The heat is shimmering, sweat is stinging the eyes, and every action must be precise: In moments like these, thermophysiological comfort is the deciding factor for how long concentration and performance can be maintained. What has often been a compromise—flame resistance on one side, and lightweight and breathability on the other—is now united by the new generation of PYRAD® Product Technology by GORE-TEX LABS®.
At MILIPOL 2025, the GORE-TEX® brand will present the new PYRAD® Product Technology by GORE-TEX LABS® for flame-resistant combat uniforms in Hall 5, Booth E112.
Conventional FR Dilemma
Conventional flame-resistant textiles often present a dilemma: while they reliably protect against heat and flame, they are frequently heavy, stiff, and minimally breathable. For male and female service members, this translates to an added burden—and in extreme cases, heat stress, restricted mobility, and quicker fatigue. The new generation of PYRAD® Product Technology by GORE-TEX LABS® resolves this conflict: it provides protection against flash fire events while ensuring a cooler, more comfortable feel—even under heavy load-bearing equipment—due to its very low weight, high air permeability, and stretch components.
Paving the Way for Globally Deployable Combat Uniforms
With this new technology, the GORE-TEX® brand is expanding the temperature and operational range of its non-membrane laminates featuring PYRAD® Product Technology by GORE-TEX LABS®, from the Arctic to the Indo-Pacific.
“The combination of these technologies enables modular, flame-resistant combat uniform variants for ground forces, airmen, and naval personnel that cover all global climate zones and operational profiles.
The new product offering allows for the combination of very lightweight, stretchable laminates with more robust variants. For instance, lighter materials can be used in less-stressed areas like the chest or legs, while more durable laminates are integrated into high-wear zones such as the shoulders, elbows, or knees.”
Andreas Marmsoler, Strategic Marketing for the Defense Sector at the GORE-TEX® brand
Maximum Safety—Validated in the Field
Realistic field trials conducted in collaboration with special operations forces, and naval personnel in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific confirm the high functionality of the new technology: Under stress from plate carriers, thorns, brambles, or abrasive surfaces, the combat uniforms showed no degradation in performance, produced no distracting noise during movement, and retained their protective capabilities. Compared to conventional materials, the comfort provided during moderate to high activity in hot climates—where traditional materials quickly reach their limits—is particularly compelling. Users widely cite the reduced fatigue effect and increased operational readiness as decisive factors.
High-Performance Material for Operational Use
The PYRAD® Product Technology is based on a physical effect: it is composed of countless small, reactive graphite particles uniformly integrated into the fabric. When these particles are rapidly heated by a flash flame, they instantaneously react to form a stable, continuous carbon layer that effectively prevents heat flow through the laminate and halts flame spread.
Developed as a laminate for combat uniforms, the new PYRAD® Product Technology by GORE-TEX LABS® is tested according to international standards:
- Protection against Heat and Flash Flame: according to Index 3 ISO 14116 following testing per ISO 15025-A, Thermal Manikin Test: Pyroman 3s ISO 13506.
- Low Weight: (< 185 g/m² for enhanced agility during missions.
- High Air Permeability: (>200 l/m²/sec) ensures effective moisture management and reduces heat stress (EN ISO 9237).
- Stretch Material allows for unrestricted freedom of movement, even when wearing equipment, due to ≥12% elasticity in the warp or weft direction (EN ISO 20932-1:2020 + A1:2021 Method A par. 11).
- Rapid Drying Capability: ensures defense personnel are immediately operational after water contact.
- High Durability: Functionality is maintained after 20 wash cycles; excellent colorfastness 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).
Gore revolutionized the outerwear industry over 40 years ago with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric and remains a leading innovator in performance apparel. Gore products deliver comfort and protection in demanding environments and daily life, empowering wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hikes in torrential rain to defense missions and firefighting, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives the development of products with significant performance advantages.
Source: W.L. Gore news release
