Non-Fluorinated Moisture Barriers
NON-FLUORINATED MOISTURE BARRIERS
No matter which moisture barrier you choose, Fire-Dex delivers industry-leading breathability without sacrificing thermal protection.
Fire departments now have the option to choose fully non-fluorinated composites for their gear. We’re proud to offer the most advanced materials on the market, giving each department the ability to customize their turnouts to fit their needs.
With our innovative TECGEN71 outer shell and groundbreaking AeroFlex turnouts, Fire-Dex can offer the most breathable turnout gear on the market, providing the same comfort and protection we're known for.
Non-Fluorinated Moisture Barrier Options
Milliken® Assure™
Milliken® Assure™ is a non-PFAS moisture barrier that offers dependable protection in demanding fireground conditions — while also delivering proven thermal performance in high-risk environments.
Key Features:
- Non-fluorinated and non-halogenated formulation
- Certified to NFPA 1970-2025
- Weighing in at 5.7 oz/yd²
- Three-layer build: pajama check substrate, PU membrane, and spun lace
- 93% Meta-Aramid, 5% Para-Aramid, 2% Anti-Static
- Backed by Milliken's 5-year warranty
| Outer Shell | Moisture Barrier | Thermal Liner | TPP (AR)* | THL | Ret |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TECGEN71® | Milliken Assure™ | CoreCXP™ 1-Layer | 40.4 | 296 | 30 |
| TECGEN71® | Milliken Assure™ | CoreCXP™ 2-Layer | 40.4 | 296 | 30 |
| Horizon™ | Milliken Assure™ | Equinox™ 2-Layer | 36.7 | 291 | 30 |
| TECGEN71® | Milliken Assure™ | Glide Ice™ Nomex® Nano | 40 | 284.7 | 32 |
| TECGEN71® | Milliken Assure™ | Glide Ice™ 1-Layer | 37.7 | 291.2 | 32 |
| PBI® Max™ 7.0 | Milliken Assure™ | Glide Ice™ 2-Layer | 40.4 | 247 | 32 |
| Armor AP™ | Milliken Assure™ | CoreCXP™ 2-Layer | 37.9 | 256 | 32 |
| Horizon™ | Milliken Assure™ | Equinox™ 3-Layer | 37.8 | 272 | 32 |
| Armor AP™ | Milliken Assure™ | Glide Ice™ 2-Layer | 37.6 | 238 | 33 |
| TECGEN71® | Milliken Assure™ | Glide Ice™ 2-Layer | 42.9 | 252.9 | 34 |
GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® Innovate
The GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® Innovate non-fluorinated moisture barrier delivers lightweight protection without compromise. Weighing just 4.9 oz/yd², it helps reduce bulk while maintaining high-level performance.
Key Features:
- Non-fluorinated formulation
- Certified to and NFPA 1970-2025
- Three-layer build: woven aramid substrate, non-fluorinated membrane, nonwoven aramid blend
- Ultra-lightweight at 4.9 oz/yd²
- Lifetime warranty from GORE® solely on manufacturing defects and workmanship
| Outer Shell | Moisture Barrier | Thermal Liner | TPP (AR)* | THL | Ret |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TECGEN71® |
GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® Innovate |
CoreCXP™ 1-Layer | 38.2 | 295 | 31 |
| TECGEN71® |
GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® Innovate |
Glide Ice™ 2-Layer | 42.4 | 266 | 35 |
| Agility™ | GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® Innovate |
Titanium™ | 38 | 266 | 32 |
| PBI® Max™ 7.0 | GORE-TEX CROSSTECH® Innovate |
Glide Ice™ 2-Layer | 39.3 | 239 | 37 |
Measuring Breathability
Leveraging the advanced material science of our exclusive TECGEN71 outer shell, composites made with this innovative material deliver the highest THL and RET ratings in the industry. At Fire-Dex, we are dedicated to fire safety and heat stress mitigation, making us the clear choice for a non-fluorinated moisture barrier composite that maximizes breathability without compromising thermal protection.
THL
Total Heat Loss (THL) is a measure of how well heat and vapor escape. The higher the number, the more breathable the garment. This has been the longstanding measurement of breathability under NFPA guidelines.
RET
Resistance to Evaporative Heat Loss (Ret) measures the garment’s breathability by assessing how well clothing effectively allows for evaporative cooling. The lower the number, the more breathable the garment. This number is new in NFPA 1970 guidelines and is often a more accurate measure of a garment’s breathability.
THE KEY DIFFERENCE
THL evaluates heat loss, while Ret focuses on evaporative cooling efficiency. High THL doesn’t guarantee comfort during exertion, whereas low Ret values indicate superior moisture management, crucial for active wear and safety apparel.
Ultimate Breathability From Fire-Dex
With heat stress and overexertion being the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service, Fire-Dex is dedicated to delivering lightweight, breathable solutions that prioritize firefighter health and safety. Our TECGEN71 outer shell and AeroFlex gear deliver unmatched breathability, comfort, and performance, making us the leader in firefighter protection.
DEPARTMENTS THAT HAVE MADE THE SWITCH
East Providence Fire Department, RI
In June of 2025, the East Providence Fire Department became the first fire department in the United States to purchase and use non-PFAS turnout gear department-wide—an industry milestone achieved through a collaborative partnership with us and textile innovator Milliken & Company, using their Assure™ moisture barrier.
San Francisco Fire Department, CA
The San Francisco Fire Department became the largest U.S. department to fully transition to non-PFAS turnout gear in December of 2025. Supported by a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant, SFFD partnered with us and Milliken & Company to supply one set of non-fluorinated turnout gear for each frontline firefighter.
TECGEN71® Outer shell
TECGEN71 is an exclusive, patented Fire-Dex outer shell engineered to reduce heat stress by cutting weight and increasing flexibility. It provides the perfect balance of breathability, comfort, TPP, and THL, while lowering overall composite weight for enhanced mobility.
With advanced material science, TECGEN71 delivers the highest THLs and lowest RETs in the industry, outperforming all other composite options. No matter the moisture barrier you choose, TECGEN71 is the ultimate choice for your outer shell.
Aeroflex™ Turnout Gear
Our groundbreaking AeroFlex turnouts supercharge the breathability of your garment while significantly reducing the risk of heat stress and cardiac-related issues —no matter the composite you choose.
This is achieved through VaporLite Panels and AeroVent Technology. VaporLite Panels consist of a breathable, 3-layer composite system that targets the areas of your body where heat becomes most encapsulated: the side seams, armpits, inner thighs, and behind the knees. Combined with our AeroVent Technology, a ventilation design that allows sweat vapor to escape, AeroFlex cools the core of any composite.
Independent testing shows that AeroFlex keeps the body cooler by letting your sweat evaporate. That puts you at lower risk for heat stress and overexertion, helping to lower your sweat rate and core body temperature.
No matter what moisture barrier you choose, trust AeroFlex turnouts to cool the core of your composite.