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Champion Supersuit to be tested this spring on Mount Everest

22 Jan '10

5 min read

Supersuit Outer Layer (anti-convection). A hard-shell polyester fabric mated to a wind-barrier membrane prevents sub-zero winds from penetrating the inner layers and conveying heat away from the body. Blocking strong winds in extreme cold conditions prevents compromising the effectiveness of the insulating and radiating layers of the Supersuit.

Supersuit Nanotechnology Insulation Layer (anti-conduction). The Champion Supersuit is the first commercially viable application of Element 21's Zeroloft Aspen Aerogels, which allow the Supersuit to be so thin. Zeroloft insulation has four times the thermal insulation of goose down because the transparent solid gel is made up of nano-sized multisided spheres that have so much surface area that air movement is restricted, which reduces conduction and prevents heat loss.

Radiant Foil (radiant warmth). A metallicized foil membrane reflects heat generated by the body and returns it back to the person wearing the Supersuit through conduction. This body heat is typically lost when apparel relies on insulation alone.

Inner Lining (wicking). Made of polyester technical fabric, the inner lining draws moisture away from the body.

Using the Zeroloft Aspen Aerogels insulation in the Champion Supersuit is a breakthrough for the apparel industry. Aerogel is made of puffed glass and is the lightest solid on earth. It has historically been used by the natural gas and oil industries to insulate deep-water pipelines.

“Our expertise and relationships in the textile science industry allowed us to find a material that no one else was using,” Abbott said. “We search for proven concepts and materials and determine how to reapply them in the apparel industry. We felt that aerogel had a lot of potential to give our climbing team more mobility while protecting them from the elements.”

An additional side benefit of the development of gear for the Everest expedition is that Hanesbrands also plans to use aerogel to insulate equipment in its manufacturing facilities as a way to reduce energy consumption.

From Everest to Everyday Activewear and Athleticwear

The Champion and Duofold brands will use the Everest project's research discoveries for new products and enhanced products for years to come. The first products inspired by or influenced by the Everest project will come to market in fall 2010.

Champion will introduce Cold Weather Gear that can be layered in various combinations to promote warmth and comfort, a technique that will be used during the Mount Everest expedition. The Champion Cold Weather gear is value-priced training activewear made from lightweight fabrics to maximize mobility and reduce bulk, even while layering for warmth in modest temperatures.

The compression base layer, quarter-zip and full-zip tops and soft-shell jackets will feature soft fabrics, ergonomic design for stretch and movement, chafe-resistant seams, lock-down zippers and grip-tape at leg openings for safety, and MP3 and invisible zippers for convenience. The gear is designed for colder-weather training, running, mountain biking, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Champion Athletic Apparel

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