Ardica has issued recalls for the internal heating systems. The company cites potential for the units to overheat and cause injury, though none have happened so far.

On display front and center at Mountain Hardwear's booth at the 2010 Outdoor Retailer show was an episode of the Family Guy. But it's not the content of the show that's important here, it's the method of display.

Using the new women's Radiance Jacket as the screen, and a mini-projector attached to an iPod as the source, the entire set-up was powered by the the jacket's built-in Moshi battery pack from Ardica Technologies.

Available for men in the Refugium Jacket, the Moshi battery pack provides continuous heat and can charge and power personal electronics. The lithium-ion battery array is both flat and flexible, allowing a natural integration into the Thermic Micro insulation.

// Beta

Heat > 8.6 hours on low, 3 hours on medium, 1.8 hours on high

Power > electronics requiring under 10 watts - cell phones, MP3 Players, GPS, lights, satellite phones

Charge > provides approximately 20 charges without needing a recharge - via USB cables

Recharge > 1.5 hours for Fast charge (80% capacity), 3 hours for Full charge

Moshi > 9" high x 6.5" wide, 10.5 oz.

Jacket MSRP > $230 (battery pack sold separately)

Moshi MSRP > $145

// Recall Update

Ardica has issued recalls for the internal heating systems. The company cites potential for the units to overheat and cause injury, though none have happened so far.

Here's a bit more on the problem:

Ardica engineers have detected a very limited number of problems within the three heater panels (Front Right, Front Left, and Back Center) that are sewn into the lining of the jackets. The issues identified in the heater panels could cause overheating and/or hot spots on the heaters. The Moshi Battery Pack which powers these heaters and fits into the zippered sleeve within the jacket poses no hazard and we have seen no evidence of issues with its performance. We are, however, recalling the Moshi Battery Packs as well as garments with heaters. This will ensure that all Moshis in the field will be updated with software that is compatible with the enhanced safety and performance features found in the redesigned heater configuration and in all future generations of Ardica Enabled Products.

Photo: W's Radiance

Photo: M's Refugium

Photo: Moshi Power System by Ardica Technologies