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.

It 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.

Edited by eaglemb on 04/05/2008 22:19:31 MDT.

The 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...

I can fill my pants with noble gases just by eating a Mountain House freeze dried meal!

"Nooo!, keep that thorn away from me!"

Edited by tallbloke on 04/06/2008 01:39:04 MDT.

Very 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. :)

Even tubes of noble gases would have convection currents in them. Down and synthetics would minimize those convetion currents. They may not yet be obsolete.

those guys have some pretty 'lofty' expectations (sorry)

bringing helium for insulation would do double duty by lightening your pack too!