Bob Gore, sun of Bill and Vieve Gore, recognized in 1969 that PTFE had elastic properties under certain conditions. With that discovery, he invented the GORE-TEX membrane and began an unprecedented story of success. Indeed, without this man, history could have followed a different path: Dr. Heinrich Flik, former chairman of the supervisory board and GORE pioneer. Flik brought the first roll of a GORE-TEX membrane from the United States to Europe and forged the alliance with the world of outdoor and adventure sports. In this video, he tells us how he turned Reinhold Messner into one of the first converts of this then-totally unique functional fabric, why a close partnership with athletes for the GORE-TEX brand is so important, and why even today outdoor athletes rely on the waterproof, breathable power of GORE-TEX products. And we’ll also tell you what that has to do with a tent! Take a look!