This Technology Could Revolutionize Winter Jackets

MyLifeOutdoors2 minutes read

Aerogel, developed by NASA, is the lightest solid known to man, containing up to 99% air, but a scientific test showed that down insulation still outperformed it in terms of warmth and energy efficiency. Primaloft's aerogel-infused insulation, although claimed to be warmer, lighter, and as flexible as down, fell short in the objective testing, which indicated the superiority of pure down insulation.

Insights

  • Down insulation is superior to aerogel-synthetic insulation blends, as demonstrated by a scientific test in a freezer that showed down jackets required less energy to maintain warmth, highlighting the effectiveness of down's insulation properties.
  • Despite claims by Primaloft that aerogel-infused insulation is significantly warmer than existing options, a practical test involving wearing aerogel and down jackets for warmth yielded inconclusive results, indicating potential marketing exaggeration in the performance claims of aerogel-synthetic blends.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is aerogel?

    Aerogel is the lightest solid known to man, developed by NASA for space insulation, containing up to 99% air.

  • What are the characteristics of down insulation?

    Down insulation is light, warm, and compressible.

  • How does Primaloft claim to improve insulation?

    Primaloft claims their aerogel-infused insulation is 11 to 52% warmer than existing insulations.

  • What was the result of the subjective test comparing aerogel and down jackets for warmth?

    The subjective test proved inconclusive.

  • Which insulation performed better in the freezer test?

    The down jacket required less energy to stay warm, indicating better insulation compared to aerogel jackets.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Aerogel vs Down: Insulation Showdown

  • Aerogel holds the world record for the lightest solid known to man, developed by NASA for space insulation, containing up to 99% air.
  • Down insulation is known for being light, warm, and compressible, ideal for activities where weight and space are crucial, insulating by trapping air pockets.
  • Primaloft claims their aerogel-infused insulation is 11 to 52% warmer than existing insulations, as lightweight as down, fused with synthetic insulation for flexibility.
  • Subjective test of wearing aerogel and down jackets for warmth proved inconclusive, leading to a more scientific test using a mannequin in a freezer.
  • Testing in a freezer showed the down jacket required less energy to stay warm, indicating better insulation compared to aerogel jackets.
  • Aerogel, while potentially a superior insulator, when fused with synthetic insulation, cannot match the warmth and performance of pure down insulation, suggesting marketing exaggeration in claims.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.