Editor’s note: This article has been revised to specify that Gore’s new line of outerwear is not yet free from PFAS.

As the military endeavors to eliminate “forever chemicals” from its gear and apparel, Gore introduces a new lightweight jacket featuring a fleece interior and a unique fabric membrane designed to shield against the elements, aiming to catch the interest of Army equipment assessors.

Gore intends to propose its All-Weather Active Insulation Jacket for review under the Army’s Soldier Enhancement Program early the following year, aiming for swift deployment, according to company representatives speaking to Military Times.

This jacket is designed to replace two components of the Army’s current Extended Cold Weather Clothing System, or ECWCS: the Level III high-loft fleece jacket and the Level IV wind jacket.

Weighing just under 17 ounces, the all-weather jacket is less than half the weight of the combined two layers and occupies about 40% less space when packed, as per Gore’s claims.

The jacket incorporates an inner membrane called Windstopper, significantly enhancing its ability to block air compared to the standalone wind jacket. According to Collin Friedman, a Gore marketing specialist, wind resistance is crucial.

Friedman noted that soldiers in less extreme cold environments often face training disruptions or even cancellations due to wind.

“The primary requirement is really something that can effectively cut through the wind,” he explained.

The all-weather jacket is part of Gore’s All-Weather Integrated Clothing System, a streamlined collection of 10 pieces of pants and jackets. Friedman highlighted that this system provides protection in temperatures ranging from -40 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, potentially filling the gap between the existing ECWCS gear and the newly issued Cold Temperature and Arctic Protection Systems, or CTAPS.

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Friedman stated that Gore is looking to bridge a “capability gap” as military training intensifies in colder and more mountainous regions, necessitating robust yet lightweight protective solutions.

(Hope Hodge Seck/Staff)

Additionally, Gore is pursuing alternatives to the traditional durable water repellent, or DWR, treatment for outerwear. This treatment includes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are long-lasting chemicals targeted for removal by the military from products like firefighting foam used in aircraft hangars.

As efforts continue to find PFAS alternatives, garment manufacturers face challenges in finding an equally effective replacement for fabric waterproofing.

One approach for Gore, as seen with the all-weather jacket, is the use of fleece, which is bulkier than a coating but has stood the test of time. Moreover, several components of the All-Weather Integrated Clothing System incorporate Gore’s Windstopper technology.

“Unlike membranes treated with DWR or those based on polyurethane, which can degrade over time or under temperature stress, WINDSTOPPER® maintains its structural integrity under extreme conditions. Its chemical-resistant membrane withstands degradation from oils, lubricants, and fuels, ensuring consistent, durable protection for repeated missions,” Friedman elaborated in a statement.

Active evaluations of the AWICS system are currently underway with the 11th Airborne/Arctic Regions Test Center integration cell in Alaska, the Army Mountain Warfare School in Jericho, Vermont, and the 19th Special Forces Group in Bluffdale, Utah, according to Friedman.

“The feedback from soldiers has been overwhelmingly positive,” he added.