Aspen Aerogels

[Tim Seaver]

This stuff is working it's way into more and more outdoor products, and I was just curious if anyone has any firsthand experience with anything using it as an insulator. It has been tested on Everest and elsewhere, and in general seems to be a terrific material for outdoor products.

Aerogels on Everest

Toastyfeet Insoles

Salomon Tundra WP

 

[NewHampshire]

A sister company for the one I work for has started using nanogel (which is basically like a ground up version of this stuff) in their fiberglass panel systems as an insulation. It adds a substantial increase in the R value of the panels at the expense of only a tiny bit more weight. It is very interesting stuff. Upon reflection it is no surprise some form of the nanogel is now making it into insulating sportswear!

Brian