UT austin researchers develop a jacket that pulls drinkable water from the air

June 13, 2026 - 20:04

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have unveiled a prototype jacket that can extract drinkable water directly from the surrounding air. The garment uses a special hydrogel textile that pulls moisture from the atmosphere, even in relatively dry conditions. According to the team, the jacket can collect between 400 and 900 milliliters of water per day, depending on humidity levels.

The technology works through a fabric layer embedded with a super-moisture-absorbent material. As the wearer moves, the jacket passively captures water vapor. When the fabric becomes saturated, a small amount of body heat or ambient warmth triggers the release of liquid water, which then drips into a small collection pouch. The process requires no batteries or external power.

The developers see this as a practical solution for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and emergency responders who may need a reliable water source in remote areas. In a survival scenario, a single jacket could provide enough water for a person for several hours. The team is now working on scaling up production and improving the fabric's durability for repeated use. They also plan to test the jacket in extreme desert and humid climates to confirm its real-world performance.