Satisfy launches sweat-reactive cooling range
French running brand Satisfy chose the right time to launch its new HeatCrush range that features an innovative cooling concept developed in Japan. The HeatCrush effect is activated by sweat. As moisture spreads throughout the garment, the mesh pulls it outward, which is said to draw heat away from the skin. It is not passive ventilation, the brand said, it is rather a direct transfer of heat, triggered by the body’s own sweat.
Two fabrics have been developed, a microjersey made from 78% nylon (42% recycled) and 22% elastane, and a mesh, for the underarm panels, made from 93% nylon (50% recycled) and 7% elastane.
Tested on a thermal mannequin, HeatCrush has been found to make the temperature drop by 8°C, from a baseline of 33.8°C, in 30 minutes. This is more than other fabrics tested. A regular nylon made the temperature drop by 5.3°C, and a polyester shirt saw a reduction of 3.1°C.
Satisfy said that the cooling effect increases over time. When running in dry conditions, it recommends drenching the fabric with water, as HeatCrush will react to any form of moisture, it added.
The new range was tested by Satisfy Pro Athlete Max Jolliffe in the Atacama altiplano (pictured). “At this elevation, sweat evaporates before it can cool anything. The fabric pulled moisture in and returned it as cool, keeping him out long after most would have turned back,” said Satisfy.
