Smart Fabrics made with microencapsulated phase change materials, called Thermocules®. If it sounds like space-age technology, then you’re right. Boulder Colorado based Outlast Technologies has successfully leveraged NASA technology to make life more comfortable for earthlings and has claimed a spot in the “Space Technology Hall of Fame” for its achievement.

Outlast Technologies, Inc. is the maker of Smart Fabric Technology™ that is designed to balance temperature, keeping you more comfortable by absorbing and storing excess body heat and then releasing it later. Smart Fabric Technology™ is applied to fibers, fabrics and foams. More than 200 brands use their products, including The North Face, Sears, Lands’ End, Dockers, Eddie Bauer, Serta, Wamsutta, and Burton.

Their website claims that Outlast is a “virtual manufacturer.” CEO George Cattermole describes Outlast as “a technology company.” He goes on to say, “We design and engineer phase change materials that optimize the functionality and performance of materials for climate control. We license our technology to brand partners as well as global manufacturers.”

The product offering ranges from high performance hiking boots and socks to high tech outerwear and bedding. Cattermole explains, “Bedding is a perfect fit for our technology because there’s anecdotal evidence that the quality of deep sleep is improved if you have a more uniform temperature. You don’t get too hot or too cold throughout the night.”

Outlast Technology was originally developed for NASA by Triangle Research and Development Corporation (TRDC) for use in space suits to protect astronauts from the extreme temperature in space. Outlast founders Ed Payne and Bernard Perry obtained the patent rights from TRDC in 1991 with the idea of using the technology in outdoor sporting apparel. In 1997, Outlast introduced their first commercial product used in gloves and footwear. Soon after came products in Europe and Asia used in jackets, socks and underwear. In 1997, Nordica introduced ski boots with Outlast’s Adaptive Comfort® linings. In 2002, Time Magazine chose bedding products made with Outlast Technology as the “Coolest Invention of the Year.” Outlast has acquired 20 new patents (plus 16 pending) on a wide range of products.

The technology uses microencapsulated “phase-change materials” (PCMs) that interact with your body to balance temperatures by absorbing, storing and releasing heat within a designated temperature range to maintain comfort. Cattermole elaborates, “You get what is called a temperature flux, the differences in temperature when the body becomes overheated or chilled. Our technology buffers against those extreme temperature swings.”

A company press release in December 2004 illustrates Outlast’s meteoric success. “At year-end 2004, revenues will have increased almost five-times over year-end revenues of 2001. During this period, Outlast® has introduced a variety of new, improved products, lowered costs; expanded and upgraded licensed manufacturers and OEM partners; restructured the marketing message; expanded patent estate and know-how; and focused on additional markets, such as bedding and casual wear. In 2004, Outlast products being sold into apparel, bedding and specialty markets worldwide will represent half a billion dollars at consumer retail after being combined with and enhancing the performance of consumer end-use products of their OEM partners worldwide.” Outlast is a privately held company and does not release revenue or profitability results.

George Cattermole reflects on Outlast’s success: “Our greatest achievement over the past five years has been the tremendous improvement of the quality and performance of products produced.”

 go to next page

view PDF of this article