The weather might be cold, wet, and uncomfortable, but W. L. Gore & Associates wants you to enjoy the outdoors, anyway. The company makes a variety of fluoropolymer products; best known is its breathable, waterproof, and windproof Gore-Tex brand fabric. Textile applications range from clothing and shoes to Elixir guitar strings, space suits, and medical sutures. In addition to consumer apparel (popular among hikers and hunters), W. L. Gore makes insulated wire and cables, filtration products, and sealants. Its textile lineup is offered under the Gore-Tex brand as well as Windstopper (outerwear) and Cleanstream (filters).