Responsive Technology relies on the natural function of minerals and is therefore currently the only insulation solution on the market recycling body heat. Thermoactive minerals absorb body heat like a rock facing the sun and then reflect it as infrared rays that penetrate deep into muscle tissue. This not only warms the athlete pleasantly, the optimised blood circulation also saves valuable energy and the athlete regenerates better. This applies during activity, but also during rest phases or by recycling energy that would otherwise be lost during recovery.
"Our tests show that Responsive has a positive effect on how the body regulates its own temperature. We have measured skin temperature when exposure is below the anaerobic threshold (prolonged low intensity activity). The typically warmest parts of the body had lower temperatures. So with Responsive, the body needs less energy to regulate heat and can perform better," says Christine Ladstätter, Salewa Innovation & Special Product Manager, explaining the benefits for mountaineers.
Salewa adds the mineral blend to different high-performance fibres, yarns and fabrics in various combinations - for clothing of all layers, for sleeping bags and for winter shoes. The technology is integrated in 70 products of the autumn and winter collection 20/21.
Responsive technology is also used in the high alpine highlight product of the Salewa winter collection: the new Sella Responsive jacket is an uncompromisingly high alpine oriented, completely PFC-free three-layer jacket that integrates thermo-reactive minerals from Responsive technology. The lightweight three-layer jacket is tailored from innovative Powertex Responsive Shell material. This is an extremely hardwearing, brand-exclusive laminate especially designed for use in alpine terrain inline with the needs of ski mountaineers. Despite the absence of PFC, the membrane impresses with its functionality: it is waterproof and windproof, has convincing breathability and is very comfortable to wear. The heat energy produced by the mountaineer is effectively returned to the body thanks to the smart thermoactive mineral print on the inside of the fabric.
Responsive technology is also used underneath the top layer closer to the body, for example in combination with the wool of Tyrolean mountain sheep in insulating mid-layer jackets or in the form of technical functional underwear such as the Zebru Baselayer collection. Zebru Baselayer uses the natural, heat-regulating quality of merino wool, its insulating and breathable properties and its odour-reducing effect. The seamless knitted, shape-retaining body of the technical functional underwear guarantees comfortable, abrasion-free wearing. At the same time, the Responsive technology is a permanent component of the fabric: the integrated minerals do not even wash out in the long run and extend the great properties of the wool through improved blood circulation and faster regeneration. The polyamide-nylon component also ensures that the products are extremely hardwearing, durable and thus sustainable.
Responsive Technology is also used when resting: Prolonged contact with the Responsive Technology, for example during sleep, additionally improves the recovery and regeneration effect. This is why Salewa has also permanently incorporated the smart invention into its three new sleeping bag series. One of them, the (also PFC-free) down sleeping bag series Diadem is equipped with Responsive Technology as well. William Starka, Senior Product Manager Footwear & Equipment at Salewa, explains: "Responsive warms the insulating air layer in the sleeping bag sustainably and regulates the temperature throughout the entire sleeping phase. The technology thus ensures a better, more restful sleep. It also improves microcirculation, which helps the muscles to regenerate better".
The combination of natural function and technological progress, of traditionally handed-down and ultra-modern processes in product development also earned Salewa an ISPO Gold Award 2020 for the Mountain Trainer 2 Winter GTX.
The winter trekker offers a lot of grip thanks to a Vibram Artic sole, a lot of support and flexibility thanks to a sophisticated 3-F system - and a lot of warmth thanks to a Responsive Alpine Wool lining. In addition, a flexible, very thin aluminium technology is integrated into the footbed, which provides additional insulation against cold from below. The warm, waterproof and super-robust shoe is suitable for a wide variety of winter uses: for walks in high winter, for relaxed hut hikes, but also for longer tours in the mountains.
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