AlpinStore aims, as usual, to highlight the innovative technologies of our partner brands for your outdoor equipment, which you will also discover in our selection of winter and summer clothing.

Today, let's talk about Responsive technology created by Salewa, an Italian brand of the Oberalp group (the same group as the brands Dynafit or Pomoca).

What is Responsive technology?

Responsive is an intelligent technology applied to textiles that relies on far infrared radiation (FIR). In a few words, it contains a blend of natural thermo-reactive minerals (which react according to temperature). The active particles are fused to create a master blend that is applied as a textile print or integrated into high-performance synthetic fibers and combined with other threads to create hybrid materials targeting specific activities.

responsive technology

How does it work?

The blend of natural minerals in Responsive technology absorbs the heat emitted by your body and recycles it into energy, then sends it back to the body via infrared.

This infrared light, invisible to the naked eye, is not harmful to health/body and does not interfere with electronic elements (smartphones, pacemakers, avalanche transceivers…)

How does far infrared textile technology work?

Research has proven that far infrared radiation transfers radiant energy. Far infrared radiation can be absorbed but also emitted by the human body. Minerals emitting far infrared radiation (FIR) integrated into fibers can emit this irradiated energy so that it penetrates the skin and stimulates cutaneous blood circulation.

The far infrared radiant energy from the human body is transferred to the Responsive mineral particles, which act as absorbers. This energy is absorbed by the minerals, which then re-emit the same FIR back to the skin. The minerals absorb, store, and re-emit FIR energy back to the body.

How long should I wear it for the technology to take effect?

To minimize muscle fatigue, it is recommended to start wearing a garment designed with Responsive technology about 30 minutes before exercise.

It is after 20 minutes of effort that infrared reflection begins. Tests have been conducted and confirmed that reflection continues as long as the garment is worn.

To maximize recovery benefits, it is recommended to wear a garment with Responsive threads for at least six hours a day to gain all the advantages.

For a more pronounced effect, it is preferable to cover as much surface area as possible rather than wearing multiple layers (this will not improve the effectiveness of the technology).

Today, Salewa offers you to dress from head to toe with responsive technology with some examples including models such as a technical trail jacket for women, women's yoga leggings, or our trendy men's t-shirts and our children's sports sweatshirt:

Responsive technology is an integral part of the fabric and therefore does not diminish over time with washing.

The benefits of Responsive on the body and performance:

  • Reduces lactic acid formation
  • Improves blood microcirculation, enhancing body performance
  • More energy for the body.
  • Average increase in tissue oxygenation and allows for better utilization of oxygen.
  • Better thermoregulation of the body, requiring less energy to manage heat and able to produce better results.

The results of our scientific tests show that:

IN CASE OF ACTIVITY ABOVE THE ANAEROBIC THRESHOLD (sustained high-intensity activity, such as a fast 400-meter run), the body needs more oxygen. Wearing Responsive improves blood circulation in the body (oxygenation), helping to consume more oxygen than without it. Result: You can maintain your performance/activity longer. => A more sustainable performance.

IN CASE OF ACTIVITY BELOW THE ANAEROBIC THRESHOLD (such as walking, trekking, steady jogging, or running and even sleeping), Responsive can help you better utilize the oxygen you inhale. => A more sustainable performance.

DURING REST: With Responsive technology, the body is capable of using a higher amount of oxygen during rest. => A faster recovery.

There you go, now you know everything about this technology that will help you progress.