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What are Textile Physics?

Textile Physics Research on Sports Apparel in Outdoor Lab

Textile physics in an outdoor lab sounds a little confusing, but actually it’s really simple: Textile physics is the knowledge of how textile fabrics like outdoor jackets interact with certain conditions. For the Alpine Proof Outdoor Lab in particular textile physics mean a collective term for several tests examining sports apparel in alpine environments under various weather conditions.

Here at the Alpine Proof Outdoor Lab at Schönjoch 2436 we deal with the treatment of: Heat retention, moisture management, skin friendlyness, colour fastness, aging of textiles, uv radiation, infrared radiation, vaporisation and some other tests. To do so we get support of the Institute for Textile Physics Dornbirn and the Centre for Ski and Alpine Technology Innsbruck.

If you’d like to get to know these dry terms a little better, you should visit the Alpine Proof Outdoor Lab Serfaus Fiss Ladis in person to experience work in alpine regions at first hand.

What is Clothing Physiology?

Clothing Physiology for Outdoor Jackets of Tomorrow

This long expression clothing physiology conceals a simple question: Which is the best apparel for me? For us clothing physiology is the knowledge of how to design outdoor jackets in the most effective way. Through research at Alpine Proof Outdoor Lab we learn what apparel has to deal with in alpine regions.

outdoorjacken bekleidungsphysiologie serfaus fiss ladis

One of the main areas to design outdoor jackets of tomorrow is functionality for a wide range of use under all conditions. In this context clothing physiology means, for example, textiles should provide enough warmth isolation on the one hand, but on the other hand they should support body cooling at physical load or heat. In our online shop we sell outdoor jackets that are capable of temperature regulation.

How research is done on clothing physiology not only for outdoor jackets, but also for all sport products and outdoor apparel in alpine regions, you‘ ll see here: Alpine Proof Outdoor Lab Serfaus.Fiss.Ladis.

What is Felt Air Temperature?

Influence of Felt Air Temperature on Clothing Comfort

A sapphire blue sky, high sun radiation and icy coldness? Squally wind, high altitude and nevertheless it is warm? Felt air temperature consists of atmospheric temperature, sun radiation, windspeed and humidity, like everyone percieves these factors individually. If you measure temperature using a thermometer, on the one hand you know the meterologically correct temperature, but on the other hand the human body understands felt air temperature very subjective.

outdoorjacken polychromelab temperaturregulation

This picture shows the perfect example of a winter day: Hardly any clouds in the sky, you can see the sun quite clearly, but still high altitude and chilly wind mean coldness, which shouldn’t be underestimated. Research on felt air temperature makes it possible to manufacture outdoor apparel that supports the wearer to cool body temperature down when it’s hot and function warmth isolating when it’s cold = temperature regulation.

More on Alpine Proof’s work here: Alpine Proof Outdoor Lab Serfaus.Fiss.Ladis.

Serfaus.Fiss.Ladis supports Outdoor Lab

Serfaus.Fiss.Ladis with World’s Highest Outdoor Lab for Apparel

As Serfaus.Fiss.Ladis we are pleased to sustain the scientific work of polychromelab and sport science. Serfaus.Fiss.Ladis breaths quality. Alpine Proof represents a seal of quality for outdoor products. This is a standard developable only in mountain regions. Right there, where weather happens.

The Alpine Proof Outdoor Lab Serfaus.Fiss.Ladis is the world’s highest outdoor lab for apparel. At Schönjoch 2436 outdoor products are tested scientifically. This research project between economy and science is really innovative, because – believe it or not – never was outdoor apparel tested this realistically and expressively. To enjoy broad qualitative outdoor sports activities one has to have outdoor apparel for every weather condition tested qualitatively and functioning optimally.

More information you’ll get here: Alpine Proof Outdoor Lab Serfaus.Fiss.Ladis.

Or on our facebook page: polychromelab Alpine Proof

What is Alpine Sport Science?

Alpine Sport Science at Alpine Proof Outdoor Lab

The study of apine sport science incorporates the interaction of man, apparel and weather in mountain regions. Here at Schönjoch 2436 the Centre for Ski and Alpine Technology Innsbruck, Textile Physics Dornbirn and polychromelab ltd. are working on scientific methods to understand and analyse weak points of outdoor apparel, improving future standards.

At the moment we fix outdoor jackets on test dummies to simulate an aging process initiated through alpine weather. These spinning cycles are for testing how textiles are handling high work load.

serfaus fiss ladis outdoorlabor polychromelab jackentests

This is alpine sport science: After several months these outdoor jackets have experienced a lot. But they haven’t suffered in vain, because they’ll pass through their knowledge to the next generation. This is what polychromelab is doing for the last three years with their own outdoor jackets. You’ll find the result in our online shop here: outdoor jackets online shop.

Get more information about alpine sport science and Alpine Proof Outdoor Lab here: Alpine Proof Outdoor Lab Serfaus.Fiss.Ladis.

The Beginning

Testing Jackets in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis with Alpine Proof the Beginning

Location, check – concrete foundation, check – wooden platform, check. Three times thanks to Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis for building world’s probably most beautiful and surely highest research station for textile research and testing jackets on Schönjoch, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis. But now we should get started.

First we build new, fancy bases for the testing dummies from the former lab on Glungezer. Second we select which outdoor jackets should be tested in the next few months. Then we pack everything in our car. About an hour later we reach the wooden platform enjoying the stunning view on the Upper Inn Valley. Beautiful. Also the weather, but we better start working, before a storm arises or something.

After the Alpine Proof banner is fixed, dummies are positioned and spinning cycles are ready, today’s work is done. But this just was the beginning. We’re collecting first weather data and measurements from the inside of the jackets already. Soon we have a greater insight in the outdoor functionality of our prototypes.

All news you’ll find on our facebook page Alpine Proof.

 

Testing Jackets Scientifically – Alpine Proof

Meeting with Sports Scientists: Testing Jackets Scientifically

Unfortunately weather wasn’t that good, after heavy rain the ground was wet. The clouds only hestiantly reveal the view of Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis‘ unique panorama. Yet the sports scientists came to the building site of Alpine Proof’s new textile lab. Because the things we’re creating here are more important than dry shoes. From Textile Physics Dornbirn Dr. Tom Wright and Dr. Barnaby Caven, from Sports Sciences Innsbruck Dr. Robert Csapo and Sebastian Wenger and from polychromelab Michele Stinco and Elisabeth Frey are completing the Alpine Proof Team to make testing jackets scientifically under studio and real conditions accessible for companies and manufacturers.

When the cloud cover brightened and revealed the view on the Upper Inntal, plans of the textiles research project Alpine Proof in Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis became clearer too. The ground, on which we’re standing, is safer than before, because we discussed some great ideas to test in near future jackets scientifically, right in the heart of the Alps. The centrality but even though exposition of the new textile lab makes insights in testing jackets scientifically accessible for a broader audience, without passing on extreme weather conditions. Soon customers can see by theirselves what a outdoor jacket is capable of before buying it in the store. Only an ideal? No, soon we’ll see!

All information on the progress of Alpine Proof Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis you’ll find on our facebook page!

Brick Shell Alpine Proof Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis

Textile Research Lab Alpine Proof Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis in the Fledgling Stage

It’s all moving on really fast: The new Alpine Proof Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis textiles research lab is still in the fledgling stage, but, where before wasn’t a stone on the other, one can have a look at the foundation for jackets of tomorrow. A friendly family on their holiday in Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis is taking that chance. As we were meeting with the organisational team, we could inform some interested people.

It’s really great to have some helpful hands and friendly support from the municipality and to talk about this project with interested guests from all over the world. Moving from Hall in Tirol to Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis means hard work, so we’re happy about even the smallest mindfulness.

Especially when the new Alpine Proof high altitude research lab becomes clearer shapes from one day to the other. Soon on this very place a high-tech research facility could be vistited to create the jackets of tomorrow. Quality, duarbility, sustainability, customer orientation and style. Soon we can have a glance at it, soon it’ll be there!

polychromelab concept store

Outdoor Research in Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis

Moving to Serfaus: Alpine Proof Outdoor Research and its new Location

Polychromelab’s Alpine Proof is a project to establish a seal of approval for outdoor gear, which is tested under extreme weather conditions in Tyrol to investigate its credibility and functioning. Alpine Proof still is at the ready, but soon polychromelab’s textiles outdoor research finds a new location in Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis.

Part 4: This is just a Slope, isn’t it?

Four men and one dog are standing on a slope nearby a ski lift of skiing region Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis. In winter there are dozens of people on this very ski slope. But how should one do outdoor research here?

textilien alpine proof forschung serfaus

Well, it won’t be an alltogether uncomplicated project, because now there isn’t a sign that in a few weeks the new Alpine Proof textiles research lab will be standing here. We’re especially happy about this professional collaboration with Serfaus – Fiss – Ladis, which makes dreams come true (soon).

outdoor jackets tyrol polychromelab alpine proof

These pictures are from the breifing. In a few weeks a platform will be built on this spot. Then we’ll have a lab with internet, meteo station, sleeping accommodation and most importantly dummies for textiles outdoor research. These we’ll use to simulate wearing of outdoor gear. This way we can scientifically prove what outdoor gear is capable of outdoors – not behind closed doors in studios – and whether there are weak spots which can be improved.

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World First Cairo Camo Hybrid Jacket

Shop polychromelab and Heimplanet Cairo Camo Hybrid Jacket

Out now the new Cairo Camo Hybrid Jacket by polychromelab and Heimplanet in Heimplanet’s online shop. Design and Fashion Blog Hypebeast also goes for this hybrid jacket’s functionality.

Product development of Cairo Camo hybrid jacket

It all starts – like always – with an idea. Heimplanet decides to manufacture special camouflage tents. For this purpose Cairo Camo pattern is developed. This geometric Arabic pattern creates with special colouring a three-dimensional, tectonic effect that we call „camouflage“.

Additionally, to go in line with the new Heimplanet tents, a true hybrid jacket is designed. The goal is to combine design and functinal aspects without reduction. This is why Heimplanet meets polychromelab. We know each other since ISPO 2012 and worked together in winter 2013/14 to test Heimplanet’s tents under extreme conditions at polychromelab’s Alpine Proof outdoor laboratory at mount Glungezer scientifically.

Polychromelab designs a concept and develops the technic for pigmentation of polychromelab hybrid textiles. This isn’t a very easy process, because we needed to prove long lasting of colour pigments in 2000 simulation hours at Alpine Proof outdoor laboratory.

Textilforschung Alpine Proof Hybridjacke

Cairo Camo Chameleon Jacket

2000 hours. Let’s say one wears his jacket about two hours a day. So if we divide 2000 by two, we have 1000 wearing days. 1000 days are almost three years. So a Cairo Camo jacket can by worn for three years, everyday, under the most extreme conditions, without colour bleaching.

How does this work? We have something up our sleeve: there is a posibility to proof colour pigmentation on a fabric that don’t become lighter with the time but darker. So Cairo Camo hybrid jacket doesn’t bleach out and as a functional jacket stays an unique design apparel. And the best thing is: the whole process works without toxics!

Cairo Camo at Firmament Berlin

At last, we’d like to mention that Outdoor Aesthetics made a great video interviewing Stefan Clauss from Heimplanet explaining Heimplanet, Cairo Camo and team work with polychromelab. Enjoy the video!

And for all the exited ones, there’s place for the most important link: have a look on Cairo Camo hybrid jacket at Heimplanet online shop!