More GORE-TEX for France

Through new tasks and scenarios, the requirements for soldiers' protective clothing have changed. Mountain infantry and infantry units of the French Army are being equipped with innovative GORE-TEX rain protection suits.

Soldiers need to function perfectly in various climatic conditions. Therefore, reliable protection from water, wind, and cold is essential for them. In recent years, the requirements for clothing have changed in many armed forces, including the mountain infantry and infantry units of the French Army. They face new tasks and a variety of different military scenarios. For example, they are often deployed in different regions of the world under varying conditions and must carry their equipment. They require weatherproof clothing with a high level of functionality, flexibility, and durability. Furthermore, comfort is of central importance so that the wearer can perform at their best at all times. Finally, this clothing is worn for long periods and in extreme situations. Thermal comfort, supported by breathability, is a key factor, with important comfort aspects beyond thermal performance also needing to be considered. Ergonomic comfort – the fit and weight of the clothing – determines whether the wearer feels comfortable in their protective clothing and can therefore mobilize their entire physical and mental resources.
The current weatherproof clothing of the French Army no longer meets these requirements. Therefore, the authorities have decided to procure a new, lightweight, permanently waterproof, and extremely breathable GORE-TEX rain protection suit for the 20,000 infantry soldiers, including the 8,000 mountain infantry soldiers. The new military rain protection suit is manufactured by the renowned clothing manufacturer Grassi based on the functional textile technology from W. L. Gore & Associates. It is designed for use in high alpine regions as well as in Mediterranean climate conditions. The suit is suitable for a variety of tasks with various equipment configurations. Maximum freedom of movement and comfort are key features.

More Comfort and Robustness

The new GORE-TEX rain protection suit - consisting of a jacket and overpants - is based on Gore Micro Grid Backer Technology. On the inside of the three-layer GORE-TEX laminate, a very thin, fine-threaded, yet extremely robust polyamide fabric with an open grid structure is used. This technology is highly abrasion-resistant and prevents snagging threads - the inside of the protective suit is thus more resistant to rough surfaces. The inside also slides easily over clothing layers worn underneath, making it easier to put on the jacket and allowing the wearer to move more freely and comfortably. Additionally, this textile technology allows for a lighter weight. The new rain protection suit weighs about 30 percent less than the suit previously worn by soldiers. Less weight also means less volume, so the suit is compact and can be optimally packed.
The GORE-TEX membrane is permanently waterproof and highly breathable. The outer material absorbs little water. To minimize heat stress, the physiologically optimized product technology aids in heat and moisture dissipation from the body. It also protects against various fluids and common chemicals such as diesel, oil, and lubricants. The membrane's durability is guaranteed even when the material is folded at very cold temperatures. Weatherproof clothing with Gore Micro Grid Backer Technology combines the advantages of increased performance and improved wearing comfort.

With the new GORE-TEX rain protection suit, the mountain infantry and infantry soldiers also benefit from an optimized design and improved usability. The clothing can be quickly put on and taken off, easily adapts to individual needs, and allows for high freedom of movement. The jacket can be closed with a waterproof zipper with a storm flap. Front openings provide access to the uniform pockets, which offer space for personal documents or smartphones, while also ensuring good ventilation. The hood can be stowed in the collar, and the sleeves and waist are adjustable. Putting on and taking off the overpants is made easier by zippers on both sides. The three-point suspenders can be easily adjusted with hook and loop fasteners. Reinforcements in the lower leg area protect against abrasion, for example from the mountain infantry's ski boots. Damaged areas can be repaired with a repair kit for GORE-TEX textiles.

Successful Practical Tests

Thus, the rain protection suit offers a high level of functionality, flexibility, and comfort. Its long-lasting durability also results in very low life cycle costs. Mountain infantry soldiers have already successfully tested the suits in alpine terrain in cold weather and high physical activity before procurement. Infantry soldiers also tested the protective suits in operations using weapons, vehicles, etc. This ensures the best possible performance of the soldiers in different weather and operational conditions.

GORE-TEX on the Internet: www.gore-tex.de