Forget Down Insulated Jackets, These Ones Are Insulated By Air
Check out NuDown, a clothing company from Reno, Nevada that has a new twist on jackets for your outdoor activities. They aren't insulated with down feathers or even synthetic fibres, but rather with air! There is a pump in the pocket that you can squeeze to bring air into chambers within the jacket, which in turn are warmed up from the heat from your body. This warmed air provides warmth depending on how much you have inflated it (from 5 to 20+ pumps). When you're ready to cool down, just hit the release valve.
One interesting aspect where they claim the jackets work better than traditional down is when the jacket is wet. While the NuDown jackets still provides the same amount of thermal warmth the down is no longer efficient.
If you're headed out in frigid temperatures, there is the option to purchase an Argon gas (a noble gas found in the air, is colorless, odorless, nonflammable and nontoxic and is three times more efficient at insulating than air due to its molecular structure) insulation Upgrade Kit, which includes three canisters of Argon gas and an inflator valve.
There currently are three different styles for both Men and Women
- The Mont Tallac jacket - a waterproof and breathable shell with the air chambers inside
- Squaw Peak Jacket - backcountry jacket with pit zips, and Primaloft® Gold insulation in collar, hood, and sleeves.
- Mount Whitney Vest - aimed at keeping your torso warm and can be combined with a shell for both warmth and weather protection
NuDown offers free shipping & returns to the U.S. and Canada. Stay connected with NuDown on Facebook and Twitter.
