Posted by jerry wigutow on Nov 16th, 2018
ARE YOU A SKIER? IF SO PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE. AFTER READING IT PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU THINK WHAT IS WRITTEN CAN ACTUALLY TAKE PLACE.
New Kjus jacket is ‘the future of skiwear’
Norwegian
sportswear brand Kjus held a live, online launch event on November 15 for a new
ski jacket featuring an electronically-charged textile membrane that moves
sweat away from the body quicker than a conventional membrane can.
Powering the garment is a technology known as Hydro_Bot, which has been
developed by electrokinetic technology specialist Osmotex. It was first
unveiled at the ISPO exhibition in February 2017.
The company’s chairman, Joacim Holter, explained at the launch that the
technology works via electro-osmosis. This involves charging the textile
membrane with a small electrical pulse, which he said effectively turns it into
a pump for transferring moisture from the skin to the outside of the jacket to be
evaporated.
Kjus is the first brand to incorporate the technology into a product. The
product in question is a jacket from the brand’s 7SPHERE skiwear collection,
which offers layering solutions for a range of activities and exercise
intensities.
Ken Kurtzweg, head of innovation at Kjus, said the brand has been exploring the
issue of breathability for a number of years. This has resulted in a number of
innovations, including its AC-Vent ventilation system and the aforementioned
7SPHERE layering system.
He explained that Hydro_Bot is an “active system”, compared to traditional
membranes which are passive. In-house testing has shown that this technology
can move sweat away from the body 10 times faster than a passive membrane. It
also offers consistent performance even at very low temperatures, something
which Mr Kurtzweg said traditional membranes cannot promise.
The 7SPHERE Hydro_Bot ski jacket has two panels on the back, known to be a high
sweat zone. The active element of the membrane is operated via a small control
module concealed inside the garment. There is also a charging cable, which can
be plugged into any USB socket.
In addition, Kjus has created a smartphone application. As well as operating
the jacket, this serves to monitor how much the wearer is sweating and can
recommend actions, such as opening a vent or removing a layer, in response to
the data it receives.
Testing of the technology has been conducted with the help of Swiss research
institute Empa. This has included field testing, in the form of high-intensity
cross-country skiing, as well as simulations in the laboratory.
Mr Kurtzweg believes this initial project is “just the tip of the iceberg” for
the technology. He suggested it is suitable for any activity that requires an
element of breathability. Beyond the obvious comfort advantages it offers, the
improved sweat management means the wearer’s body does not need to expend as
much energy on temperature regulation, offering performance benefits.
The ski jacket is completely washable once the control module is removed, as
long as a gentle wash cycle is used. In terms of durability, the partners say
the jacket has performed well after repeated wash cycles.
Once fully charged, which takes between 45 minutes and one hour, Kjus says it
can be used for between 16 and 20 hours. It is also possible to connect a
portable battery pack should the wearer not be near to a suitable charging
point.
The 7SPHERE Hydro_Bot ski jacket will have a limited release on December 10,
with orders taken from November 22. Kjus hopes to eventually incorporate the
technology into a wider range
I have chosen not to comment on this article because I think it is nothing more than gobbly-goop. What is claimed about the movement of moisture categorically does not nor can it happen. The only comment is to buy these ski jackets is a waste of money.
The next article will have an explanation of what actually happened to the young woman who froze in her husband’s arms because we saw the same action take place when the 11 or 13 people died on Mt Everest almost 20 years ago. It will also explains why people who get into most all sleeping bags other than Wiggy’s do not warm up.