At the 2007 SHOT Show, Milliken & Company introduced its new VisaEndurance Scent Control System for hunting apparel, a collection of high-performance fabric technologies. Developed for big game hunters, the system includes a silver-ion based antimicrobial technology that prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria on under layer garments and an odor-adsorbing polymer technology for outer layer garments.
The two technologies work independently to control human body odors on a hunter, but when worn together deliver a complete scent control system that is comfortable, lightweight, works when wet or dry, and is durable.
For most big game hunters - whitetail hunters especially - an effective odor control is essential, particularly in under layer or base layer garments that are worn next to the skin. Perspiration contains bacteria that causes odor and can penetrate base layers and outer layers. Silver ions in VisaEndurance for base layers are released when the wearer perspires, preventing bacteria from reproducing so that the clothes being worn will not smell.
Unlike most other odor control technologies, VisaEndurance is both durable and effective for the life of the garment, with a bacteria reduction of 99.9 percent even after 50 home washes. In addition to odor control, VisaEndurance fabrics have the ability to wick perspiration away from the skin and allow it to dry quickly. This helps to regulate body temperature when it's hot and when it s cold, because staying dry is the secret to staying comfortable.
Fabrics are available in loose fitting polyester knits for moderate temperatures, a compression fit for warmer temperatures and a heavyweight compression fit fabric for less than 40 F, all in solids and in popular licensed camouflage prints. Base layers made with VisaEndurance do not require special handling just machine wash using an unscented detergent and drip-dry or tumble dry.
VisaEndurance for outer layers, being introduced for the first time, is a polymer-based technology that adsorbs human body odors, releasing them later during normal laundering. The outer layer garments effectively filter out odors escaping from the skin before they can be detected.
The technology works wet or dry, and the odors are released by normal laundering. Garments can be either drip-dried or tumble dried. Fabrics made with VisaEndurance for outer layers are more breathable, flexible, and less bulky than activated carbon-containing fabrics because they are single-ply fabrics, making them comfortable and ideal for a variety of hunting pursuits or outdoor activities.
"We've extended the benefits of moisture management and odor control capabilities to outerwear. We now offer a complete Scent Control System for apparel from knit under layers and mid-layers to woven outerwear,"said Lyn Murajda, division brand manager of the Apparel and Specialty Fabrics Division at Milliken. "VisaEndurance technologies offer wicking, quick-drying, breathability and odor control, making them a top choice among all outdoor enthusiasts, but especially among hunters."
Milliken will be demonstrating its VisaEndurance scent control technologies at the 2007 SHOT Show, January 11-14, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Visit Milliken at Booth #1116.
VisaEndurance is a smart fabric technology from Milliken that combines an effective, long-lasting odor control technology with moisture management and unique stain releasing capabilities.
