The folks at Fourth Element this week introduced their brand-new undersuit, the Halo A°R.

Using technology originally created for space exploration and cryogenics, the HALO A°R features the extreme insulation material A°RGON aerogel in a compression-resistant matrix.

A°RGON is a form of aerogel developed for insulation in spacecraft and cryogenics due to its superior insulation properties. Traditionally this material is created by removing the liquid from a gel and replacing it with air, which creates a lightweight, hollow and flexible structure, according to Fourth Element:

“When we tested it more than 10 years ago it crushed and disintegrated. A°RGON™ is a foam embedded version of this which allows it to function in a diving context.”

This material enables the HALO A°R to achieve extreme thermal protection from a thinner, less buoyant diving undersuit. It sports a wind- and water-repellent stretch outer layer, comfortable thumb loops and foot stirrups.

Fourth Element Director Jim Standing said:

“Building on Fourth Element’s experience in thermal protection and bodymapping, we have extensively assessed the HALO A°R with thermal imaging cameras to improve and modify prototypes. It’s been a long process to get this right, but what we have now is the most advanced technology you’ll find on the market.”

The offset chest zip and baffles ensure that heat lost from the torso is minimized when in horizontal trim. All the body from shoulders to knees is protected by a layer of A°RGON, while other critical areas also benefit from this enhanced insulation without compromising mobility or creating bulk, according to the company.

Routing a valve in this diving undersuit is as simple as adjusting the two-way zipper in the fly and a zippered pocket provides a secure place to store keys, credit cards and cash.

The undersuit retails at £449/€539/~US$568 and is available in sizes S-XL.

For more info, go to fourthelement.com.

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