Put to the test:
Fitness-for-use
test in snow, rain
and wind
How does the technology perform
when it counts? Two former special
forces soldiers tested the GORE-TEX
Stretch Defense rain suit both on the
course and in a two-day simulated re-
connaissance mission in the mountains
in the most adverse weather conditions
of -5 to -1 degrees Celsius.
The soldiers tested the flexibility of
the GORE-TEX Stretch rain suit in terra-
in with slopes, thickets and wet snow.
The test showed that the protective
clothing made progress in the mounta-
ins, sometimes climbing and crawling,
considerably easier. In view of the phy-
sical exertion, the material regulates the
body temperature. Despite the long pe-
riod of use, it was not necessary to dry
or change the protective clothing - a big
plus in real-life situations without the
opportunity to change clothes.
Oliver Opitz, product specialist at
GORE-TEX Professional for armed for-
ces, emphasizes:
"
In this fitness-for-use test, the
GORE-TEX Stretch technology showed
what it's made of: protection and comfort
in extreme weather conditions paired
with maximum freedom of movement.
Our test subjects were very impressed,
which is in line with the feedback from
many special forces to date.
"
Military procurement is also already co-
nvinced: several special forces units are
testing the material in action, and one
special forces unit has already placed
its first order.
43
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