by: Dave D’Abate
Double Diamond Vest (Courtesy Photo)
Based right here in Ogden, UT, Klymit first came onto the scene back in 2007 and after one year, started on the initial prototype of their NobleTek™ insulation. NobleTek™ uses Noble Gases like Argon as an insulator. Argon in particular is non-toxic, non-flammable, and very safe for the user and for the environment. 4 All Outdoors had the opportunity to interview CEO Nate Alder last year and you can read that interview here, which highlights the finer details of Argon-based insulation and incorporating the idea into a variety of outdoor products. Now, a year later with their incredibly successful Kinetic Vest featuring their pioneering NobleTek™ insulation technology, Klymit is continually searching for new technologies and providing innovative solutions. NobleTek™ insulation was Klymit’s solution for adjustable warmth and the Kinetic Vest is still the only adjustable insulation piece on the market today.
Amphibian Vest (Courtesy photo)
The Kinetic Vest comes in four different styles for different applications outdoors. First is the black Double Diamond snow sports vest featuring the warmest insulation of the bunch and a four-way stretch fabric for a greater range of movement. Second is the olive green Khameleon stealth / hunting vest featuring a micro suede fabric to reduce motion noise and textured tape on the shoulders to prevent a gun strap from slipping. Third we have the Red Rock, which shares the same color as its name and is designed for general outdoor activities. The Red Rock features its bright color as a safety feature making it easy to spot in the wilderness, a more breathable and lightweight material for active sports, and the same textured tape of the shoulders as the Khameleon to prevent backpack shoulder straps from slipping. Fourth is the blue Amphibian vest designed for water sports and wet conditions. The Amphibian features waterproof fabric and reflective seam tape to increase the wearer’s visibility. The best part about using Klymit’s NobleTek™ insulation is that it is without a doubt the lightest insulation you’ll find on the market with a much greater warmth-to-weight ratio than Down.
What’s next for Klymit this year? In 2010 Klymit will be debuting Kinetic Shells, a line of four jackets designed in every aspect with the Kinetic Vest in mind to directly complement the Vest’s features so that the two work together to create the perfect personal, adjustable insulation piece. From Klymit’s press release:
Kayaking with Amphibian Vest (Courtesy Photo)
The Kinetic Shell will be an excellent way to expand the functionality of their existing line of Kinetic Vests when the weather makes wearing more than a vest necessary. We have yet to hear any word on the previously mentioned camping pad from the interview with Nate Alder but I’m sure they have some really awesome technical products in the works for the coming year. Apart from a camping pad, other products I would like to see with the NobleTek™ insulation include insulated pants and gloves for extreme cold, or even an Argon insulated sleeping bag that would eliminate the need for a camping mattress. If you have some ideas of what you might like to see get the NobleTek™ treatment, leave a comment below.