Inside Outdoor Fall 2017

CHEMPAK fabric is a strategic outer- wear alternative to the bulky, legacy charcoal-layer suits used in extreme settings where war fighters can be exposed to chemical and biological threats. This includes Syria and north- ern Iraq, where chemical and biological warfare is commonplace. In an article titled “Extreme Measures: land forces take cover from environmental chal- lenges,” Jane’s looked at several new technologies designed to both protect war fighters and enhance performance in particularly difficult and perilous settings. This includes undersea op- erations as well as missions in arctic regions, mountainous areas and those where nuclear and chem/bio threats are possible or present. GORE CHEMPAK fabrics provide protection against toxic chemicals and chemical warfare agents. At the same time GORE CHEMPAK fabric allows operators to move freely and stay engaged longer with unencum- bered movement and enhanced dexterity. GORE CHEMPAK also can be completely wet down, which draws out body heat and aids in cooling down the operator. GORE PYRAD Fabric Technology, a self-extinguishing FR innovation, is also catching the eye of the U.S. DoD, as well as European military organizations. Brand partners in the U.S. and abroad are now incorporating GORE PYRAD Fabric Technology into outerwear for war fighters. A recent example is Carin- thia, an Austrian military gear brand. At the 2017 International Weapons Exhibi- tion (IWA) in Germany, Carinthia intro- duced a cold weather garment featur- ing GORE PYRAD Fabric Technology. Carinthia is well known for high- performing cold weather clothing, sleep systems and shelters, and the new PYRAD jacket introduced at IWA is geared toward military and tacti- cal markets in the European Union. In addition to leveraging GORE PYRAD Fabric Technology’s revolutionary self- extinguishing properties, the jacket is cold and wind resistant to -30°F and supports dangerous missions in higher elevations and extreme cold conditions. Although the PYRAD and CHEM BIO products apply primarily to military and industrial applications, future sportswear applications are always a possibility. But whether safe at home enjoying one’s favorite sport or engaged in battle on a distant warfront, textile science is key and increasingly, sportswear brands are taking the lead developing an entirely new generation of high-tech, performance-enhancing military prod- ucts. In the process, both industries are learning from each other and sharing technologies. It’s all part of a new world where the same textile science that supports athletic excellence has the power to help soldiers win the day. Glenna Musante is an award-win- ning textile science writer and mar- keting consultant who specializes in writing about performance and military textile innovations. A former consumer columnist and former staff writer for McClatchy Newspapers, Glenna has written several articles for Inside- Outdoors, and is the former fashion writer for Yoga Digest. You can reach Glenna at Glenna@MusanteCommu- nications.com and learn more at www. GlennaMusante.com. FALL 2017 | Inside Outdoor 25