You can easily compare Outlast® technology to an ice cube in a glass of water; as the ice cube melts (changing its state from solid to liquid), it absorbs heat and cools the water, allowing the drink to maintain its desired temperature longer. Outlast® phase-change materials work in a similar way but are usually encapsulated to be permanently enclosed and protected within a polymer shell. These encapsulated phase-change materials are referred to as Thermocules^TM.

The encapsulation process makes Thermocules™ exceptionally durable for many applications; the microcapsules are either applied as a coating (on fabrics and finished textiles) or integrated directly into the fibers. The ability to absorb, store, and release heat enables any product containing Outlast® technology to continuously regulate skin temperature. When the skin overheats, the heat is absorbed, and when the skin cools down, the stored heat is released back.

Outlast® technology does not operate through capillary action, which merely “regulates” moisture by transporting existing sweat away from the skin. Instead, Outlast® technology takes a proactive approach, addressing the issue much earlier by reducing sweat production before it even starts. This is the key difference and represents a fundamental advantage.