Analysis of 2 Confidential Test Reports from the Great West

       "The entrance to Eagle Valley is near the Camel Peak Base Camp at the end of Changping Valley. From around 3,600 meters above sea level on the right side of the end of Changping Valley, it rises all the way up to 4,600 meters. The journey starts through shrubbery and jungle, and after about 4 hours, you pass a rhododendron forest before entering an area of loose rocks. It takes roughly 3 hours to get from the loose rock slope to the foot of the glacier. From the entrance of Changping Valley to the foot of the glacier, we spent a total of 3 days."

 

 
Tested by: Liao Jiaxu
Tester's height: 175 cm
Tester's weight: 70 kg
Test route: Changping Valley and Eagle Valley in Jiuzhaigou Mountain, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province
Elevation along the route: 3,600 meters to 4,600 meters
Test environment: Alpine meadow, shrubbery jungle, ice and snow, gravel slopes
       After transitioning from the gentle Changping Valley into Eagle Valley, the temperature gradually rose and my body started sweating. The GORE-REX3L fabric jacket I was wearing had excellent breathability, keeping my body dry. The underarm vents were also quite large, eliminating any feeling of dampness or stuffiness, which made for a very comfortable experience. During rest breaks, the winter sun warmed my body nicely.

 

 
       After entering the loose rock slope, the snow accumulation increased, and the wind began to pick up in the afternoon as the weather turned somewhat gloomy, with winds estimated at least at force 5 or 6. Wind has a significant impact on body temperature—when wind speed reaches 1 meter per second, body temperature can drop by 1 degree, making the windproof feature of the jacket extremely important. The snow on the ridge was already knee-deep. During the over one-hour wait on the ridge for a scouting companion, I wore the GORE-REX3L fabric jacket and remained completely dry the entire time. Additionally, the jacket was very lightweight, so there was no physical discomfort during the wait.
       Test summary: Through this real-world outdoor mountain activity test, the functions of breathability, durability, and lightness were fully demonstrated. During movement, it effectively maintained thermal balance between body temperature and the external temperature, allowing sweat to evaporate through the fabric while preventing external wind from penetrating. The jacket was extremely lightweight, comfortable to wear, and allowed for free movement. The shrubbery and rhododendron forest tested its outstanding abrasion resistance. Compared to the flashy designs of some brands, its style suits more understated and practical individuals for outdoor or everyday wear, making it highly suitable for low-intensity mountain hiking or long-distance travel.
       "This evaluation took place at multiple locations: the Qaidam Mountain area at around 3,400 meters above sea level; Dachaidan Town within the northern edge of the Qaidam Basin at about 3,200 meters above sea level; the grasslands and sand hills around Yike Qaidam Lake within the Qaidam Basin; Baga Qaidam Lake and the adjacent Gobi areas. These locations are connected via National Highway 215, spanning a distance of 40 kilometers. Different weather conditions and times of day were also selected for testing."

 
Submitted by: Zhang Qingzhe
Actual testers: Travel enthusiast Xiao Zhen (female); outdoor sports enthusiast Stubborn Elder (male)
Tester heights: Female tester is 155 cm; male is 170 cm
Tester weights: Female is 62 kg; male is 60 kg
Test route: 10-kilometer unpaved road from Dachaidan Town, Qinghai Province to Chaiwandong Hot Spring Valley, as well as the section of National Highway 215 from Dachaidan Town to the shores of Xiaochaidan Lake
Elevation along the route: 3,100 meters to 3,400 meters
Test environment: Sunny days with northwest winds of force 1–3; level 6 windy, rainy, and snowy weather

 

       Due to the high altitude, the temperature around the Qaidam Basin in the Tibetan Plateau at this time mostly ranged from 10 degrees to minus 14 degrees. Winds usually picked up in the afternoon, typically at force 3 to 5, with strong ultraviolet rays. On the afternoon of the third day of the trip, a sudden level 6 blizzard mixed with rain hit the town, with snowflakes mixed with raindrops striking the area instantly. My companion and I seized this rare environmental condition and conducted a half-hour test outside. Rainwater quickly rolled off the clothing, and snowflakes melted and slid off naturally. In other locations, the two testers hiked through edge-area drought-tolerant reeds in the grasslands and sandy dune areas on the north side of Lüliang Mountain in different time periods.
       Test summary: Across various environments, tested by both individuals at different times, the GORE-REX3L fabric jacket achieved excellent results. Its windproof and waterproof performance was very pronounced, and there was no feeling of suffocation or poor breathability even during prolonged indoor or outdoor wear. The jacket design is simple and comfortable, and highly lightweight. During loaded hiking, there was continuous friction between the backpack and the shoulders of the jacket, but upon inspection afterward, there were no signs of wear—its abrasion resistance is equally superior.

       Tips: About GORE-TEX3L Jackets
       In 2012, a new GORE-TEX3L fabric product that is more breathable, durable, and lightweight will be launched in the Chinese market. This innovation builds upon the world-renowned features of GORE-TEX fabric—exceptional waterproofing, powerful windproofing, and high breathability. The outer abrasion-resistant layer and special inner lining materials act like two slices of “bread,” encapsulating the core GORE-TEX membrane. This “sandwich” concept delivers a more rugged outdoor experience, offering all-day comfort and comprehensive professional protection.
       The following outdoor gear brands have launched GORE-TEX3L jackets: OZARK, BLACK YAK (Bulayake), LAFUMA, TOREAD (Explorer), NORTHLAND, and SALEWA. For detailed information on GORE-TEX3L jackets, please visit the Gore official website.