Outdoors

Automatic climate control lets Flexwarm jacket adapt to individuals

Automatic climate control lets Flexwarm jacket adapt to individuals
The Flexwarm smart jacket is designed with dual sensors that automatically adapt the heat to desired levels, no matter the outside environment
The Flexwarm smart jacket is designed with dual sensors that automatically adapt the heat to desired levels, no matter the outside environment
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The Flexwarm smart jacket allows users to dial in a specific temperature for each of the separate regions
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The Flexwarm smart jacket allows users to dial in a specific temperature for each of the separate regions
The Flexwarm smart jacket is designed with dual sensors that automatically adapt the heat to desired levels, no matter the outside environment
2/3
The Flexwarm smart jacket is designed with dual sensors that automatically adapt the heat to desired levels, no matter the outside environment
With its built-in Bluetooth, the Flexwarm smart jacket connects to smartphones, tablets, and even smartwatches via the companion app (available for iOS and Android)
3/3
With its built-in Bluetooth, the Flexwarm smart jacket connects to smartphones, tablets, and even smartwatches via the companion app (available for iOS and Android)
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When it comes to regulating body heat with most jackets, they're either on, off, or in some state of partial-zip. But the latest in all-weather clothing permits greater manipulation by packing smart tech between premium layers. The battery-powered Flexwarm smart jacket is designed with sensors that automatically adjust the temperature based on personal preference.

We've seen heated clothing, such as the Evolve Hoodie and previously-reviewed Ravean gear, that are great for staying toasty when it's cold out. A basic USB power bank can keep one comfortably warm for hours, depending on battery capacity and temperature setting (typically low, medium, or high). The Flexwarm smart jacket takes control to the next level by allowing users with mobile devices to dial in a specific temperature for each of the separate regions.

The Flexwarm smart jacket features a "metallic slurry" printed on thick film, which produces heat when connected to a power source. This heating element comes sealed between insulated layers of light padding, goose-down hybrid, and ripstop nylon fabric. The woven nylon is designed to be waterproof, windproof, machine washable, and reinforced for tear-resistance. Each layer is thin and flexible, which helps the jacket stay ultra-light and packable.

The Flexwarm smart jacket allows users to dial in a specific temperature for each of the separate regions
The Flexwarm smart jacket allows users to dial in a specific temperature for each of the separate regions

With its built-in Bluetooth, the Flexwarm smart jacket connects to smartphones, tablets, and even smartwatches via the companion app (available for iOS and Android). From there, users can choose to individually adjust temperatures on the chest, across the back, or to the fingerless gloves integrated into each sleeve. The Flexwarm smart jacket is designed with dual sensors that automatically adapt the heat to desired levels, no matter the outside environment.

The integrated technology has a temperature range that is hard-coded for safety and is meant to be capable of evenly distributing heat up to 149º F (65º C). It even touts anti-static properties (ESD shield) for additional protection. The Flexwarm smart jacket is compatible with standard USB power banks, and users can expect up to one hour of continuous heating (high-output) for every 1,500 mAh of battery capacity.

The jacket is currently funding on Kickstarter, having raised 54 percent of its US$50,000 goal in three days, with another 56 days left to go. A pledge of $219 sets you up with one jacket (with 5 V USB power bank) in choice of size, style, and color.

The team is currently testing the latest design, which recently showcased at CES 2016. So if production goes according to schedule, backers can expect shipments of Flexwarm to start sometime this September.

Sources: Flexwarm, Kickstarter

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4 comments
4 comments
sk8dad
Is this a solution looking for a problem or a solution to contribute to our trend towards the inability to think for ourselves? For one thing, if you are not smart enough dress appropriately for the weather or to operate the pit-zips, you are probably not smart enough to remember to charge your jacket before you go out either.
I can just see this headline now..."a body was discovered dead today in the national forest. Investigations indicate that the wayward hiker died of exposure during the heavy snow this weekend when his temperature controlled jacket ran out of battery."
shawnboike
This is fantastic, now we can use it for all sorts of wearables, if it can control temperature it should be able to monitor. This can be used for muscle atrophy, in air/flight suits, water thermo-shock? Use it on equipment... The applications are almost endless-Good Job looking forward to buying this.
CharlesTauber
Nice idea, poor implementation. I just received the flexwarm jacket that I ordered through Indigogo. As others have found who purchased it through Indigogo, there are a variety of problems with the jacket. Given that this is the first production run of the jacket, perhaps the designers will correct the variety of issues the jacket has and it will, in subsequent versions, be a good product. The first version isn't quite as advertised and falls short of its promise. It's one of the risks of being an "early adopter".
CharlesTauber
An update to my previous comment.
In short, I'd advise not to buy this product. It isn't as advertised and doesn't do as it says. Do a little reading about the product and the company that created it, starting with comments on their kickstarter and indiegogo campaigns.