Topic
Will synthetics and down be obselete? Check this out!
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Home › Forums › General Forums › General Lightweight Backpacking Discussion › Will synthetics and down be obselete? Check this out!
- This topic is empty.
-
AuthorPosts
-
Apr 5, 2008 at 8:50 pm #1228204
Hey – check out what I found:
http://www.kutv.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=33288
Watch the video – it's a new form of insulation that fills tubes in your jacket/pants/etc with noble gases.
Apr 5, 2008 at 9:18 pm #1427339It makes sense. Now, what about -40 sleeping bags?
Does this mean my thermarest gets warmer with Argon? That's makes even more sense to me.Apr 5, 2008 at 11:06 pm #1427341The news broadcast neglected to address how breathability would be affected. The material needs to be airtight enough to hold the argon in. This would preclude passing of significantly larger water molecules (clumped/associated together by hydrogen bonding) in the vapor phase.
Thus, in active sports, such as skiing, things could get hot and steamy under the collar very quickly. And when it comes to winter outdoor activities, staying dry is more important than staying warm.
Guess the guy should have taken college chemistry after all…
Apr 5, 2008 at 11:08 pm #1427343I can fill my pants with noble gases just by eating a Mountain House freeze dried meal!
Apr 6, 2008 at 12:32 am #1427346"Nooo!, keep that thorn away from me!"
Apr 6, 2008 at 12:50 am #1427347Very interesting idea. But…I have to agree with Chris, since the material will have to be air tight, it will not be breathable. I assume this will be like hiking with a vapor barrier on – something that doesn't work for me.
However, until I try it, I'm still very interested. :)Apr 6, 2008 at 3:43 am #1427351Even tubes of noble gases would have convection currents in them. Down and synthetics would minimize those convetion currents. They may not yet be obsolete.
Apr 6, 2008 at 12:50 pm #1427373those guys have some pretty 'lofty' expectations (sorry)
Apr 6, 2008 at 8:25 pm #1427421bringing helium for insulation would do double duty by lightening your pack too!
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Our Community Posts are Moderated
Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting.
Get the Newsletter
Gear Research & Discovery Tools
- Browse our curated Gear Shop
- See the latest Gear Deals and Sales
- Our Recommendations
- Search for Gear on Sale with the Gear Finder
- Used Gear Swap
- Member Gear Reviews and BPL Gear Review Articles
- Browse by Gear Type or Brand.