Recall: Ardica Mountain Hardwear Heating Jackets

Ardica, the makers of heating units in the Mountain Hardwear Radiance and Refugium jackets, the Sitka Dutch Oven vest, and their own Insulated Mid Layer and Insulated Parka, have 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.

To find out how to return your jacket to get it fixed, go here. Until then, I guess you’ll just have to stay warm the old-fashioned way.

—Ted Alvarez