Polar bears serve as a model for Columbia's new heating technology
The "Omni-Heat Arctic" insulation system from Columbia is designed to provide warmth in arctic temperatures. The American outdoor brand has modelled it on the fur of polar bears. The system utilises the sun's energy and is designed to store heat for the long term.
Warmth thanks to stored solar energy
Columbia calls the new technology "Omni-Heat Arctic". Like polar bears, it is designed to utilise the sun's energy and store heat for the long term. According to the manufacturer, the combination of a solar-permeable outer material and corresponding insulation and a black, heat-absorbing film on the inside also withstands icy temperatures. Columbia uses the in-house development in new insulation and fleece jackets.
Inspired by the animal world
Outdoor brands have often adapted characteristics and abilities from nature and the animal world in particular for product development, according to Columbia. The technical term for this is biomimicry: the texture of shark skin served as a model for wetsuits. Vegetable burrs that cling to animal fur inspired the Velcro fastener and the lotus effect for water-repellent surfaces is used in numerous products.
According to Columbia, the retail price for the jacket is 380 francs and 170 francs for the fleece. Our purchasing department is clarifying whether and when we will have the product in our range. If possible, we will then test the technology and report on it.
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