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Storm On Wheels Comes To Austin


On Thursday, I headed over to the Austin Convention Center to test the strength of the latest and greatest in running gear.

Gor-Tex brought their Mobile Storm Chamber to the Austin Convention Center for The Running Event, an event for retail buyers to visit over 300 exhibitors showcasing the newest gadgets and gizmos for runners.

Before testing the chamber, I geared up in a Gor-Tex jacket, Gor-Tex pants, and Saurcony shoes, all 100 percent water and wind proof.

Inside the chamber, rain falls at a rate of 20 inches per hour, wind speeds up to 20 miles per hour, and there is simulated thunder and lightning.

The suit stays dry!  How does it work? There are over 9 billion pores per square inch.  These pores are 20,000 times smaller than water drops.  This keeps rain drops out.  However, the pores are 700 times larger than water vapor.  Our sweat is water vapor, so sweat is allowed to escape.

Gor-Tex Mobile Unit Manager, Joe Terreano, says it's all about being light and fast when it comes to running.  "It’s all Gor running wear products which is a new product that we brought to North America from Europe."

This type of gear is not only for runners.  You'll see it on many reporters and meteorologists battling the elements out in the field.

This allows us to put modern technology up against Mother Nature.

By Meteorologist Allison Miller