Lightweight with flame retardancy

The heat is sweltering, sweat stings your eyes, every move must be perfect: in moments like these, climate comfort determines how long you can maintain your concentration and performance. What was often a compromise in the past—flame retardancy on the one hand, lightness and breathability on the other—is now combined in the new generation of PYRAD® product technology by GORE-TEX LABS®.

Conventional flame-retardant textiles often present a dilemma: while they provide reliable protection against heat and flames, they are heavy, stiff, and hardly breathable. For soldiers, this means additional strain—and in extreme cases, heat stress, restricted freedom of movement, and faster fatigue. The new generation of PYRAD® product technology by GORE-TEX LABS® solves this conflict of objectives: it offers protection against sudden flames and, with its very low weight, high air permeability, and stretch content, ensures a more comfortable and cooler wearing experience – even under heavy equipment.

The way is clear for combat suits that can be used worldwide

With this new technology, the GORE-TEX® brand is expanding the temperature and application range of membrane-free laminates with PYRAD® product technology by GORE-TEX LABS® from the Arctic to the Indo-Pacific.

“The combination of technologies enables modular, flame-retardant combat suit variants for ground forces, air force, and navy, covering all climate zones and deployment profiles worldwide,” explains Andreas Marmsoler, Strategic Marketing for Defense at the GORE-TEX® brand. "The new product range allows very lightweight, stretchy laminates to be combined with more robust variants. For example, lightweight materials can be used in less stressed areas such as the chest or legs, and more resistant laminates in heavily stressed areas such as the shoulders, elbows, or knees.

Maximum safety – proven in the field

Practical field tests in collaboration with special forces and naval personnel in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific confirm the high functionality of the new technology: even when subjected to stress from plate carriers, thorns, brambles, or abrasive surfaces, the combat suits show no loss of performance, no disturbing noises when moving, and retain their protective effect. Compared to conventional materials, the comfort level is particularly impressive during medium to high activity in hot climates, where conventional materials quickly reach their limits – users often rate the reduced fatigue effect and increased operational readiness as decisive factors.

High-performance material for practical use

PYRAD® product technology is based on a physical effect: It consists of countless small reactive graphite particles that are evenly incorporated into the fabric. If the particles are heated to a high temperature by a sudden flame, they react instantly to form a stable, seamless carbon layer that effectively prevents heat flow through the laminate and stops the spread of flames.

Developed as a laminate for combat suits, the new PYRAD® product technology by GORE-TEX LABS® has been tested according to international standards:

• Protection against heat and sudden flames according to Index 3 ISO 14116 after testing in accordance with ISO 15025-A, thermal manikin test: Pyroman 3s ISO 13506
• Low weight (< 185 g/m²) for greater mobility during operations
• High air permeability (> 200 l/m²/sec) ensures effective moisture management and reduces heat stress (EN ISO 9237)
• Stretch material allows unrestricted freedom of movement, even when wearing equipment, thanks to elasticity ≥ 12% in the warp or weft direction (EN ISO 20932-1:2020 + A1:2021 Method A para. 11)
• Thanks to its fast drying ability, defense personnel are immediately ready for action again even after contact with water
• High durability: Functionality remains intact even after 20 washes, excellent color fastness under UV and seawater conditions; resistant to pilling and abrasion in harsh environments
• Abrasion resistance (≥ 80,000 cycles according to EN ISO 12947-2)

Lightfastness ≥6 (EN ISO 105-B02)

More than 40 years ago, Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric and remains a leading innovator in performance apparel.

Gore products provide comfort and protection in demanding environments and everyday life, allowing wearers to achieve and experience more with confidence and safety. From hiking in pouring rain to defense operations and firefighting, Gore's deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives the development of products with significant performance advantages.

At MILIPOL 2025, the GORE-TEX ® brand will present the new PYRAD® product technology by GORE-TEX LABS® for flame-retardant combat suits in Hall 5, Booth E112.