New Kjus jacket is ‘the future of skiwear’
15/11/2018
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 of its products.
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