Mike
2008-10-11, 00:22
There is a new concept in ski clothes on its way – insulation with a noble gas – which will let you regulate how hot or cold you are on the ski slope.
Called the Klymit insulation system, it works in a similar to argon gas-filled double glazing. An airtight bladder made of commercially available waterproof-breathable membranes is sewn into the ski jacket or trousers. Then a tiny cartridge is connected to a valve and the bladder's baffles are inflated with a noble gas such as argon, krypton or xenon. The resulting free space acts as an insulating barrier between the outside air and the body, providing warmth and comfort. Noble gases are apparently about five times more efficient at insulating than currently available fabrics. ...So, when you are out skiing and getting too warm, you will be able to open the valve to release some of the gas. And, when you are getting too cold, you will be able to refill your clothes with gas from a lipstick-sized ‘Hotshot’ canister. This should provide 7-10 refills for jackets or trousers. What's more, sweat is still passed to the outside in the same way as current waterproof-breathable clothing.
The manufacturer says that puncture resistant membranes and heat-welded seams will eliminate the chance of gas leakage, but each item will nonetheless be sold with a patch kit for emergencies. They anticipate that the first garments using Klymit technology will hit ski shops in time for the 2009-10 ski and snowboard season.
http://www.klymit.com/
Called the Klymit insulation system, it works in a similar to argon gas-filled double glazing. An airtight bladder made of commercially available waterproof-breathable membranes is sewn into the ski jacket or trousers. Then a tiny cartridge is connected to a valve and the bladder's baffles are inflated with a noble gas such as argon, krypton or xenon. The resulting free space acts as an insulating barrier between the outside air and the body, providing warmth and comfort. Noble gases are apparently about five times more efficient at insulating than currently available fabrics. ...So, when you are out skiing and getting too warm, you will be able to open the valve to release some of the gas. And, when you are getting too cold, you will be able to refill your clothes with gas from a lipstick-sized ‘Hotshot’ canister. This should provide 7-10 refills for jackets or trousers. What's more, sweat is still passed to the outside in the same way as current waterproof-breathable clothing.
The manufacturer says that puncture resistant membranes and heat-welded seams will eliminate the chance of gas leakage, but each item will nonetheless be sold with a patch kit for emergencies. They anticipate that the first garments using Klymit technology will hit ski shops in time for the 2009-10 ski and snowboard season.
http://www.klymit.com/