Caring for Gore-Tex

I learned something about Gore-Tex a couple of weeks ago, when the Gore-Tex on Tour van was parked at the foot of the slopes at Crested Butte Mountain Resort when we were skiing there. I've always known about the waterproof, breathable mantra. I've had my long-wearing Gore-Tex garments for years, and I've long since discarded the info labels.

I wear it for snowshoeing and walking in drizzly weather. I've always known that Gore-Tex is washable, and I've always washed it in cold water and hung it to dry. The duo piloting the van from place to place, demonstrating the performance fabric's virtues told me that to refresh its characteristics, Gore-Tex should be machine-washed in warm water and machine-dried at a medium temperature setting. And if I forget again, I'll check out the care instructions on Gore-Tex's website.

I washed my Gore-Tex jacket when we returned home from Crested Butte, not expecting to need it again for a while, but it's supposed to snow a lot tonight and tomorrow, so I may be putting it on again this season.