Anyone know of upcoming revolutionary ma terials?

“There are people from all walks of life on here, so I'm sure someone works in an industry that makes something that could be used for backpacking. Always something revolutionary around the corner. Relatively recent example is silnylon - about the lightest waterproof fabric out there right now, and affordable for most.

I don't work with nanotubes, but my 2 cents are that we'll see lighter stronger stuff coming from those advancements in the next 5 years. I've already heard of new nanotube metals that put existing technology to shame (much lighter and much stronger).

So, does anyone have any concrete examples of stuff we'll be wearing/using soon, but might not have heard of yet?”

“My personal favorite is Thomas Paine, as far as revolutionary material goes.”

“I think someday in the future we'll all be wearing selectively permeable biofilm membranes.


Oh wait, that's skin. Nevermind.”

“http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.11/start.html?pg=9

MSR has a prototype stove using this new pump.”

“That's the type of info I'm looking for. I also thought about that water-permeable membrane the Army has developed - where nothing but water gets by. Future water purification for all of us.”

“Nigal posted a thread about three years ago about a new material for outerwear which was something akin to "spun smoke."”

“I read a few articles about spider webs. The substance they're made of (Silk?) is stronger than Kevlar. Law enforcement is testing spider made vests which are lighter and thinner than vests made of conventional materials. The applications of this "new" superior tensil strengh ultra light material could spill over into the backpacking world with all kinds of uses.
Now, just get the spiders to work on holidays, that could be a problem.”

“The Spun Smoke thing. http://www.technologyreview.com/articles/rnb_041204.asp

Looks pretty cool.

Sorry, can't do the link...don't be so lazy. :~)”

“BP, you forgot the muff.

"It has a flashing clip buckle on webbing strap so that it can be worn around the neck for convenience, and spectacular space age stitching through the double layered wadding which keeps your hands warm! The best bit is the luxurious satin lining and the long shaggy fur that keeps the draughts out."”

“It would be premature to divulge my ultra secret plans for revolution at this time. I shall share materials about the impending upheaval soon enough.”

“bump”

“You can get assault weapons now.”

“I like the muff but can she free her hands?”

“She likes her muff so much you can't get her hands out of it?”

“I would love to pit my lips against her hands for control...”

“Must take an hour to pump up, tie, and then stuff that balloon bed!”

“....but you could make balloon animals for everyone in the morning!”