down in Easton md. Hope you guys have some fun. Of you get a chance check out a crab house. Most have some really good recipes on their seasonings. Mmmmmmmm

 

[Lawnboy]

Man Randy I could use some of that stuff this morning mowing. It looks like rain for 2 days straight here. I went through two supposed "waterproof" jackets. They were both Columbia and the ironic thing is that one said "Guaranteed Waterproof". Well I've got a wet back and shoulders that says your guarantee sucks. It's really frustrating having clothing that claims they are water proof and aren't. I have had great luck with my gore tex hunting clothes being completely water proof. They are just about the only ones with a material I feel is that way. My Kenetreks are holding there own as well.

Pick me up some samples or seconds if they have any. I'll give it a work out this spring.

 

[idnative1948]

My favorite cap is a plain jane green Gore-Tex logo cap, one of the girls picked up for me somewhere. Keeps my shiny head dry and warm, soon as the sun or breeze hits it it's dry.

 

[Big Fin]

Back from the plant and offices. Very impressive. These truly are mad scientists here. The commitment to quality and innovation is very impressive.

Learned a ton about GORE-TEX and WINDSTOPPER, how it is made, what application it us intended for, and how it is laminated with many other fabrics. Always wondered how a glove is made and how liners got put into fabrics. I know, now.

The testing and QC for durability and length of service of these products is intense. They not only shoot for the trademark of GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY, but want the guarantee to last longer than the rest of the garment.

Will be able to answer lots more questions about these fabrics, why they work, what situation they are best suited for, and hopefully improve my hunting comfort.

Very impressed with the approach ever employee has. A culture that is part of why the company is so successful.

Get the rain test lab tomorrow. And find out how raincoats and other water/wind proof jackets are made. Interested to see that.