Champion’s new technological feat was unveiled a few weeks back at the Winter Outdoor Retailer show, where it was hailed as a light, thin, and flexible 3mm wonder that provides the same warmth and weight as far bulkier, 40mm down jackets. Since its grand unveiling, however, the Supersuit has also pulled the skeptics out of their closets; some have even condemned the Supersuit to failure before trying it on. They just don’t believe that Champion can do magic.

Fortunately for all, Alan Arnette has decided to weigh in, and the latest post to his blog provides tons of info on how the Supersuit actually works. It uses Aerogel, a hi-tech product Arnette describes as “warmer than down,” “breathable,” and “unbreakable.” It is such a good insulator, he says, that it “keeps hots things hot and cold things cold.” He also points out that there has been other gear on the market that have used Aerogel in the recent past; climber Anne Parmenter wore a pair of Aerogel socks on her Everest bid back in 2006, and her main complaint was said to be that the socks were too warm.

Sounds like the Supersuit may be worth a shot.