Keep the special forces dry

When the going gets tough, the German Special Forces are there. Their demanding mission requires custom equipment, like the new generation of GORE-TEX Stretch Defense Rain Suits. At the beginning of this year, 3,000 suits were delivered to this elite unit as initial users. The rain suits, worn under the combat uniform, are manufactured by DNS ALPHA, a German clothing specialist and partner of GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics.

Conventional stretch fabrics on the market offer mobility and comfort. However, they often fall short in terms of waterproofness and durability. Since Special Forces soldiers operate under the toughest conditions and require a high level of mobility for their offensive missions, compromises in mobility and waterproofness are not an option for this elite group.

The toughness of a hard shell with the flexibility of stretch

GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics and DNS ALPHA have found a solution to this dilemma. The new generation of rain protection suits with GORE-TEX Stretch Technology eliminates wrinkles and friction with the next layer, while the fully stretchable fabric provides freedom of movement, waterproofness, and breathability. It is designed to always be worn as a weather protection layer under the combat uniform so that the soldier always has access to his equipment while maintaining a high level of freedom of movement.

How does the GORE-TEX material work? In contrast to conventional stretch fabrics, where elastic components are incorporated into the outer fabric, the new GORE-TEX Stretch fabric technology takes a completely different approach: the elastic components are located between a stretchable PTFE membrane and durable polyamide outer fabrics. As a result, the material allows much closer cuts due to up to 20 percent increased stretch.

“Our goal was to offer a fully stretchable solution that combines the flexibility of stretch with the benefits of a hardshell material,” explains Oliver Opitz, a product specialist for defense clothing at GORE-TEX Professional Fabrics. “It's like golfing: Only when the clothing allows for a free swing can one fully realize their potential.”

Stretch ensures a snug fit and reduces heat stress

Equally important is low thermal stress. With heavy equipment like bulletproof vests, weapons and ammunition, as well as high physical activity, the body can easily overheat - which is why breathability is particularly important. Because the laminate is stretchable, air spaces are reduced. This allows for a closer fit and therefore lower thermal stress.

GORE-TEX Professional online

DNS ALPHA online