Glove Manufacturers Firmly Grasp GORE-TEX® Gloves with Gore(TM) 2 in 1 Technology


The Number of Brands and Styles Offered Has Doubled, Including Skiing, Snowboarding, and Women's-Specific Options

Elkton, MD (December 1, 2007) - When W. L. Gore and Associates, inventors of GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER® fabrics, introduced the new Gore(TM) 2 in 1 Technology for gloves, many manufacturers could see the potential. Others had a harder time shifting their perceptions of what a glove can be, deciding the innovation was a gimmick.

"Gore doesn't do gimmicks," says Larry Abbott, strategist for accessories at Gore. "Every innovation we introduce, beginning with GORE-TEX® fabric more than 30 years ago, is focused on improving personal comfort and protection outdoors. We test, test, and retest our technology to ensure that it delivers on that promise at our high standards."

The GORE-TEX® Glove with Gore(TM) 2 in 1 Technology centers on a double-chamber system in a single glove. A "WARM" chamber is ideal for cold weather or sensitive hands. A second "GRIP" chamber ensures perfect grip and high tactility thanks to minimal insulation. A unique "snag tag" -a practical tab between the two chambers-makes it easy to slip a hand into the correct chamber. The two chambers are sewn into a single outer glove shell so there are no loose glove liners to drop or lose. This is the first technology to make warmth and tactility, two traditional adversaries, compatible. Both chambers provide the waterproof, windproof, and breathable comfort. And all GORE-TEX® Gloves carry the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY® promise.

"The jump in brands utilizing our Gore(TM) 2 in 1 Technology is great validation of the concept," adds Abbott. "It's very satisfying, just like when I see someone try on a pair and make the easy switch between the warm and grip chambers. The "ah-ha" flashes across the face and we know we're onto a special idea."

The first wave of gloves with the new technology are now available at retail. The second, larger wave will be featured at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market and SIA Snowsports Show in the winter of 2008.

Consumers will find GORE-TEX® Gloves with Gore(TM) 2 in 1 Technology for all snowsports including skiing, snowboarding and winter backpacking. Also, specific styles have been created to meet the needs of women, who typically have colder hands than men. These styles use increased insulation to provide more comfort without sacrificing the versatility of the Gore(TM) 2 in 1 Technology.

Gore will be featuring the new gloves at OR Winter Market booth #33041 and SIA booth #J59.

About W. L. Gore & Associates

Perhaps best known for its consumer products like GORE-TEX fabric and ELIXIR guitar strings, Gore is a leading manufacturer of thousands of advanced technology products for the electronics, industrial, fabrics and medical markets. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware, and employs approximately 8500 associates in 45 facilities throughout the world. For more information about W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. and GORE products, call 1-800-431-GORE or visit www.gore-tex.com or www.gore.com.

For more information, visit www.gore-tex.com or contact:

Cynthia Amon
410-506-2647
Cell: 443-553-0333
camon@wlgore.com

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
295 Blue Ball Rd.
Elkton, Maryland
800-431-GORE
gore-tex.com

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