Ion Mask -Goretex of the Future.

[TeeDee]

Dont know if anyone else saw the Gadget showon ION MASK the other day? basically the technology covers any clothing or equipment with a micron thikc shield which then repels water.

1st example the did was with a bascic cotton t-shirt , laced it in the chamber ,zapped it with the Ion gas, took it out and poured some water on it.

Water just pooled together as droplets on top. Impressive.

2nd Example , they did the same with a Mobile phone , then dropped the whole thing in a bucket of water , after a couple of minutes they rang the phone still in situa and it carried on working!!!

Ion mask details can be found here
http://www.p2ilabs.com/


I can imagine the day when you just walk in to your favourite mall, enter a booth , and come out with completely waterproof gear.

[HillBill]

Sounds interesting.

My thoughts when i see this are, how much technology do we really have these days. Ion tech? The military have some scary stuff now rest assured.

[Mesquite]

I'd like to see just how waterproof things are after a few days normal wear and tear. Does the proofing last after it's been washed etc?

[Goatboy]

I've had a pair of Ion Mask Hi-Tec boots on test since October last year and they haven't leaked yet, they also don't seem to pick up dirt and as part of the test I've not treated them yet. There have been a few pairs returned to our company though, all leaking at the same point - where the leather meets the fabric at the beginging of the laces. I think that this is more of a design flaw rather that failure of the Ion technology. Its a learning process applying new techniquies. But imagine it on say a wool shirt, or a pair or trousers... may not be 100% waterproof but it would allow greater freedom from condensation as it does not impead breathability like a membrane does. It's similar to Paramo clothing, though their clothing is also designed to activly move moisture away from your skin.

Cheers
Goatboy.

[jimford]

I've had a pair of Ion Mask Hi-Tec boots on test since October last year and they haven't leaked yet, they also don't seem to pick up dirt and as part of the test I've not treated them yet.

Interesting.

I've had a pair for a month or so. They were really comfortable 'out of the box', and seem well made. It's early days regarding the durability of the water resistance, and I wonder how it will stand up to heavy scuffing.

I paid £69 post paid for them.

Over their life, I've rubbed several tins of Nikwax into my old Berghaus boots, but they still get wetted out after 100 meters in wet heather!

Jim