Photo: NuDown
We are still waiting for the spring and its warmth in the northern hemisphere, but as temperatures go above 0 C (32 F), some of us are already preparing their bikes and already enjoying the two-wheeled freedom. Still, cold represents one of the major inconveniences for us “early birds”, but NuDown seems to have the best solution for keeping us warm until weather becomes more rider-friendly.
NuDown’s high-tech vest and jacket are obviously, a very simple idea, yet the results seem to be above what usual technical clothing can deliver. It’s common knowledge that very good thermal insulation does not necessarily mean lots of clothes and thick layers of material stacked one above the other. In fact, this is the wrong way to chase thermal efficiency and comfort.
An outer shell which protects against water and wind and a layer underneath it separating it from the body is usually the much smarter choice. That is, because the middle layer traps air which is being heated by the body and thus acts in a similar way animal fur does.
A small hand pump and a hose attached to it allow the person wearing these garments to adjust the amount of gas contained in the bladder, and thus control the degree of insulation and conversely, the warmth the garments provide.
For best results, NuDown recommends replacing air with argon, a gas whose molecular structure provides even better insulation in this scenario. The NuDown also comprises 50D 4-way stretch polyester fabric and a bamboo charcoal ultra wicking liner for better wearing comfort. Needless to say, such a vest seems much more comfortable than the usual hoodie underneath the bike jacket, leather or cordura as it may be.
The NuDown jacket can be had for $350 (€325), the vest is $250 (€230), while an argon kit is $40 (€37), with $20 (€18) per 3-canister sets after the included three are used. Not the cheapest garment, but definitely one of the most advanced.
An outer shell which protects against water and wind and a layer underneath it separating it from the body is usually the much smarter choice. That is, because the middle layer traps air which is being heated by the body and thus acts in a similar way animal fur does.
Air and argon are your best friends
The NuDown technology takes things even further. NuDown clothes, so far a jacket and a vest, have a special design which in a way reminds of personal rider airbag. An air bladder is incorporated into the garments, with air ducts covering most of the surface which comes in contact with the outer shell and the body.A small hand pump and a hose attached to it allow the person wearing these garments to adjust the amount of gas contained in the bladder, and thus control the degree of insulation and conversely, the warmth the garments provide.
For best results, NuDown recommends replacing air with argon, a gas whose molecular structure provides even better insulation in this scenario. The NuDown also comprises 50D 4-way stretch polyester fabric and a bamboo charcoal ultra wicking liner for better wearing comfort. Needless to say, such a vest seems much more comfortable than the usual hoodie underneath the bike jacket, leather or cordura as it may be.
The NuDown jacket can be had for $350 (€325), the vest is $250 (€230), while an argon kit is $40 (€37), with $20 (€18) per 3-canister sets after the included three are used. Not the cheapest garment, but definitely one of the most advanced.
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