Personal air climates could be how we travel going forward

Digital WritersThe Weather Network
Digital Writers

The futuristic-looking gadget can filter out almost all particles it comes into contact with, leaving its wearer to breathe easier.

If you're sensitive about air quality, or craving safer and more comfortable travel, one company may have the accessory you're looking for.

Utah-based MicroClimate has produced a kind of helmet, the MicroClimate AIR, that looks like it would fit neatly on a spacesuit designed 100 years from now. With four HEPA filters in the frame, along with two powerful fans, its makers say it can filter 99.97 per cent of particles down to 0.03 microns in size.

The fans are also powerful enough to prevent wearers' breath from fogging up the acrylic visor.

MicroClimate AIR accessory

Image courtesy MicroClimate.

MicroClimate CEO Michael Hall told The Weather Network the idea originated when he was trying to develop a more comfortable way to ski without a hat and scarf. The mechanical engineer used his experience in HVAC to shrink the concept of heating and ventilating a building all the way down to wearable tech that moderate the climate around your face.

"The main application is, it's transit, so this is getting in the Uber, on the train, on the bus, in the airport onto the plane and then on the other side of your trip," Hall explains.

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The MicroClimate AIR can be ordered online for US$199, but due to high demand, orders likely won't ship until early December.