Aerovest

SpookyPistolero

SpookyPistolero

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
6,105
Check out this guy, pretty neat. It's space blanket in vest form, with inflatable air pockets for insulation. Still is stored in the compact way a space blanket it. Obviously there'd be concerns for durability, and whether the air pockets would easily leak or pop. Anyway, interesting:

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=AER61860

61860.jpg
 
The inside metal layer reflects back 90% of your core body heat. The outside metal layer blocks the wind and rain. But the real benefit is when you inflate the 18 air pockets. This creates a thermal barrier, helping to keep the heat in and the cold out, like the way goose down works.
Click to expand...
A common claim for "space blankets" but misleading at best. The reflective surface stops radiant heat loss - a relatively small source of heat loss compared to convection and conduction.

By blocking wind, the plastic film, without regard to the "metallic finish," also reduces convective loss (like a a simple garbage bag would), but who says the total savings is 90%? In short, how do we know it works?
 
"2 ounces, and you can fold it as small as a cell phone" + traps dead air. I'd want it under my jacket not as outer wear but looks like good kit to bring on in an emergency. Wonder if it is really any good. Even if it is only moderately effective it looks like gear a walker might use whereas by the time they'd decided to fill their jumper with moss...
 
I agree with Linton. Single walled air mattresses provided relatively poor insulation because the air circulation within the mattress promotes heat convection throughout and heat conduction at the surface (i.e. the cold ground). The self inflating types of air mattresses work effectively because the foam traps air bubbles within the matrix and interferes with convective heat transport. Thus the cold side still gets cold but you do not effectively loose heat from the inner insulation layers.

Now this vest has 18 pockets of air but is that really enough to sufficiently reduce convection and heat loss? On the other hand, if you aren't laying on a cold surface like the ground, conduction from the surface to the surrounding ambient air may still be quite low. The reflective surface does help with radiant heat a bit. So it might work. Only way to know for sure is to try it and find out. It would be neat if somebody could rate it in terms of equivalent to a fleece e.g. 100 wt, 200 wt, 300 wt etc...
 
A) Do I need to repeat how warm and happy the people in the tent look? Ads can't lie people.

B) It's definitely not going to be as warm as our favorite down jacket, but the question is, is it better than nothing? Or more correctly is it better than a plain mylar blanket? I wager that it would be. Might have to order one and give it a try.
 
They do look happy Spooky. A couple things it should have - some kind of integrated hood. Even it it isn't blown up, having a hood attached would probably save a great deal more heat than just an open vest and would not add to the material. Of course, the people wouldn't look quite so awesome with a hood on.
 
Maybe I will order 2. One to see if it works, and the other in the case that it does work, to have one to go with me in the bush.

Besides, they DO look happy, right?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top