Warmth to Weight Ratio
Warmth-to-weight ratio is a measure of the insulating power of a material, such as a textile. It is calculated by dividing the warmth provided by the material by its weight, in order to determine how much insulation it provides per unit of weight.
The higher the warmth-to-weight ratio, the more insulating the material is, which means it can keep the wearer warmer with less bulk and weight. This is particularly important in outdoor clothing and gear, where weight and bulk can be a significant factor in determining how comfortable and mobile the wearer is.
In textiles, warmth-to-weight ratio is determined by several factors, including the type of fibers used, the thickness of the material, and any additional insulation properties that the material may have, such as down feathers or synthetic insulation.
For example, a down-filled jacket typically has a very high warmth-to-weight ratio, because down is an excellent insulator that provides a lot of warmth per unit of weight. However, down can be expensive and requires special care to maintain its insulating properties, so other materials such as synthetic insulation may be used instead.
When choosing outdoor clothing or gear, the warmth-to-weight ratio can be an important factor to consider, as it can impact the wearer's comfort and mobility. A garment with a high warmth-to-weight ratio will provide more insulation per unit of weight, making it lighter and less bulky, which can be particularly important for activities such as hiking or mountaineering, where weight and space are at a premium.
However, it is important to note that warmth-to-weight ratio is not the only factor to consider when choosing a textile. Other factors such as durability, moisture resistance, and breathability may also be important depending on the intended use of the garment or gear.
In conclusion, warmth-to-weight ratio is a measure of the insulating power of a material, such as a textile. It is determined by dividing the warmth provided by the material by its weight, in order to determine how much insulation it provides per unit of weight. A high warmth-to-weight ratio is desirable for outdoor clothing and gear, as it allows for more insulation with less bulk and weight, making the garment or gear more comfortable and mobile. However, other factors such as durability and moisture resistance may also be important to consider when choosing a textile.
Warmth to Weight Ratio
A measurement used to evaluate the effectiveness of an insulated product in relation to weather conditions and the environment. The insulation with the best rating is down. Down provides the best warmth to weight ratio over almost any other insulation material, which is why you will see down garments and sleeping bags as the primary choice for use in almost every high altitude, cold weather expedition.