First impressions

Face coverings are nothing if not controversial at the moment, but thankfully we’re not discussing the antics of ICE agents here – rather the ongoing battle to make camping great again, by beating the bugs and keeping mosquitoes from getting right up in your grill and turning outdoor life miserable.

To be quite honest, things have to be pretty bad in order for most people to deploy a full face net, instead of relying on spray repellents, because – beekeepers and bank robbers aside, very few folk enjoy having a mesh over their visage, not least because it makes slurping campfire hot chocolate and scoffing ‘smores pretty damn awkward. But when the bugs are bad, you need to put sartorial and snacking concerns to one side, otherwise they will drive you to complete distraction, and you may as well pack up and go home.

In addition, while the face net might be the most eye-catching element on the Skien Valley Booney lid, which is part of Columbia’s new Insect Shield range of outdoor attire, the mesh is completely removeable and it’s far from the only feature on what I found to be a very functional camping and summer hiking hat.

Design & materials

The unisex Skien Valley Booney lid doesn’t just come with a removeable face net, the whole hat has also been impregnated with an insecticide called permethrin, which stuns annoying and potentially dangerous animals including mosquitoes, flies, ticks, ants, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums) and – according to the CDC (the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) can even kill them. Together with the face net, which can be quickly and easily attached to the hat via a couple of snap connectors, this totally protects your head and neck from biting insects, while enabling you to retain full visibility of your surrounds.

But it’s not just an anti-insect hat. Made from entirely recycled polyester, the Skien Valley Booney hat has a broad brim that shades your neck, eyes and nose while you’re out hiking trails, providing effective protection from the sun. With a drawstring strap, it can be tightened under the chin and worn during windy walks, and the air vents and mesh lining combine to make the hat breathable and well vented.

On the trails and in camp

I have been sporting the Skien Valley Booney hat while hiking and camping on Dartmoor in the southwest of England, and in the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. For the most part, I’ve been wearing it while walking on the often-exposed trails found in both of these places.

This summer the UK and Ireland have sweated through four heatwaves, and the risk of sunburn and sunstroke has been high, especially when you’re up in the hills and peaks, where tree cover is sporadic or non-existent. The broadbrim style of the hat makes it perfect for protecting my prominent probiscis and the back of my neck from the rays emanating from our nearest star, and I’ve been very glad of it.

There are a couple of small vents in the top of the hat, which – while they could be a bit bigger for greater effectiveness – do let in a little bit of air, and the mesh inner keeps things cool too. When it’s sunny and windy, which happens a lot in the Wicklow and Dublin mountains, and even more often atop the tors of Dartmoor, the adjustable chin strap keep the lid in place.

And back in camp, there have been times where I would have very possibly slapped myself to death without having recourse to the face net. As mentioned, things have to be pretty bad for me to hide behind a mesh net (I hate having to sip beer through those things), but during a couple of nights in the Wicklow Mountains especially, the midges were absolutely relentless, and I had no choice. Ther was nowhere to hide, and I genuinely don’t know what I would have done without it – other than to retreat to my tent as soon as dusk descended, which would have made for a very long night.

The net is reasonably easy to use, and despite looking a bit daft (I’m sure), I could see through the mesh well enough to cook dinner on my camping stove, and to see the envious looks people who didn’t have such protection were giving me.

Also consider

First impressions

A good fleece jacket can come in handy all year round, providing some much-needed extra warmth when the winds pick up in the warmer months and adding an insulating layer during winter.

Columbia's Sequoia Grove fleece aims to be the perfect all-rounder, going with 'anything and everything' according to the Columbia website. It's made from snug 100% recycled polyester fabric and designed to provide light insulation, meaning it's best suited to cool days in the spring and fall, and shouldn't be worn on its own in winter.

It features stretch binding on the collar, cuffs, and hem to 'seal out' cold winds and stop heat from escaping. Its high collar design provides some much-appreciated additional insulation around your neck.

When it gets a little hotter, you can fully unzip your Sequoia Grove fleece and feel the breeze on your upper body.

Columbia Sequoia Grove: on the trails

I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Sequoia Grove fleece jacket in April and have been eagerly putting it through its paces ever since.

I've worn this stylish Columbia number in all manner of weather conditions during treks over the hills and valleys of southern England and up the odd mountain in Northern England's Lake District National Park.

Here's how it performed:

Fit and comfort

Comfort is the make-or-break element of any fleece jacket. An uncomfy or ill-fitting model is never fun to wear, especially if you're trying to navigate tricky trails and unforgiving weather conditions in the wild.

Thankfully, the Sequoia Grove is exceptionally comfortable. The 100% recycled polyester fabric felt soft on my skin from its first use and remained so after several months of testing on the trails. It's hardened a touch after a few washes, but still feels pleasant and cozy.

It also fits very well. I'm often irritated by tight-fitting hiking layers that provide a good level of warmth but feel almost stuck to your skin as you trek. Hence, I was pleased to find that the Sequoia Grove fits a touch looser than many similar models and still provides some great warmth.

For reference, I'm 6ft 1in tall, and the size large fits true to size.

Protection from the elements

Columbia classifies the Sequoia Grove fleece as suitable for light warmth, meaning it's best suited to cool days in the wilderness and can't be relied on to keep you toasty, on its own, during winter.

I put mine to the test in the variable weather of the English spring and summertime, and encountered plenty of cool and blustery days on the trails, where the Sequoia Grove excelled.

The soft fleece material acts as a useful additional layer when it's too cold to wear just a t-shirt, and its hemmed sleeves stop heat from easily escaping. It's great for windy days, and came into its own when I trekked along the exposed ridgelines of Helvellyn, a 3,116 ft (950m) peak, which would've otherwise been freezing.

In the cold temperatures of early spring, it proved its mettle as an effective layer underneath a larger insulating jacket, and I often found myself wearing it on its own, as I'd built up enough of a sweat that I didn't need a proper jacket.

The Sequoia Grove fleece jacket isn't waterproof, and quickly gets soaked in a downpour. That said, I was surprised by the fight it put up in light rain and drizzle, which took a while to get through the polyester fabric.

It's worth checking the forecast if you're planning to head out without a raincoat, but the odd shower won't cause too many problems.

After several months of testing, my Sequoia Grove has yet to sustain any real damage. The polyester fabric remains pretty soft both inside and out, and there aren't any stains that have stuck around.

Weight

At 1lb 3oz (54g), the Sequoia Grove is a relatively lightweight hiking option. There are lighter fleeces out there, but they seldom offer the same levels of comfort as this model, which never felt like it was weighing me down as I made my way through the trails.

If you're eager to shave every gram, then you should check out something super-light like the Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid jacket, which weighs in at just 9.2oz (260g).

Jackets like this one are best suited to trail running and sacrifice some of the comfort present in models like the Sequoia Grove.

Price

The Sequoia Grove is a great fleece jacket, and its price tag of $65 (£65) is a fair representation of its quality.

It's even more of a bargain considering the high prices of other, similar hiking fleeces, like the Houdini Power jacket, which will set you back an eye-watering $240 (US only), or Helly Hansen's Varde 2.0 fleece jacket, which costs $140 (£100).

In their defence, these fleeces offer a little more insulation than the Sequoia Grove, but pale in comparison to its bargain price tag.

Also consider

Comparison table

• The best fleece jackets: mid layers to keep you cozy in the backcountry
• The best base layers: the foundation of your hiking garb
• How Advnture tests products

Tired of reaching for a new jacket every time the temperature changes? Columbia claims to have you covered with its unique 3-in-1 Bugaboo III Interchange jacket, now available for just $104.83 at REI.

This one-of-a-kind model comes with a removable inner fleece that you can adapt to the conditions outside. On breezy spring and summer trails, you might opt to wear just the fleece or the waterproof outer shell on its own if it's raining. When winter rolls around, you can put the two together to combine insulation with protection from the elements.

Despite its year-round capabilities, the Bugaboo III interchange jacket has now been discontinued, so get yours before it's gone forever. It's also available for $104.83 in the women's XXL size at REI.

The protective outer shell is made from 100% waterproof nylon and critically seam-sealed with Columbia's own Omni-Tech to stop water from seeping in. The versatile storm hood shelters your head and neck from heavy rainfall and can be unzipped and removed when things brighten up.

Inside, the removable fleece features cozy 100% anti-pill microfleece polyester, designed to keep heat close to your body and fight back against the biting cold of winter.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Columbia jacket deals where you are.

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• The best lightweight running jackets: barely-there waterproofs

Mosquitoes, ticks, horseflies, fleas, midges – biting bugs have always been, at best, a nuisance for hikers and campers. At worst, some of these pests can pose a major health hazard. Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus, ticks can be harbingers of Lyme Disease, and in certain areas, fleas can carry the bubonic plague. Nasty. In short, a hike in nature sometimes delivers more than you seek, and not in a poetic John Muir quote kind of way.

At Columbia Sportswear's design HQ, this is exactly the type of issue that the Innovation Team likes to get its teeth into.

“We’re always looking for problems to solve,” VP of Innovation Haskell Beckham tells me.

Over the years, addressing the problems hikers and outdoor recreationists face – heat, cold, wet weather, rough terrain – has produced dozens of innovations for the Oregon-based company. Omni-Heat works like an emergency blanket, using tiny metallic dots to make clothing from base layers to puffer jackets reflective and capable of keeping you warmer in frigid conditions, while OutDry Extreme puts a breathable waterproof membrane on the outside of your rain jacket or pants, bypassing the need for DWR and preventing the material from wetting out.

Recent innovations have seen the brand, founded in 1937 by Gert Lamfrom after she fled Nazi Germany, look to nature for inspiration, coming up with a hiking shoe inspired by a pine cone (one of my favorites from last year) and a down jacket inspired by a polar bear.

A warming planet

Columbia may not have the aspirational clout of a brand like Arc’teryx, but some of these technologies are truly ingenious. As Beckham points out, developing its own technologies allows Columbia to make more affordable outdoor gear and help more people get outside safely.

“If you’re only offering products at very high price points, you’re not really being very inclusive, and at Columbia we’re very proud of the fact that we can engage with a broad, diverse group of consumers.”

All this is what led Beckham and his team down a rather deep rabbit hole a few years ago, on a mission to try to solve the problem of mosquitoes – and other biting bugs – for those of us who like to spend time outdoors.

For a long time, many of us who live in cooler northern climes or higher altitude regions have assumed we were safe from itchy red bites and infectious diseases. Those problems are for hikers in Florida, we said smugly. But, as research shows, all that is getting ready to change.

“As the planet warms, mosquito season gets extended in a lot of regions and furthermore, mosquitoes are appearing in places they never have before,” says Beckham.

Mosquitoes are just too clever

Trying to get ahead of climate change, Beckham and his team went to work, attempting to create clothing capable of protecting hikers from mosquitoes. After seeing the results of 2020 research exploring the hypothesis that stripes help zebras ward off insect bites, Beckham says he wondered if the same concept could be applied to clothing.

“I’ve never heard of any other brand taking this approach and coming up with camouflage for mosquitoes, and I thought we may have stumbled across something really neat here.”

Beckham and his team spent countless hours in labs sticking their arms in cages and counting how many mosquitoes landed and how many bit their host. They created a checkerboard pattern using Columbia’s Omni Shade Sun Deflector technology, which applies white dots to a reflective fabric to help with cooling, and he says it produced “an amazing reduction” in the average number of bites. But in the end, Beckham and his team came up against a major hurdle – well, three to be exact.

Mosquitoes have not one or two, but four different mechanisms to target you when you’re out on the trail: they can detect carbon dioxide, which you emit with every breath you exhale, they can sense your body heat, they can smell you and they can see you (though not particularly well).

“If you cut off any one of those they still have three different ways to target humans so it becomes very challenging,” says Beckham.

In other words, mosquito camo alone wasn’t going to be enough.

“We thought there was going to be an opportunity there for disruptive innovation, but mosquitoes are just too clever.”

So the good news is that we don’t all have to start hiking dressed like zebras, and the Columbia team realized that the solution they sought already exists. This summer, the brand launched its Insect Shield collection, featuring hats, shirts, jackets, and hiking pants that claim to protect us from biting insects without having to douse ourselves in DEET.

What is Columbia’s Insect Shield collection?

Unlike in-house Columbia technologies such as Omni-Shade and Omni-Freeze, Insect Shield is a third-party technology that the Columbia design team has integrated into fabrics to create a collection of hiking clothing designed to protect you against bugs. The designs are loose-fitting, light-colored hiking clothing with additional features like deployable sleeves and mosquito face masks that can be tucked away when not in use.

Insect Shield is the trademark name for an insecticide called permethrin that can be applied to the fabric of clothing. Permethrin naturally occurs in certain chrysanthemum flowers, but Insect Shield produces it synthetically, and the company says permethrin and Insect Shield Repellent Gear works against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums).

Unlike insect repellent, which prevents mosquitoes from being able to smell you, or mechanical barriers (fabrics that don’t allow penetration but are super hot and uncomfortable for hiking), permethrin works on all mechanisms to essentially stun mosquitoes, according to the CDC, and usually causes them to die.

According to Insect Shield, Permethrin has been used in the US as an EPA-registered product since 1977, appearing in lice shampoos for children, flea dips for dogs, and various other products. The site says Insect Shield has undergone years of intensive research and field study in accordance with USDA regulations, and using it meant Beckham and his team could save on resources, bypassing processes that would have set the company back hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“We’ve figured out during the course of our research that this solution works better than anything we were trying and overcame all the regulatory hurdles and allowed us to put product into the market sooner.”

Columbia designers had fabrics treated with Insect Shield – essential binding the insecticide to the fibers – then tested the fabric again before coming up with designs like the Skien Valley Hooded Long Sleeve Shirt and Cachalot Hat, which protects you from more than just the sun.

Why not just use insect repellent?

If you’re allergic to DEET or just find bug sprays and lotions uncomfortable to wear, this news will be like music to your ears. But if you’ve found a brand of insect repellent that works for you, you might be wondering why you’d make the switch and buy a whole new wardrobe?

For starters, Insect Shield has reams of videos and articles showing its research to provide the effectiveness of its product. Another compelling argument for the Insect Shield collection is that it’s odorless, which will come as welcome news even if you’re not overly sensitive to the smell (and let’s be honest, taste) of bug spray clawing at the back of your throat after you hose yourself down with it.

It’s also durable, with Insect Shield saying the product is EPA-registered to last through 70 washes, which is far beyond the average life expectancy of most hiking tops and bottoms. Even if you wear the Skien Valley Cargo Pants for one hike a week in the summer months, you could get away with only three or four washes a season, which means they could last you more than 20 years.

And, as Beckham points out, “It’s really safe.”

While the jury is still out on just how harmful DEET is (unless you drink it, then it’s definitely harmful), Insect Shield has no Consumer Risk Rating from the EPA, and that’s because you can’t overdose on it.

“We’ve put just enough to be effective but not enough that you can overexpose yourself like you can with a spray.”

We're still in the process of testing the gear out ourselves, but if the label is correct and you head out into the woods dressed in Columbia’s Insect Shield collection this summer, you’ll quite literally knock 'em dead.

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Planning a long distance hike this summer? It's important to prepare with the right equipment, including a comfy pair of hiking shoes to support your feet, and keep you feeling fresh over many miles of wilderness walking.

If you're in need of new hiking shoes, check out this epic deal and save $30 off one of our favorite pairs. The Columbia Konos Outdry hiking shoes combine loads of underfoot cushioning with a snug and comfortable fit, and are now available for just $90 on the Columbia website.

These lightweight, bouncy shoes feature thick OmniMax midsoles, designed to absorb blows and eliminate aching as you hike. Their OutDry membrane and mesh uppers wrap your feet in soft, waterproof materials that can keep you dry in torrential rain or over boggy trails.

Hiking expert Julia Clarke was very impressed when she tested these comfort-first shoes over the unpredictable terrain and in the varied weather of the Scottish Highlands.

Julia, who rated the pair a rare four-and-a-half stars, was particularly keen on their snug fit and grippy AdaptTrax outsoles.

"These felt great from the moment I put them on, thanks to the cushioning, meaning I can walk for four hours without my feet feeling tired," reads her review for Advnture.

"I was impressed by the grip I got when hiking down an extremely steep, grassy and wet slope recently. It's a hike I do often and I nearly always slip and fall when I'm on it, but not this time."

You can also find the Konos Outdry hiking shoes in women's sizes for their list price of $120 on the Columbia website.

Not in the States? Don't worry, you can still pick up a great deal. Look below for today's best Columbia Konos Outdry bargains where you are.

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If you want to get kitted out in something snug for your next camping, backpacking, or hiking expedition, then check out this insulating fleece from Columbia, which is now up to 64% off in Amazon's bargain bonanza.

The men's Sequoia Grove half zip fleece is made from 100% recycled polyester and is now available for as little as $21.47. It's designed for varied outdoor use with plenty of handy features and two zippered pockets to help you store the essentials.

Columbia says its sustainable polyester fabric is both stretchy and durable, so you can pull on your half zip every day in all manner of environments. It also features stretch binding on the collar, cuffs, and hem to help you seal out cold winds when the temperature drops.

The Columbia Sequoia Grove half zip fleece is available in loads of eye-catching colorways, including the earthy Delta / Ancient Fossil / Black and vibrant Razzle / Coll Navy.

Don't worry if you're not in the US, you can still find a great deal! Just look below for today's best Columbia fleece bargains where you are.

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All good things must come to an end, but a discontinued hiking boot often means big discounts. Right now, you can grab the bestselling Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot for as little as $50.82 at Amazon. That's a gigantic saving of 44% off the regular price for these highly rated boots, which hikers say are comfortable right out of the box.

The Newton Ridge is a mountaineering-style boot featuring a stiff sole for rocky scrambles and a lasting full-grain leather and suede upper. Columbia's breathable Omni-Tech waterproof membrane sheds water and releases excess heat so your feet stay dry and comfortable in the rain.

This deal applies to women's sizing and the exact discount depends on your size, but as we've mentioned this style has been discontinued so we recommend you don't dawdle. If you're in the UK, we've spotted these boots as cheap as £59.62 which is very generous 38% discount.

If you're elsewhere, just scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus women's hiking boots near you.

US deals

UK deals

Built for challenging trails, Omni-Grip rubber outsoles improve traction with a tread pattern that adapts to varied surfaces, and if you've got a long day planned, cushioned foam midsole absorbs the impact of every step.

If you're not in the US or UK, here are today's best deals on Columbia Newton Ridge Plus women's hiking boots where you are:

• Check out our guide to the best hiking boots

Columbia Sportswear has been designing and testing outdoor gear in the Pacific Northwest for more than 85 years – so it knows a thing or two about the importance of protection against wet weather. In 1991, the Portland-based brand launched its alternative to Gore-Tex, and now that waterproof fabric has been majorly revamped with a more sustainable approach.

Columbia is well-known for developing its own technical innovations. There's Omni-Heat, which has been to the moon twice in addition to insulating us in all kinds of gear from base layers to the Arch Rock Double Wall jacket, and Omni-Max technology in shoes like the Konos, which is inspired by a pine cone but ridiculously comfortable.

Omni-Tech is the brand's original multi-layer waterproof fabric, which was designed in response to market leader Gore-Tex and is similarly designed to keep moisture out and let sweat escape. It features in Columbia's everyday waterproof jackets such as the Ampli-Dry Waterproof Shell and Mazama Trail Rain Shell. But like most breathable waterproof membranes up until now, it contained PFAS which can contaminate the environment and never break down.

Omni-Tech Eco launches this spring and Haskell Beckham, VP of Innovation tells us it's been reimagined with 100% recycled fabric, PFAS-free DWR and a membrane made with at least 25% plant-based materials including recycled coffee grounds, something we've seen before in outdoor gear from British brand Sundried.

Beckham says the has removed all intentionally added PFAS from all its products as of January 31 this year.

"We're committed to using bio-based and recycled materials when and where it makes sense," says Beckham.

"We as a brand don’t necessarily talk about our sustainability efforts as much. We collectively have the attitude here there's just the right thing to do. Why would we scream about stuff that's just the right thing to do?"

The new fabric is already on the market, in both the Altbound Jacket and Boulder Falls Jacket.

Like any waterproof fabric, the Omni-Tech Eco can and will eventually wet out in relentless conditions, so if you need something seriously technical, you're better off with Outdry Extreme, which puts the membrane on the outside and does away with the extra fabric. We've tested this out in gear like the OutDry Ex Lightweight Shell Jacket, and while it works a charm, we couldn't help but acknowledge the fact that it looks like a trash bag.

Well, no more, as another spring update from the brand is the Matte Outdry Extreme which is less shiny, and reportedly just as waterproof. Beckham says it's created by smaller particles that more diffusely reflect light and while we'll admit we don't fully understand the science, he says it creates a "Lotus Leaf Effect," which is another nod to the brand's love of biomimicry. Matte Outdry Extreme is also out now in the Whistler Peak Shell and Reign No Shine Rain Jacket.

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Outdoor brand Columbia has spent years earning its reputation as a dependable source of outdoor gear. On review, we've been consistently impressed with their range of protective waterproof jackets and sturdy hiking boots like the Konos TRS. The Columbia Granite Dry hiking boots aim to live up to the same high standards and are currently 40% off.

Right now, you can get your hands on this waterproof pair for just $53.99 at Backcountry.

The Granite Dry boots were designed with the elements in mind, featuring an Omni-Tech waterproof membrane, and a shock-absorbent TechLite midsole to protect against rough trails.

The upper combines leather and synthetic overlays for added support, while the Omni-Grip outsole digs into uneven terrain on the trails.

You can also save 40% on the low-cut Granite Trail boots, which are available for just $47.99 at Backcountry.

If you're looking for something a little wider, check out the Granite Trail wide version, which is also 40% off in a range of sizes on Backcountry.

Look below for today's best deals on Columbia hiking boots where you are:

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When Columbia Sportswear developed its proprietary Omni-Heat insulation based on NASA technology to help hikers survive extreme conditions, you'd have been forgiven for thinking that shiny lining was just a gimmick. Now the brand is getting the chance to show exactly what stuff Omni-Heat is made of – by sending it back to the moon.

When the Athena spacecraft launches from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida on February 26, it will be dressed in the same reflective foil that we've loved in winter hiking gear like the Columbia Arch Rock Double Wall Elite Insulated Jacket. Made from an expanded pattern of metallic dots, Omni-Heat Infinity reflects your body heat back to you when you add it to the lining of a base layer or puffer jacket. When you add it to a spacecraft, it helps protect it against the extreme cold temperatures found in outer space, where it can be as low as -250° Fahrenheit.

The Portland brand's patented Omni-Shade Sun Deflector technology will also be on board to help keep the spacecraft safe from searing temperatures of up to +250°F. Omni-Shade is used in Columbia's warm weather gear like the Silver Ridge Utility Pants to provide UV protection and will be integrated into an insulation blanket covering the top deck of the lander to help deflect solar radiation and prevent overheating.

This isn't the first time the brand's first foray into space. Just over a year ago, it was used on the IM-1 lunar mission, helping to protect the first-ever private spacecraft to land on the moon.

“Through this scientific partnership, we have been able to stretch the boundaries of material and product testing to the furthest frontiers, reinforcing our commitment to delivering some of the most innovative outdoor solutions in the world," says Dr. Haskell Beckham, Vice President of Innovation at Columbia Sportswear.

The goal of the mission to the moon’s south pole is to drill into the surface in search of lunar ice, a feat that has never been attempted. If all goes to plan, we should know in about 10 days how the mission – and insulation – works out.

Curious about Columbia's Omni-Heat's ability to protect you from the elements here on Earth? Check out some of our favorite Columbia gear using this technology:

• The best synthetic puffer jackets
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As an outdoors journalist, I get to test a lot of different hiking shoes and last year, there was one clear winner and to my surprise, it came from Columbia Sportswear. Right now, you can pick up the absurdly comfortable Columbia Konos TRS Outdry shoe for as low as $65.38 at Amazon. That's a massive 35% off the list price for these shoes, which I've been wearing for nearly a year and still love.

After kissing a lot of frogs when it came to testing Columbia hiking shoes, I found this pair to be practically perfect and they're now my first choice for any trail that can be tackled in a sneaker-style shoe. .

They might not look as impressive as a technical pair of hiking boots, but they've furnished me with excellent grip from the steep, loose trails of Switzerland to the sloppy winter hillsides of Scotland, which lets me move fast with confidence. They're so comfortable that I can even do a little unplanned running in them, if the notion takes me

They're built with Columbia's Omni-Max technology, which, if you don't kno,w basically means your feet are getting a gentle acupressure massage as you walk. I never get foot fatigue even after long days on the trail.

This deal applies to women's sizing and the exact price depends on sizing, but you'll find the best savings the Teal/Spring Yellow and Silver Grey/Eve colorways. If you're shopping for discounts on men's sizing, you can make similar savings on the Men's Konos TRS Outdry Mid version, which is currently going for $89 down from $130.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Columbia Konos TRS Outdry shoe where you are.

They're fully waterproof thanks to the Outdry membrane, so they can handle rainy days and wet grass, but I've found them to be breathable enough to wear on planes for active vacations. I like them so much I gifted a pair to my cousin, and I also have the mid-height version for when I want a little more protection.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the Columbia Konos TRS hiking shoes where you are:

• The best hiking shoes

Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer Tights: first impressions 

From the outside, this pair of thermal underwear just looks like your average pair of stretchy leggings, but check the lining and you'll see they possess a secret superpower. Covered with tiny silver dots otherwise known as Columbia's Omni-Heat technology, these leggings act just like an emergency blanket, reflecting your body heat back to you during those chilly lift rides or winter camps.

If you're working up a sweat skinning uphill or snowshoeing, the Omni-Wick fabric construction allows for truly excellent breathability and in our field tests, we found these leggings delivered amazing sweat-wicking properties and dried in a flash once we stopped moving.

The polyester fabric is also treated to manage bacterial growth, and we've worn them for multiple hikes and ski tours without needing to wash them, which suggests they'll last longer. With a comfortable, wide waistband and tons of four-way stretch, they're also perfect for yoga which means we can pack light for ski trips.

The super-light fabric is also really easy to layer over when you're donning ski pants or hiking pants. The price on these is great, especially since they're so versatile, and the only thing we'd like to see in the future is some recycled materials used for sustainability.

Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer Tights: in the field 

I've had these thermal leggings for nearly five months, and been testing them alongside the Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer Crew. I initially got them for a hut trip in the Swiss Alps in the fall, but it wasn't actually very cold, however I did wear them for a chilly sunrise yoga session. Since then, I've worn them for a few frigid winter hikes in Scotland and the Lake District, and more recently got to give them a proper test drive in Verbier where I was alpine skiing and ski touring.

Here's how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested a small, which is my usual size, and they're perfect, exactly as you'd expect leggings to fit. The shiny lining doesn't look like it's going to feel good against the skin, but there's really nothing tin foil about these leggings which are surprisingly soft. They're comfortable in a "barely-there" way like my favorite yoga pants and I never have to stop and hike them up.

Speaking of yoga pants, they are stretchy as you get, and I've worn them for yoga several times including on an alpine deck on a chilly morning. I love that they can double up, because it meant that I could pack light and still have everything I needed for skiing and stretching without checking a bag.

Temperature regulation and moisture management

Obviously, the most important thing I expect from a pair of thermal underwear is warmth, and these deliver that by the ladle. If you've never tried any of Columbia's Omni-Heat garments, it isn't a gimmick – I really do feel instantly warmer wearing these, and I love that that warmth isn't provided by thick fabric or itchy wool.

On my last day in Verbier, I decided to rent an AT set up and go on an 8k ski tour up the mountain. The first half was mellow, followed by some fairly steep climbing through untouched powder. I was a little overdressed, because I hadn't planned or packed for touring, and it wasn't the coldest day (in fact, it was raining in the village). So, I was expecting to be too warm and nearly didn't wear these. I'm glad I did, though.

In action, these pants do exactly what they claim, which is to wick sweat even under fairly warm conditions. I never felt too warm or remotely chilly during my adventure, and when I met my colleagues for lunch, they dried out almost instantly, which meant I could then sit outside on a cool, sunny deck without feeling cold.

Durability and odor control

These leggings are described as medium weight, but they feel really thin and light, which would normally make me wonder about their durability, but there's nothing flimsy about them. As I said, I've been testing them out for nearly five months and they still look brand new.

That's in part because I've barely had to wash them. They have an antimicrobial treatment that wards off odors and even after sweating uphill in them, they don't really need a wash (though I'm going to wash them, I promise) so I can see them lasting longer than other synthetic garments that can get really smelly.

Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer Tights: the bottom line

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that these are currently my favorite thermals for winter adventures. They're light, stretchy and can handle sweat like a boss. They also double as yoga pants which is super compelling for me, and they come at a good price considering their built with NASA-inspired technology.

All of my other thermals are made from merino wool, so it's hard to compare them, but if you prefer the magical powers of merino then I suggest you look no further than the Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 bottoms.

• How Advnture tests products

With Christmas right around the corner, now is the perfect time to cash in on big winter promotions like the REI 'Last Minute Gifts Sale'.

Among a wide range of hiking boots, clothing, and accessories, you can find huge savings on warm winter coats from big-name brands like Arc'teryx, Columbia, and The North Face.

We've listed our three favorite winter jacket deals for hiking, camping, and trail running below.

Be quick if you want the best savings. This sale ends on December 23, while orders placed after December 20 will not arrive before Christmas Day.

Great Winter Deals

Well down from its original list price of $400, The North Face Murdo Down Parka is now just $279.99. That's a whopping saving of $120 on this cozy winter jacket.

Wind and rainproof, this thick winter coat is stuffed to the brim with insulation with 600-fill-power 100% recycled waterfowl down to keep you warm on chilly winter trips to the backcountry.

Warm and versatile, the Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange 3-in-1 Jacket boasts three different layers to tackle the cold, with a removable inner liner jacket and 'therminator' insulation so you can never be too hot or cold.

Utilizing Columbia's 'Omni-Tech' technology, this winter jacket is both waterproof and windproof, making it a well-rounded companion for harsh winter hikes through the wilderness.

Once priced at $230, this practical winter companion is now available for just $172.49 in the REI Last Minute Gifts Sale.

A light winter alternative to take on the trails, the Women's Atom Insulated Hoodie from Arc'teryx utilizes handy Coreloft 60 insulation to keep you toasty on winter runs without overheating.

Well down from its list price of $300, the Arc'teryx Women's Atom Insulated Hoodie is now available for just £209.93, that's a whopping reduction of $90.

Deals outside the US

Don't fret if you're not in the US, you can still find great deals on on warm winter jackets from The North Face, Arc'teryx, and Columbia.

Below are some of our favorite cozy picks from where you are, updated daily for the very best prices.

• The best softshell jackets 2024 your shield against wind and cold on the trails
• The best waterproof jackets 2024 brave the elements

I’ll be honest – for a long time, I never really got on all that well with Columbia hiking shoes. The Facet 75 Alphas were too sweaty and the Facet 60s didn’t have the grip I need for slick trails in the Scottish Highlands. But this spring, all that changed when I stepped out for the first time in the Konos TRS Outdry shoes – a pair of the most comfortable hiking shoes I've ever tried.

Suddenly, I was skipping up Munros and across the Alps in Columbia shoes. I took a lot of hiking trips this summer and fall, and for every one, these were the shoes I chose out of my mountain of many. I liked them so much that I gifted my cousin a pair and she’s as delighted by them as I am.

If you haven’t got your feet in a pair yet, these shoes definitely don’t look super technical or even that eye-catching. They just look like a pair of trainers. But they feel rather like walking on pillowy clouds and, in my experience, stick to trails both crumbly and slick like glue.

This fall, I went on a trip to the Swiss Alps with the brand, where among other things I got to test out the mid-cut version of the Konos. It turned out I loved it just as much as the trainer on steep alpine trails. The secret? Columbia’s new Omni-Max technology.

What is Columbia’s Omni-Max technology?

Most of us probably think of a shoe as having two components – an upper, made of either leather or synthetic fabric, and a sole. That sole, however, actually consists of three main components:

• The outsole, which is the part that comes into contact with the ground and provides traction.
• The midsole, which delivers much-needed cushion.
• The insole, which improves fit, adds comfort and may help with thermoregulation.

These days, each of these components might be produced in a different factory (or even country) by different brands, and then sandwiched together when your shoe is being manufactured.

With Omni-Max, however, Columbia has built an integrated bottom unit that combines the midsole and outsole components to improve both cushioning – meaning you can avoid foot fatigue on long treks – and traction for slippery trails.

“This is the most stable and most comfortable footwear system that Columbia has ever produced for the intended outdoor environment,” says Haskell Beckham Columbia’s vice president of innovation.

The result is a sole that’s really ideal for fast and light hiking, even over distance.

What’s so special about Columbia’s Omni-Max technology?

There are three things that make Columbia’s Omni-Max technology unique, and effective.

First, a bit like its distant Columbia cousin Omni-Heat Arctic insulation, Omni-Max is inspired by nature – only this time it takes its biomimicry cues from a pinecone instead of a polar bear. A pine cone may not sound like the most comfortable item from nature to walk on but don’t be fooled.

If you’ve ever picked a pine cone up off the forest floor, you’ve probably noticed that you can bend it easily without it breaking, and it’s that aspect that has inspired this sole.

“When you’re walking, your foot bends, right?” Beckham explains.

“But when you put your foot into a shoe, now you’re placing it on top of a platform that may or may not bend as easily.”

Instead of the stiff sole that many of us associate with more protection against a rough, rocky trail, Omni-Max is fitted with what the brand calls flex grooves, so it bends more naturally with your foot when you’re walking, like a pine cone only more comfortable.

“The deep flex grooves in the forefoot reduce stiffness, then offer enhanced motion allowing for a more efficient stride,” says Michaela Hirschle, a footwear merchandiser at Columbia.

Now, Columbia certainly isn’t the first brand to make a sole that bends when you walk. All you need to do is go hiking in a pair of barefoot shoes to know that. But in my experience of hiking in a pair of the Konos versus something more minimalist like the Vivobarefoot Trackers, it’s the shoes with Omni-Max that feel like they’re massaging my feet, and that very welcome sensation apparently comes down to a technology called Deflection Domes.

As Beckham explains, when you walk it’s the three points of your heel and the balls under your big and pinkie toe that meet the ground first. With an Omni-Max sole, there are little rubber cushions under each of those points.

“They are biomechanically consistent with the primary pressure points under the foot for more stability. This allows the cushioning to adapt to the pressure applied, enhancing what the foam alone delivers,” says Beckham.

As Hirschle explains, these domes “deflect and reduce load impact in the heel as well as in the forefoot where the wearer experiences the highest impact when hiking,” which reduces stress on your foot and explains why my feet are so happy even after putting in 20 km wearing these.

Finally, Omni-Max is a modular system, which means it can be combined with different (Columbia) technologies. That means that the brand can switch out different outsoles to improve grip and engineer shoes to be better suited to specific terrains and activities.

Does Columbia’s Omni Max technology work?

I think it’s clear that I’ve been impressed by Omni-Max this year, having tested it out on Alpine treks, Scottish peaks and on long, muddy country rambles. If I’m going anywhere that I don’t need a technical hiking boot, I can’t see any reason not wear my Konos which are lightweight and waterproof. Extra cushion often seems to come at the expense of stability but I haven’t found that to be the case at all with Omni-Max, having not one instance of a turned ankle to speak of.

Similarly, flexible soles often come at the expense of protection, but there’s plenty of loft between your foot and the ground in these shoes. And finally, traction doesn’t usually come at the expense of anything, but it’s not always guaranteed in hiking shoes and I’ve found it lacking in previous trainer-style models from Columbia. In Omni-Max, however, I’ve been able to move with a lot of confidence without skidding.

If you want to try it for yourself, I can speak the Konos models which are the first to employ the technology, but it’s starting to make its way into other models such as the Newton Wander boot, Novo Trail shoe, the women’s Bethany and men’s Benson. You can view the full line of Omni-Max shoes here.

• Best hiking boots: hit the trails

Stay nice and warm this winter, with this insulating jacket from Columbia, reduced by a sizable 37% for Black Friday.

Worn by British TV icon and Countryside presenter Helen Skelton, the Puffect Puffer is available for just £85 at GO Outdoors, well down from its list price of $135 in the Black Friday sales.

Designed for chilly winter hikes through the wilderness, the Puffect Puffer is packed with thick Thermarator insulation to ward off the cold. In addition, its 100% Nylon outer is wind-resistant, so you can head into the country with confidence that you won't come home damp.

Aiming to keep every part of you cozy, this Columbia jacket features zippered pockets to warm your hands and elastic cuffs to stop cold air from escaping up your sleeves.

We're also keeping you updated on all the best Black Friday hiking deals this week.

Not in the UK? Scroll to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on insulating women's jackets from Columbia.

More big Black Friday deals

This Black Friday, plenty of retailers are offering massive reductions on all their best outdoor gear, and Go Outdoors is no exception. Alongside the Puffect Puffer, they've slashed prices on a wide range of outdoor gear.

In Go Outdoors' big Black Friday sale, you can find up to 65% off women's clothing, 55% off women's footwear, and a whopping 70% off camping gear like warm winter tents and sleeping bags.

With Black Friday right around the corner, big savings are coming thick and fast on a wide range of outdoor kit.

Look below for some of the best deals on insulating women's jackets from Columbia.

• The best down jackets: stay warm when the temperature drops
• The best synthetic puffer jackets 2024: feather-free padding to keep out the winter chill

Columbia Ampli-Dry II Waterproof Shell Walking Jacket: first impressions 

While some adventures call for a sturdy hardshell, most of the time a lightweight, packable jacket will do – but it still needs to seal out the rain and let sweat escape. With the Ampli-Dry II, Columbia has built on the success of its bestselling waterproof jacket and emerged with a more effective barrier against the rain, and a more planet-friendly design.

This is a lightweight, comfortable rain jacket that's comfortable and protective for day hikes and packs down small enough that you won't be able to find any excuse not to throw it in your backpack even when the skies are clear at the trailhead.

Four-way stretch and a super soft face fabric make sure you're always comfortable even when you're scrambling or meet with a steep slope, and underarm vents let you quickly dump heat when you're moving fast. The hood has been reimagined for a snug, protective fit that doesn't blow down in a gale or obscure your vision.

Though it has a casual, active fit, the drop tail adds extra protection when it gets blustery out, as do the hook-and-loop fastenings at the wrists and adjustable hem. There might not be any inner pockets for your map, but with two deep hand-warming pockets and chest pocket, there's plenty of storage for gloves and phones.

Our only real grip is that the Omni Tech membrane does stick against some fabrics, which can make it slightly awkward to pull this on in a hurry if the heavens open on a walk. However, it's an extremely functional rain jacket otherwise and with the removal of forever chemicals, we consider this an upgrade.

Columbia Ampli-Dry II Waterproof Shell Walking Jacket: in the field 

I tested out the original Columbia Ampli-Dry jacket in Scotland and the Lake District last winter and though I liked it for its weight and easy performance, I found a few flaws with it, so I was keen to try the updated model. I received this jacket to test on a hut trip to the Swiss Alps this fall, which didn't bring any rain, but I've since worn it on several hikes in rainy highland Scotland to see how it holds up against wet weather.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing and fit 

I tested a small, which is my usual size, and while I often find Columbia gear runs large, but like the previous model, this fits true to size. It has a reasonably slim fit, but I’ve been able to layer it over a fleece jacket no problem and without any extra material flapping around. I do feel like there's a little more fabric in the front than is necessary, but I only notice it when I sit down and it bulges a but.

It’s got a much longer drop tail than the last version, which means it covers my bum and that always helps for windy and wet days and sitting down on wet grass.

Waterproofing and breathability 

After a few false starts where I wore this out only to find blue skies on the trail, I got to wear this during a long 16 km day hike where the heavens opened halfway and am pleased to report that it held up to the wet weather. The Omni Tech waterproof technology is part of it, but the design also helps and by that, I largely mean the redesigned hood. This hood cinches neatly around my head with a peak that isn't too stiff as to disrupt the jacket's packability but keeps the water out of my eyes and doesn't obscure my vision.

I had some issues with the breathability of the last version, and I must say that I've worn this in some quite mild weather this year and really not noticed much moisture building up. There are pit zips if you get sweaty, but I haven't needed them once.

Of course, any jacket will wet out eventually and if it's waterproof, a jacket won't be totally breathable but I've had no problems on either front over multiple hikes in different conditions.

Weight and packability

This isn't the lightest waterproof jacket I've tested (that's the Kathmandu Trail Stretch 2.5) but it's really light and rolls up smaller than my water bottle so there's no way I'd hesitate over bringing it along on a hike.

Comfort and storage 

This jacket is stretchy and super soft so it feels great on and isn't particularly swishy. I find the hood and chinguard really comfortable.

For stashing gear, a zipped chest pocket means I can keep my phone handy (and protected) while I'm wearing a backpack, and the two hand-warming pockets are really roomy. The main thing that's missing is an inner pocket, which means that my map needs to go in my backpack.

Value

You can find a cheaper Columbia waterproof jacket than this and you can find pricier ones and both will reflect a different level of performance. I'd say this one is still reasonably budget-friendly and gives great value as a lightweight and versatile jacket that will keep you dry on a rainy hike.

Columbia Ampli-Dry II Waterproof Shell Walking Jacket: the bottom line 

Like its predecessor, this is a reliable, comfortable waterproof jacket for those on a budget, and will protect you on the hiking trail or on your way to the grocery store. The upgrades have added about 10 more grams on the scale and 10 more dollars to the price tag, but we think it's worth it for the PFAS-free design and improved hood. If you're still shopping around for a lightweight waterproof jacket and have a little more to spend, compare it with the Montane Phase Lite.

• How Advnture tests products

Right now, you can pick up the highly-rated Columbia Men's Silver Falls Jacket for just $60 at Columbia. That's a staggering savings of 63% off this synthetic puffer jacket that users say is "perfect for all seasons."

"The jacket’s lightweight yet insulated design provides excellent warmth without feeling bulky, making it perfect for layering or wearing on its own," writes one happy customer.

This lightweight jacket has an average rating of 4.4 stars and weighs 453 grams in size medium. It packs away into its own pocket and can be worn under a shell as a cozy mid layer in winter, or a lightweight outer jacket for cool summer evenings. It has an elasticated hem and cuffs to keep out a cold breeze in any season.

This deal applies to men's sizing in all colorways, and there are still lots of size/color combinations left, but with hundreds sold in the past week, we recommend acting fast to get the perfect fit.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Columbia insulated jackets where you are.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on Columbia insulated jackets where you are:

• The best synthetic puffer jackets 2024: feather-free padding to keep out the winter chill

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Fast Trek III Fleece Gloves: first impressions 

There's nothing flashy about these hiking gloves. No waterproof membrane or leather overlays. But wear them out on a chilly hike and you'll be pleased you did.

Built from lightweight microfleece, these gloves have done a great job of keeping our fingers warm on recent field tests. The fabric is noticeably breathable, so when you're powering up a steep mountain, you don't have to remove the gloves to stay comfortable.

Pure fleece gloves aren't the most durable, but these are fitted with abrasion-resistant overlays on the palms and knuckles so they can keep working for you for longer.

Hate having to take your gloves off every time you want to check the GPS map on your phone? You don't need to with these gloves, which boast a touch screen-capable forefinger and thumb that actually works.

They're not waterproof, but of course if they were, they wouldn't be breathable, and the PFAS-free DWR fends off a drizzle anyway. There are no recycled materials used, sadly, but those are our only gripes. All in, they're comfortable, warm, breathable and functional and come at a brilliant price for hikers of all budgets.

Columbia Fast Trek III Fleece Gloves: in the field

I received a pair of these gloves to test on a press trip to the Swiss Alps in September, but it wasn't cold enough to need them.

Back home in Scotland, cold weather has arrived and I recently found myself hiking up one of Scotland's Munros to find quite a bit of snow at 3,000 feet. Fortunately, I had these gloves with me.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I don't have big hands, but I've got long fingers which means I sometimes have to wear a medium in gloves, however I tested a small and they fit, well, like a glove. There's a tiny bit of room at the ends but not so much that you'd need to size down, unless you have very short fingers.

The fit is what I'd call low profile, so not exactly a liner glove but snug, especially around the wrist which is handy, since the cuff isn't adjustable. They're easy to wear with my fleece sleeve cuff over the top and I still have great finger dexterity thanks to the stretch.

Like any fleece gloves, they're soft and comfortable, though I did notice there are seams on the tips of the index finger and thumb where the touchscreen pad is. It didn't rub or annoy me but it's possible that it could over long days.

Warmth, breathability and moisture management

Despite the snow, I wasn't hiking in really frigid temperatures and it wasn't particularly windy, so I found these provided more than enough warmth. That said, they're fleece, and not super windproof, so if it were really cold, I'd want a shell glove.

What I really liked about these gloves is how breathable they are. I often wear waterproof gloves because of the Scottish climate, but my hands get sweaty. Even gaining around 1,000 feet per mile I didn't have to take them off and they wicked the sweat away brilliantly.

Weatherproofing and durability

As I've mentioned, these aren't the most windproof and they're not waterproof, but they are actually treated with a PFAS-free DWR which means they'll work for a light drizzle. Because of their breathability, I'd wear these any time I can get away with it.

Fleece gloves don't last forever, in my experience, so I was pleased to see the abrasion-resistant panels in the places that see the most contact. This actually adds a little windproofing and improves their durability.

Other details

I've tested quite a lot of gloves in my years at Advnture and most of them have claimed to have touchscreen capability (which means you can operate your phone without removing them). Very rarely does this actually work, so I was stunned the first time I pulled my phone out of my pocket to take a picture and it just worked. That's a huge plus for me as I love to document my hikes and use AllTrails+ for new routes.

The only other detail to note is a handy clip so I can keep them together in my backpack or packed away back at home.

Columbia Fast Trek III Fleece Gloves:: the bottom line

These are a straightforward but fairly impressive pair of hiking gloves for those who need a bit of warmth but aren't battling too much wet weather. The touchscreen capability is superior to most we've tried and they come at a lovely price. If you need something waterproof but with decent touchscreen capability, check out the Hestra CZone Contact Gauntlet too.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Women's Sloan Ridge Graphic Long Sleeve Technical T-Shirt: first impressions 

Your first layer for hiking is a very personal choice. Some of us prefer the natural fabric of merino wool while others like high-performing synthetics. Those of us who love the feel of cotton haven't historically had much to choose from, since it's not ideal for hiking – until this base layer came along, that is.

This base layer has the soft feel of cotton making it extremely appealing to wear against your skin when you're out for a long day in the mountains, so you'll be astonished to learn it's actually made from polyester. That means hikers can enjoy all-day comfort and work up a sweat while staying warm and dry. 

This long-sleeved top has a casual fit and lots of stretch, which means it's extra comfy and still easy to layer when it gets cold out. The graphic on the back makes it fun to wear with jeans as well as your favorite hiking pants.

Add to all that it's very budget-friendly and made using 78% recycled content for a lighter footprint on the trails. All we can ask for is a men's version soon.

Columbia Women's Sloan Ridge Graphic Long Sleeve Technical T-Shirt: in the field

I received this base layer to test out on a trip to the Swiss Alps with Columbia and when I pulled it out, I had two thoughts: "It's so pretty!" and "Wait, is this made from cotton?"

It isn't cotton, so I wore it in the Alps and have been wear it on every hike here in Scotland for the past month.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested a size small which is my usual size. Compared to my other base layers, it's a little loose so I thought it might run large, but looking at the pictures of it on the model at Columbia's website, I see it's meant to have a more casual fit. 

For base layers, you do need the fabric to be close to your skin so that it can effectively wick sweat, so I wouldn't recommend sizing up in this top if you actually want to use it on a hike. As it is, the sizing is really comfortable but snug enough that it's easy to pull a fleece on over the top.

This top somehow feels like really soft cotton. I don't know how they've done it. So it feels great on. Sometimes polyester base layers can feel a bit clammy but this just feels cozy and I'd quite happily wear it all day long.

Breathability and temperature regulation

I expected this top to become damp and clammy when I started sweating on a steep hike up Ben Vrackie recently, because it feels like cotton. Of course, it behaves like polyester, so it breathes well and when I got to the top and was a bit sweaty, it dried quickly, unlike cotton.

Polyester is also better and keeping you warm than cotton, and I noticed that I got warmer in this than I'd expected, again because it doesn't feel like it should be thermal. That's intentional, of course, and great now the weather has turned cooler, though like any base layer it's probably too warm for hot summer hikes.

Odor control and other details

Synthetic fabric has a habit of getting smelly fast but I've worn this for multiple hikes and it's fine. There's no indication that it's been treated to be antimicrobial, but it may be that the slightly looser fit helps? Whatever it is, I appreciate it as that's one of the things that really turns me off synthetic base layers.

It doesn't have any thumb holes, but I haven't had any issue with layering it, and the only other real detail to mention, is the fun graphic on the back which has me wearing this around town as well as up a hill.

Columbia Women's Sloan Ridge Graphic Long Sleeve Technical T-Shirt: the bottom line

This base layer performs like a technical top with thermoregulating properties, but feels like cotton and looks like a fun tee you'd want to wear anywhere. It's priced to be inclusive and we think you'll get a lot of use out of it between hiking and casual use.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer Crew: first impressions 

Columbia introduced its Omni-Heat technology back in 2010, which takes the NASA-inspired technology that is used in emergency blankets and applies it to apparel. But like most technology, it's taken a few tries to get it right and lately, the company has taken some big strides. First, there was the ultra cozy Arch Rock Double Wall Elite Insulated Jacket which can fend off practically any amount of chill, and now there's this toasty base layer.

Made using elastane stretch jersey, the outer of this base layer gives a smooth, simple appearance, but it's what's on the inside that counts. Lined with tiny silver dots that look like foil everywhere but under the armpits, this base layer is designed to keep recycling your body heat while allowing water vapor to escape thanks to Omni-Wick fabric and the spaces between the dots.

A foil-lined base layer really might not sound very comfortable, but trust us –  this one feels good against bare skin. Though it's listed as midweight, it's pretty light, making it really easy to layer and move in thanks to four-way stretch and ergonomic seaming.

It's a synthetic top, so it's going to get smellier than one made using merino wool, but a zinc-based antimicrobial treatment helps to hold off the laundry cycle and you can definitely sweat in it several times before it needs a wash. It doesn't have thumb holes and it's not made using any recycled materials, which is always a pity, and obviously it's not designed for warm weather hikes, but for cold weather? It packs a real punch.

Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer Crew: in the field

I was a little late to the game with Omni-Heat technology, only discovering it last year in the Arch Rock Double Wall Elite Insulated Jacket which is so effective I actually keep it in my car now in case of emergencies.

I recently traveled to the Swiss Alps with Columbia to test out some of their new gear and this was one of the items I received. I'll admit, when I pulled it out of the box and saw the shiny lining, I was a bit skeptical. However, I dutifully took it to the mountains where I wore it for very chilly sunrise yoga as well as some high altitude hiking, and more recently I've been wearing it in the Cairngorms of Scotland for my hikes now that the weather has turned colder.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort 

I tested a women's small, which is my usual size, and it's a perfect fit – snug without being too tight. Now, it does have loads of stretch, so there's some wiggle room, but I'd recommend just ordering your usual size if you want a close-to-the-skin fit that's easy to layer and does the best job of wicking sweat.

I like the high crew neck, which meant I got good sun protection recently when I ended up removing my jacket on a bright day.

Surprisingly, the lining isn't at all uncomfortable and in fact, I wore this top with the matching long johns for yoga and it felt great against my skin. It's light, soft and stretchy without any rubbing anywhere.

Temperature regulation and breathability

Obviously, this base layer is designed for warmth, so while I wouldn't wear it in the summer, I'm finding it great for any temperatures from just cool to really frigid. That's because it's really breathable, thanks in part to the omission of reflective lining under the arms as well as really breathable fabric. So even when I was hiking up the steep slopes of Ben Vrackie last week at 1,000 feet per mile and wearing a fleece over the top, I didn't overheat.

In fact, though I was sweaty in the usual places (underarms and where my backpack sits), I didn't even feel particularly damp. When I arrived at the summit, it was really breezy and cold, so I had to pull on my waterproof jacket fast. I expected I'd have to rush off the summit, but the genius of this technology is that even when you're damp and it's cold and windy, it keeps reflecting your body heat back to you, so I quite happily sat and ate my sandwich.

I only had to walk about a mile down the trail before I had to remove my outer layers again, and I noticed that the shirt had dried out really quickly. Obviously I wouldn't wear this for a warm summer hike, but I think it's brilliant for colder conditions and light enough to be layered or worn alone if it's mild out.

Odor control and other features

Odor control is always an issue with synthetic tops, and it's one of the reasons I usually go for merino wool, but this one is treated with an antimicrobial substance and I have to admit that it works quite well. I've had several outings without needing to put it in the laundry, though I'm not sure what the durability of these types of treatments is.

It doesn't have any thumb holes, and I know these are a feature many people look for in base layers. Personally, I think the sleeves are tight enough I don't need them for layering, and because it's for cold weather, I'd typically be wearing it with gloves or a fleece with thumb holes anyway.

Columbia Omni-Heat Midweight Baselayer Crew: the bottom line

If you want a seriously warm base layer that's not merino wool, look no further than this one, which blends state-of-the-art insulating technology into a breathable, straightforward and comfortable first layer. This top is built for cold weather, whether you're hiking, skiing or ice climbing. If you're still on the hunt for something super warm and want a merino blend that's great for sensitive skin, compare it with the Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Midweight Crew.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Adidas Terrex Xperior PrimaLoft Loose Fill Insulated Hooded Jacket: first impressions 

Made by the hiking and trail running arm of Adidas, this synthetic puffer jacket straddles the line between style and function, with a performance-ready layer that will keep you warm on the mountain as well as in the city.

This quilted jacket, which won an ISPO award in 2023, uses recycled Primaloft insulation that is known for being warm, tough and water-repellent, making an excellent source of heat for rugged adventures. It's packed within a 100 percent recycled nylon ripstop shell that's built to last.

Though natural down ceases to insulate when wet, this jacket is treated with a PFC-free DWR to repel a light rain, and if you forget your waterproof jacket it will still keep you warm when it gets soggy. It's not ultralight by today's standards, but it's thin and light enough that it can be worn as a mid layer on wet, cold hikes but also makes a great outer layer when it's dry or you're on an urban adventure.

The snug hood stays put in the wind while elasticated cuffs and adjustable hem make it easy to stay warm. Two huge hand-warming pockets can store plenty of gear  and an inner mesh pocket is easily big enough for a map, but we'd love a chest pocket since it's harder to reach the existing pockets with a backpack on. In all honesty though, that's a mild quibble and we really can't find much not to like about this versatile jacket.

Adidas Terrex Xperior PrimaLoft Loose Fill Insulated Hooded Jacket: in the field

It's cooling off here in Scotland (actually, it never really warmed up) and I'm starting to wear insulated jackets on my hikes again. Recently, I've been testing out this quilted jacket from Adidas on some cool forest walks and hilly scrambles.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I always wear a small but was sent a medium to test which is too big for me. That means I can't say with certainty whether this fits true to size, but it definitely doesn't run small.

It's a little difficult for me to comment on the fit, but the slightly-too-big version comes down to just below my bum and I will note that the sleeves feel the right length. The hood doesn't adjust, but it seems to be snug enough to stay put in the wind and I imagine this would be even better in the right size.

Overall, I have no complaints whatsoever when it comes to comfort with this jacket and recently wore it happily for a six-hour adventure.

Warmth, breathability and protection

The Primaloft insulation was great for keeping me toasty when I was sitting on a log eating cookies by a Scottish loch, but surprisingly I've been able to hike on colder days without having to unzip, so I'm impressed with the breathability. 

I haven't tested it in a downpour because that's what my waterproofs are for, but I did wear it on a damp and misty day and it kept insulating, while the DWR holds up against my unofficial lab tests, which involve spraying water on it and watching it bead.

Weight, storage and other details

Synthetic insulation just isn't as light as down, so this isn't the lightest jacket I've ever tested, but I'd definitely classify it as on the mediium-light end of puffers and it's relatively thin which makes it good for layering. Similarly, it's not as packable as my down jackets, so if I were looking for something I could carry in a daypack as a backup, this wouldn't be my first choice but it's really not a bulky jacket. A stuff sack would be ideal for jackets like these.

For storage, the hand-warming pockets are fantastically deep which is great now I'm actually thinking about bringing gloves on hikes again, and there's an inner pocket where I can pop my map. Because the hip belt of my backpack makes it difficult to use the hand pockets, I'd love a chest pocket for my phone but it's not a dealbreaker.

Adidas Terrex Xperior PrimaLoft Loose Fill Insulated Hooded Jacket: the bottom line

This is a fantastic jacket for hikers, featuring relatively lightweight warmth, wet weather protection, good storage and a solid sustainability swing. Even with such a performance-oriented design, it's stylish and one that you'd want to wear as your everyday jacket in the winter. If you're shopping around for a puffer with eco creds, compare it to the Jack Wolfskin Routeburn Jacket.

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Columbia Women's Cirque River II Hiking Leggings: first impressions 

At first glance, these technical hiking leggings are sleek and straightforward, but they're more technical than perhaps meets the eye. Could you do yoga in them? We have, and they have ample stretch for that, but they're also equipped with details that make them a great choice as a pair of women's hiking pants.

First off, when you're scrambling over rough rock, you need a pair of pants that can hold up and the abrasion-resistant fabric has these looking brand new after multiple hikes. If you end up hiking in a drizzle, they dry quickly and of course, it's much easier to pull rain pants on over leggings than traditional trousers anyway.

These supportive tights have a high waist design and are comfortable for wearing over long days. The Omni-Wick fabric manages to wick sweat well on hot days without being too thin for colder weather, and if you like to keep your phone to hand, there's a handy drop-in pocket on the right thigh.

There's not much to change, though a drawstring waist might make these perfect since the sizing won't work for all bodies. At a stretch, we wouldn't mind another small pocket for a car key, but overall we're impressed with the design, performance and price of these leggings, which are made with recycled materials for eco creds to boot.

Columbia Women's Cirque River II Hiking Leggings: in the field

I recently admitted to becoming a bit of a convert to technical hiking leggings and it's largely thanks to the improvements Columbia has made to its tights over the past few years. 

I first tested out a pair of the Columbia River leggings about three years ago and while I found a few things to like, they lacked support and protection. A year ago, tested the Back Beauty Warm Hybrid leggings and liked them so much they've seen several hiking trips to the Alps, but they are too warm for year-round use.

I recently received these leggings to test out in the Swiss Alps where I was doing longish day hikes, and have since been wearing them on the trails of Scotland.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing and fit 

I tested a women's small, which is my usual size, and I'd say they fit nearly perfectly. There's the tiniest amount of wrinkling around my ankles, knees and hips which indicates someone a little larger than me could still wear a small, but that's common for me and leggings as I have quite lean legs. 

The high waist comes up just above my belly button and the length is just about right with no pointless reams of extra fabric around the ankles but enough of an inseam that a taller hiker could wear them (I'm 5' 4").

Comfort and temperature regulation

They are supportive without being restrictive, which is really important to me as I can have issues with tight waistbands, and they have enough stretch that I can move freely (I've even done yoga in them) but they don't slip down when I'm walking. That said, I think a drawcord waistband would be smart to accommodate people with different body proportions. However, the wide waistband has a soft lining and I've been able to wear these for all-day adventures without feeling like I need to tear them off the moment I walk in the door.

These leggings are made with Columbia's proprietary Omni-Wick fabric which is designed to let water vapor from sweat escape so when you get hot, you don't stay wet. I'll be honest that my legs don't ever feel hot or sweaty, but of course, a sweaty crotch is no one's idea of a good time and I've found these quite comfortable for warm weather hiking during the late summer months.

Durability and storage

These are not a thin, flimsy pair of leggings. The Titanium fabric is clearly quite tough and mine still look brand new despite coming out on multiple rugged romps. I'd say the Back Beauty tights feel a little more durable, but for that added protection you also trade the lightweight breathability of these leggings.

For storage, there's a thigh pocket where I can slide my phone in and pull it out whenever I want to check my route on AllTrails or take a photo. I suppose I could argue for a small key pocket, but realistically if I'm going to wear these for hiking I'll always have my backpack for gear anyway.

Columbia Women's Cirque River II Hiking Leggings: the bottom line

If you're looking for a stretchy, versatile alternative to hiking pants, you'll find lots to like in these comfortable but tough leggings. We love that they're made using recycled materials and think they're great for both warm and colder pursuits. If you're seeking something warmer and more rugged, check out the Columbia Back Beauty Warm Hybrid Leggings.

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Right now, you can pick up the Columbia Powder Lite Insulated Jacket for just $87.73 at REI. That's a massive savings of over $70 off the list price for this lightweight, ultrawarm jacket that's top-rated by customers.

In addition to synthetic insulation, this jacket is fitted with Columbia's Omni-Heat technology, which means the lining is constructed using silver dots that reflect your own body heat back to you when the temperatures drop. This insulation is based on the same NASA-inspired stuff that emergency blankets are founded on, and you can learn more about how it works in our article on Omni-Heat technology.

In addition, the shell is water-resistant, which means the jacket will hold off a light drizzle, and it's light enough that you can wear it for a cold hike without overheating. This deal applies to the men's sizing in Dark Stone/Shark and Warp Red/Shark colorways, but the style has been discontinued so we recommend acting fast if you're seeking insulation without bulk this cold season.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Columbia puffer jackets near you.

Not in the US? Here are today's best deals on Columbia puffer jackets near you.

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Columbia Unisex Triple Canyon 36L Backpack: first impressions 

At 36L, this hiking backpack is perfect for a longer day hike or even an overnight backpacking trip, and for a bag that looks straightforward, it seems to have a lot of the right bells and whistles.

Its unisex single-sizing means it won't work for all bodies, but with adjustable shoulder straps, sternum and hip straps, it can work for a lot of bodies and provides a comfortable carry, taking the weight off your shoulders and onto your hips making light work of a heavy load.

A breathable back panel and ergonomic design might not be as high-tech as other backpacks, but it seems to get the job done allowing air to circulate when you're hiking over hot days so you don't get too sweaty. It's also hydration bladder-compatible for those days when you need to be sipping water regularly.

The main compartment is roomy and we found it really easy to load up. If you're packing for an overnight backpacking trip, you'll appreciate the deep side pockets, zipped top pocket and additional front pocket for stashing small pieces of kit and overflow gear. 

Most companies make you purchase a rain cover separately, but this pack comes with its own integrated rain cover that you can pull on in a jiffy if the heavens open. It's also got an integrated hiking whistle for safety.

There's not a lot wrong with it, except for the fact that the pockets on the hip belt aren't quite big enough for most phones, which is what we'd usually use it for, and the addition of adjustable load hauling straps would help get an even better fit. We'd like to see some recycled materials used in the next version, and we'd be more than happy to use this pack again and again.

Columbia Unisex Triple Canyon 36L Backpack: in the field

It's always good to give a backpack a good challenge, and for this one I had to pack it for two separate, but back-to-back trips to the Alps. First, I was heading to Chamonix where I was covering the UTMB and trail running in hot weather. Next, it was off to Switzerland where I spent a couple of nights in an alpine hut in Val d'Anniviers hiking, foraging and stargazing with a mixed weather forecast. Oh and both were work trips, so I need to bring my laptop along. Could it hold up and hold everything I needed?

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

This is a unisex, one-size backpack, so there's definitely a lot of room for error, but I think Columbia has done a great job making it versatile for different bodies. I'm 5' 4" and slim and I could easily adjust it so that the load is up on my hips and off my shoulders. Fortunately, I took this to the Alps where I was testing it alongside about 20 other journalists of various heights and body dimensions and overall it seems to work well, though if you're very tall you might want a more specific fit. 

The shoulder straps and hip belt are adjustable with lots of leeway, while the sternum strap slides up and down so if you have boobs, you can find the perfect spot. It doesn't have adjustable load-hauling straps which I'd ideally like to pull the load a little closer to my body, but this wasn't really a problem.

I ended up carrying it fully loaded on a plane back and forth from Geneva, on and off multiple shuttle buses, through Chamonix and on the short hike to our mountain hut. Once there, I could unpack and just carry what I needed for day hikes, which usually lasted several hours or longer. Ultimately, it's lightweight and comfortable whether it is full or half empty, in hot weather and cold.

The breathable back panel might not be as high-tech as those on backpacks made by brands that really specialize in hiking backpacks, but I've worn this in fairly warm conditions and can't say my back is any sweatier than with any other pack.

Storage and fastenings

After comfort, I'm looking for good storage in a backpack and I'm learning that 36 liters is about the perfect size for a pack. At a push, it's big enough to fit some lightweight camping gear, but it's not so big that it doesn't make sense for a day hike. I also found it to be roomy enough for a weeklong trip.

It's got lots of extra storage which I used well, including deep side pockets for my water bottle and trekking poles, and a front pocket where I stashed my waterproof jacket. The hip belt has two small zipped pockets which I'd like to have used for my wallet and phone for easy reach at the airport, but sadly they were a little too small for my phone.

The pack is hydration bladder-compatible but every time I've used it, it's been a work-related trip so I used the sleeve for my laptop and here's my my favorite thing about this backpack: at airport security, even when the pack is full, it's really easy to slide my laptop out to place in the tray and slide it back in again when I get through. I can't tell you how happy this makes me, and if you do a lot of outdoorsy travel but need to stay connected, I know you will understand.

The fastenings are straightforward zips and plastic buckles which don't require instruction manuals, and that's all I ask for really.

Durability and other details

This is a lightweight pack, but it's sturdy and well-built and mine has shown no signs of fraying yet. Lately, I've had issues with the sternum strap popping off a few of my backpacks, but this one is designed to make that nearly impossible, much to my relief.

The big extra feature to applaud with this pack is the fact that it comes with an integrated rain cover for wet weather. When it started to rain on me over the weekend, I just undid the hook-and-loop fastening at the bottom, pulled the rain cover out and whipped it up over my pack. It stays attached at the bottom so it's not easy to lose. I really wish all packs would come with this feature.

Columbia Unisex Triple Canyon 36L Backpack: the bottom line

I actually like this backpack so much that when I had to travel by plane down to England last week for a short work trip, I chose it again out of my never-ending pile of backpacks. It's comfortable, the right size and easy to pack and unpack. I know there are more technical backpacks out there, but for the price you get a lot for your money. For comparison, also check out the Kathmandu Valorous Pack 38L which is a similar size and price.

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Columbia Arctic Crest Technical Sherpa Fleece Jacket: first impressions 

Just when we thought ultralight fleeces were here to stay, Columbia shows up with the Arctic Crest Technical Sherpa Fleece. Right in time for cold weather, this ultra-warm, high-pile fleece jacket is the company's first to utilize the new Omni-Heat Arctic technology. In a nutshell, the lining absorbs the sun's rays and the insulation holds it close to your skin while also maximizing your own body heat. 

You can learn more in our article about Omni-Heat Arctic if you're interested, but suffice to say it makes for a toasty fleece that's best for cold adventures. Sherpa fleece is that super fluffy, soft fleece that mimics sheep's wool so there's something distinctly cozy and retro about this jacket.

While fleece jackets can be prone to rubbing and pilling, this one has reinforced panels everywhere that rubbing usually occurs – over the shoulders and upper back where your backpack sits and along your elbows, forearms and wrists. This again lends a retro look, but it's also really practical and adds to the durability of this jacket.

The athletic fit is performance-ready but leaves room for layering, while the elasticated hood and adjustable hem let you block out a breeze, though there are no thumb loops. There's no way to adjust the hood, but it's snug by design, and two hand-warming pockets plus a chest pocket provide ample storage.

It's definitely too warm for year-round adventures, and it's a little heavy and bulky, especially compared to modern fleeces, but it has a place on cold-weather adventures, plus it's soft and stylish so we'd wear it around town. We wish there were some recycled materials used and could do with a bigger chest pocket as it doesn't quite fit a phone.

Columbia Arctic Crest Technical Sherpa Fleece Jacket : in the field

I've been testing this fleece jacket out during a chilly dawn patrol covering the UTMB in Italy, on a hut trip in the Swiss Alps where we went hiking, foraging and stargazing, and around town here in Scotland.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested a small, which is my usual size, and it fits true to size. The fit is athletic, so it's not baggy or loose anywhere but there's also plenty of room to wear this over other layers. It comes down to about mid-hip to add a little extra warmth without being too long.

The sherpa fleece is ridiculously soft and cozy – my eight-year-old just treats me like a giant teddy bear whenever I have this on. Be warned that you might receive extra cuddles in this fleece.

Warmth, breathability and protection

This fleece jacket is designed to be extremely warm, and I feel its benefit the moment I put it on. In fact, I quite often find that it's too warm for wearing around the house, though I'll be glad for it in another couple of months no doubt. It's really ideal for the coldest weather, although unzipped I was quite happy wearing it in milder conditions too.

Fortunately, it is breathable like all fleece so even though it's designed for the coldest adventures, I've been able to hike in it. Like any fleece, it's not the most windproof but I think it offers better protection than some, especially since the hood is made with a shell material.

Weight, storage and other details

A lot of fleeces I've tested recently have impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, and are super light and warm, but this one has gone all in on cozy bulk. It's fairly heavy and bulky and if I hadn't been testing it in the Alps, I wouldn't have thought to pack it. This is a fleece you'd want to wear when you knew for sure you were in for cold weather rather than packing it as a just-in-case layer.

I love that it has a chest pocket in addition to hand-warming pockets, but I wish it was bigger as it doesn't quite fit my phone.

The only other detail to mention are the reinforced panels which means my backpack never rubs, which should add to the longevity of this jacket.

Columbia Arctic Crest Technical Sherpa Fleece Jacket: the bottom line

This fleece jacket is undoubtedly designed for cold seasons when you want a toasty layer. It isn't a versatile fleece designed for fastpacking and lightweight adventures, but it will ply you with plenty of warmth when you need it, and should hold up against more than a few adventures. For something super warm but a little more versatile, compare it to the Houdini Power Houdi which comes at a premium price but won't skimp on insulation.

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Montane Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie: first impressions 

Just when we thought down jackets couldn't get any lighter, along comes the Montane Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie to prove us wrong. Landing just in time for cold weather, this 850 fill power jacket is as light as the goose down inside it and built for performance whether you wear it as a mid layer or outer layer. 

With a streamlined fit, snug hood and elasticated cuffs and hem, you can feel confident that a cold wind won't be able to sneak in when you're on the summit. While you're climbing, panels of synthetic insulation in high-moisture areas (your armpits) increase breathability so you don't have to unzip.

The shell is treated with a PFC-free DWR that makes the jacket fairly windproof, increasing its warmth without the need for a shell when it isn't raining. Additionally, it will repel a light rain so you don't have to pull on a waterproof jacket the minute the sky turns dark. 

Perhaps the most interesting feature of this jacket is that it has non-toxic gold particles bonded to the down which Montane claims deliver fast-drying performance, and since down doesn't insulate when wet, this seems like a huge performance boost. They explain that the technology works because gold particles vibrate water molecules, which speeds up evaporation to a rate faster than the absorption rate of down. This chemical-free technology from recycled electronics also helps manage moisture from sweat.

We often wish Montane gear used more recycled materials, but this jacket is one step ahead using 100% recycled nylon and polyester in the shell.

Montane Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie: in the field

This down jacket just landed in time for fall but I got my hands on an early sample six months ago so I've worn it through a cold and wet spring, a disappointing summer and am still wearing it for mountain hiking in the incoming cold weather of fall.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested a US size 6 which is one size up from what I'd usually wear and I would say this probably fits true to size. It's a little looser than I'd normally wear but it's clear that it's fit for performance as sometimes a more medium-sized jacket is hanging off me and this one isn't too big. I can still wear a waterproof jacket over the top of it and for really cold expeditions, I'll be happy for the extra room underneath to wear it with a fleece.

It covers my hips for extra warmth and, unusually in my experience, the sleeves aren't too long. The hood is stay-put even in a howling Scottish gale and overall this is a really comfortable layer.

Warmth, breathability and protection

Needless to say, I'm looking for warmth in any down jacket, but I also tend to wear mine for more vigorous pursuits, like hiking, so I want breathable insulation too and this jacket seems to deliver on both fronts.

It's one of those down jackets where I instantly feel the benefit of it when I put it on, no doubt thanks to the goose down, and helped too by the snug fit and windproofing which is key here in Scotland. 

When I'm heading up a steep slope, even in quite mild weather, I don't feel like I have to stop and take it off. Down isn't always as breathable as synthetic insulation, and I think one of the reasons this is so wearable in sweaty environments is down to the synthetic panels under the arms.

The shell is treated with a DWR and while I'd never expect my down jacket to double as a raincoat, I did test this out recently on a damp day that was more foggy than outright rainy. Water does indeed bead on the shell, and I got a bit sweaty and was impressed by how quickly it dried. I guess the gold particles really do work.

Weight, storage and other details

I recently tested the Columbia Arctic Crest Down Hooded Jacket and I thought it was the lightest jacket I owned. Then I put this one on the scale and it was so light, I actually went back into the kitchen and weighed it twice to make sure I hadn't misread it.

Not only is it impossibly light, but this jacket comes with a little stuff sack inside the right hand pocket, which means it can neatly pack away. As someone who travels a lot, I love this feature and it will be coming with me on every adventure from now on.

Speaking of pockets, there are two zipped hand pockets but it could probably benefit from either a chest pocket or inner pocket that you can reach when you're wearing a backpack.

Montane Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie: the bottom line

If you're in the market for an ultralight but reliably warm down jacket, you won't find one lighter than this. Built for performance, it keeps the wind and a light rain at bay and manages moisture impressively. 

It's a versatile jacket, light enough to make a great mid layer for very cold adventures, but not at all bulky so it's a brilliant outer layer for fall too. If you'd prefer a synthetic approach to insulation, we also loved the Montane Fireball Lite Hooded Jacket which isn't as light but is more durable and equally versatile.

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Columbia Arctic Crest Down Hooded Jacket: first impressions 

Just in time for colder weather, Columbia has launched a new technology and packaged it into this extremely lightweight and effective down jacket. The Arctic Crest Down Hooded Jacket utilizes Omni-Heat Arctic technology – which uses biomimicry to imitate the way a polar bear's fur keeps it warm – to attract the sun’s rays via black dots on the lining. It then holds that heat close to your body using 700 fill goose down.

On our field tests in the Alps, we found this jacket to be extremely warm, especially given how lightweight it is – easily one of the lightest we've ever tested. It's also impressively breathable if you want to keep it on while you're climbing. Bindings on the hood and cuffs plus a drawcord hem help to block out a chilly wind when you're on a breezy summit or hanging out at camp.

This jacket has useful handy zipped pockets – two for your hands and a chest pocket which are great for keeping gear such as your gloves and phone close by. The real beauty here though is that the entire jacket packs into the left-hand pocket, which then zips up to make this jacket easy to pack, or allow it to double as a camping pillow.

Water-repellency means you don't necessarily have to leap for your waterproof jacket if you encounter a drizzle, which is handy because a shell would block the UV rays you want the jacket to absorb. Meanwhile, stain repellency helps you avoid frequent washing, and having to fluff your jacket again which can be laborious if you don't have a dryer.

Our only real gripes are that it's designed to be fashion-forward, which means it's snugger around the hips than we'd necessarily like, and there's no recycled content in the composition. However, it's a good price and we're impressed by the insulating technology.

Columbia Arctic Crest Down Hooded Jacket: in the field

It's getting to be down jacket season and I'm always interested in a new technology from outdoors brand Columbia – I've previously written about Omni-Heat, Omni-Wick and OutDry Extreme technology, to name a few – so I was excited to get to test this jacket out recently on a press trip to the Swiss Alps. 

Though it's not exactly freezing there yet, I had plenty of opportunities to test out this jacket in chilly fall conditions.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested a small which is my usual size and while Columbia gear does often run a little large on me, I think this jacket fits true to size. There is a caveat to that though – Columbia often does style their gear towards a younger generation and in this case, it means the jacket has quite a snug fit, particularly around the hips. 

I don't have massively wide hips, but I'm not a string bean either and I was surprised at how neat this was at the bottom. It certainly didn't affect my movement or comfort, but I feel like it would only take a few extra inches of padding – be that natural or from wearing a thicker fleece under this – and I'd have trouble zipping it up.

That aside, I do like that it runs a little long for added warmth and I personally have no issues with comfort in this jacket and love the soft feel of the shell.

Warmth, breathability and protection

After quizzing the reps at Columbia about how the technology works, my understanding is that the black dots on the lining combined with the translucent shell material absorb the sun's rays, while the down traps it there in addition to your body heat for added warmth. In theory, anyway.

Obviously in practice, if it's nighttime or you're wearing a waterproof shell over the top, this jacket isn't going to be as effective, but I did get immediate warmth from it whether I was wearing it during the day or at night. I'm not sure if the technology works any better than any other down jacket with a black lining, but I do think it works even if that's largely down to the 700 fill power down.

I kept it on for one of our hikes and was also pleased by the level of breathability, which is a general benefit of down over a synthetic puffer. 

It's also treated to be water-repellent, which is excellent news because it means that it can hold off a light shower (though not a heavy rain). This means I don't always have to layer up, and that in turns increases its insulating power since I don't have to block the sun's rays with another jacket.

Weight, storage and other details

One of the most impressive features of this jacket is how light it is. I've compared it to several other down jackets that I've tested, and so far I can't find one that comes close to it in terms of weight. Obviously, for travel and variable weather, this is a huge bonus because you can enjoy dependable insulation without adding tons of weight.

All jackets need good storage in order to be technical and this one has two standard zipped hand-warming pockets plus a chest pocket which I ended up using for my phone when I was wearing a backpack. 

The real bonus, however, is that the entire jacket packs away into the left-hand pocket, which then zips up. I don't know about you but generally when someone tells me a jacket fits into its pocket, I can get about two-thirds of it in then I run out of space and I've never been able to zip it up. This one actually works, however, and once it's packed away it's actually pillow-shaped. I don't know if they did this on purpose or if it's a happy accident, but I'd definitely bring this along and use it as a camping pillow any time I was expecting cold weather.

The only other main detail to mention is that the Omni-Shield repellency also makes it stain-resistant, which is super handy considering I received a white version to test. It looks great, but I wouldn't usually choose white hiking gear for obvious reasons. This will keep it looking good for a bit longer, and means I don't have to wash it as frequently.

Columbia Arctic Crest Down Hooded Jacket: the bottom line

If you're in the market for an ultralight but reliably warm down jacket, this jacket checks all those boxes, and the fact that it can double as a pillow is a really nice bonus for backpackers and travelers. That said, the snug fit around the hips may not be for everyone, and there is an argument to be made for a jacket that's less neat overall. For comparison, take a look at the Rab Infinity Microlight jacket which isn't quite as light, but has a more functional fit and comes with a stuff sack for packing.

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Columbia Women's Summit Valley Hiking Shorts: first impressions 

These women's hiking shorts might look pretty basic, but there's actually lots going on to provide functional performance and comfort on the trail. Made with a blend of nylon and elastane, they're extremely lightweight, stretchy and wrinkle-resistant and an excellent choice for travel. The fit is flattering around the hips and loose enough around the thighs for comfort, breathability and movement.

The fabric is treated to repel a little moisture, making these shorts great for summer rain storms, and also stain-resistant, which means these shorts don't require a lot of care. If you do get wet, they dry in a flash.

We found them to run a little on the large side, with two lengths available. but fortunately they do have belt loops as well as a fly and snap button so you can size up or go for your normal size.

For those who prefer carrying gear close to hand, there's plenty of room between two hand pockets, a drop-in pocket on the right leg, and back pocket on the right side with hook-and-loop closure.

We did notice we got a little sweaty around the seat while sitting down in these indoors for a long time, but while we were walking, they were perfectly breathable. We'd like to see some recycled materials used, but we think they're a great deal for the price.

Columbia Women's Summit Valley Hiking Shorts: in the field

I don't often wear hiking shorts, but when I was invited on a press trip to the Swiss Alps where the weather was forecast to be warm and dry, I was happy to get out of my leggings and into these shorts for the trails around Val d'Anniviers.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested a US 4 which is my normal size (with the 7" inseam) and they definitely run large. I didn't need a belt (though they do have belt loops) and I don't mind my clothing being a little loose, but next time I'd definitely size down.

Despite them being a little loose, they are still flattering around the hips and I was able to see them on different bodies during the press trip and generally I think the streamlined design looks good. 

Between the stretch and loose fit, I found these to be really comfortable on the trail and in warm weather.

Breathability and weather protection

By nature, shorts are breathable and when I was on the trail, I had no issues with these shorts. However, twice when I'd been sitting down in them for a while (on a bus in warm weather) I was actually a little surprised at how sweaty my seat felt when I stood up so they're perhaps the fabric is not quite as breathable as I thought.

Obviously, you'll get a bit more leg protection from the longer inseam and while they're really lightweight, the material is pretty robust. The water-repellency works well although I might not choose these for a wet day, but if the weather caught me off guard they dry really quickly.

Storage and other details

I'd say these are almost deceptively simple. At first glance, they could be a fashion-friendly imitation of an old-school safari short (especially in the canoe color I tested) but they're actually quite technical and one of the great features is plenty of pockets. In addition to two hip pockets and a rear pocket that are all plenty deep, there's that all-important thigh pocket that I can just slide my phone into and easily grab for a picture without having to wrestle with my backpack. Granted, it could do with a zip, but nothing is going to fall out of it.

The only other features to mention are the belt loops, which help with the slightly odd sizing, and the traditional fly fastening which makes these easy to get on and off.

Columbia Women's Summit Valley Hiking Shorts: the bottom line

If you're seeking a functional, flattering and super lightweight approach to hiking shorts that have everything you need and aren't too showy, these are comfortable and get the job done. They can be a little sweaty if you're sitting around in them indoors, and they're not versatile enough to also double as running shorts, but they're low maintenance and likely to last a long time. If you're willing to pay a little more for a more fashionable approach, check out The North Face Trailjammer Shorts.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Hiking Shoe: first impressions 

We tested the low version of this boot earlier this year and were hugely impressed by the all-day comfort and traction they delivered on a variety of trails. Needless to say, our expectations were high for the mid-cut model and we're pleased to say they've so far lived up to being one of the most comfortable hiking boots and shoes around.

The promise of these hiking shoes from Columbia is lightweight protection, stability on rough trails and excellent traction and we're pleased to say they deliver on all fronts. For protection, the brand uses its own OutDry waterproof membrane which they explained is bonded to the inside of the upper. This means that there's no movement of your foot in the shoe and debris from the trail doesn't work its way into the gap between the membrane and the upper like it can in other shoes – because there is no gap.

We've stood in small streams wearing these and tested that the membrane is indeed watertight. Naturally, it means you lose some breathability but as far as waterproof shoes go, we've been fairly comfortable in these even on quite warm days.

Stability seemed doubtful, given the extremely plush foam midsole, but we were quite happy on a relatively rocky Swiss trail in these. It's helpful that the NavicFit technology secures the boot around your foot so there's minimal movement.

As for traction, we've tested this boot against steep slopes, mud, grass and crumbly trails in the Alps and are yet to slip. In addition to that, they're extremely comfortable out of the box and even worn over long days.

The sole is extremely flexible, which adds stability, but we can't help but wonder how it would hold up against the toughest trails. We'd love to see more recycled materials used, but if you're looking for a comfortable, performance-ready boot for fast hiking at a decent price, this is it.

Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Hiking Shoe: in the field

Columbia hiking shoes have often missed the mark for me, but this spring, the Konos TRS OutDry came along and changed all that. It was so comfortable and grippy that it became my go-to shoe this summer. So when I was offered the chance to test the mid-height version on a recent trip to Val d'Anniviers in the Swiss Alps, I was very keen to see if the boot-style would perform as well as the low-cut shoe.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

As usual, I went up a half size and tested a US 6 to give my feet plenty of room to swell, which was a good call as I think these shoes run slightly small. There was room for my feet, but any smaller and I think my toes would have been bashing on the ends during the downhills.

These boots have what Columbia calls its NavicFit technology which I learned whilein Switzerland means it's designed to hug the navicular bone across the midfoot. This explains why I get such a nice, neat fit from these boots. The toe box isn't enormously wide but by going up a half size, I had enough room and the lacing system lets me secure these around the ankle while my feet still have a little room.

Straight out of the box, I could tell these shoes were every bit as comfortable as the trainer-style version, with an extremely plush and flexible midsole that makes them feel more like walking in slippers than boots. I ended up wearing them all day for two days in a row without any breaking in and never experienced any rubbing or discomfort, even across the top of my foot which can be a problem area for me as I have high arches.

Breathability and protection

Let's get one thing straight: waterproof clothing and shoes are never as breathable as non-waterproof gear, no matter how breathable the membrane. I took a bit of a risk testing them on this trip since it was early September which meant the temperatures were already warm and there wasn't much rain in the forecast. I'd also tested the Columbia Facet 75 Alpha Outdry shoes in the Alps a year ago and found them to be extremely sweaty. However, while my feet got a little warm in these and I would ordinarily save them for cooler weather, I was impressed by their breathability.

As for protection, I waded through a few springs and streams and the waterproof membrane, which is bonded to the upper rather than a separate bootie, works a charm. There's also ample protection from trail hazards thanks to reinforced uppers everywhere I'd want them.

Grip, stability and responsiveness

Because these shoes use the same outsole technology as the low-cut version, I was pretty confident in their ability to stick to the trails but it was still good to take them on some steep alpine descents, muddy slopes and wet rocks to put that theory to the test. The only time I lost traction was stepping on a wet and exposed piece of plastic piping, which isn't exactly your typical hiking surface. The traction is great even though the plush and flexible soles really don't appear to be as rugged as some and I think they're a good match for anything I'm likely to encounter.

The chunky sole definitely doesn't look super stable, and I do hike with poles so that always helps my balance, but I didn't have any issues with stability. I think the added flex in the midsole actually improves my ability to walk with a normal gait even over rough ground, while the foam gives a nice, responsive ride.

Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Hiking Shoe: the bottom line

If you're looking for all-day comfort and excellent traction in a mid-cut hiking shoe, it's hard to poke any holes in this choice, especially given the price point. The only issue is that they're not available in a non-waterproof option so if you live in a more arid climate, you could definitely find them too warm, however the low cut option is available without the membrane. Compare these to the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid Gore-Tex for another option that delivers out-of-the-box comfort and grip.

• How Advnture tests products

Cold weather is on the way, and at the headquarters of Columbia Sportswear, that can only mean one thing: a new technology is being unveiled.

The Oregon-based outdoor brand was founded in 1938 and has differentiated itself from other outdoor brands by developing its own technologies to help keep you warm, cool, dry and protected when you’re outside. There’s OutDry Extreme, their waterproof membrane that can be worn on the outside of waterproof jackets and rain pants eliminating the need for harmful chemicals, Omni-Wick which can be found in running leggings to keep you dry and cool when it’s hot and then there’s the whole Omni-Heat “family” which is a group of insulating technologies for cold conditions.

I’ve already written about Omni-Heat Infinity, which uses small metallic gold dots on the lining of clothing like the Arch Rock Double Wall Elite Hooded Jacket to act like an emergency blanket and reflect your body heat back to you. Then there’s Omni-Heat Helix, which uses tiny foam pads in the lining of fleece jackets that act like sleeping pads to hold heat close to your body. This season, the brand is launching Omni-Heat Arctic, and I recently returned from a trip to Val d’Anniviers, Switzerland where I got to test the technology myself in high-altitude conditions to find out what it’s all about and whether it works.

What is Omni-Heat Arctic? 

Unlike Omni-Heat Infinity, which uses space technology to keep you warm, for Omni-Heat Arctic, Columbia looked to planet earth for inspiration. Polar bears reside in the Arctic, where temperatures can plunge to as low as -50°F in winter. As the non-profit Polar Bears International explains, polar bears look white, but they actually have heat-absorbing black skin and two layers of translucent fur that prevent almost all heat loss. 

Omni-Heat Arctic uses an approach called “biomimicry” – copying strategies found in nature to solve design problems and seen in innovations like synthetic fleece instead of wool – to create what the company calls “a solar-capture insulation system” that delivers lightweight, high-efficiency warmth boosted by solar power. In this case, it means a black yarn in the lining of clothing that absorbs the sun’s rays while conventional insulation like down or fleece helps trap it there, in addition to your own body-generated heat.

How does Omni-Heat Arctic keep you warm? 

Whereas previous iterations of Omni-Heat come down to reflective technology, Omni-Heat Arctic acts like a magnet, helping to attract the sun’s rays and then holding that heat close to your skin. The lining of the Arctic Crest Down Hooded Jacket has a pattern of small black dots to draw the sun’s UV rays to the layer closest to your skin, acting similarly to how a polar bear’s skin works.

“If you’re in a very, very cold environment, it will still absorb heat by heat radiation so it automatically heats up your jacket when you’re in a low ambient air temperature,” explains TJ Bradley, a sales manager for Columbia in Ireland.

Essentially, the black lining boosts the insulation that your jacket is already providing, particularly in low ambient temperatures, and means you can stay warmer with fewer layers.

Does Omni-Heat Arctic actually work? 

“Innovation is no good if it’s not relevant,” says Bradley, and in general I’ve found Columbia’s technologies to be both relevant to spending time outdoors and effective, but how does Omni-Heat hold up against cold conditions?

Those of us who like adventuring into high alpine zones are always looking for lightweight ways to stay warm, and last week I tested two jackets with the Omni-Heat Arctic technology: the down jacket which I already mentioned and the Arctic Crest Sherpa Full Zip Fleece Jacket. I haven’t taken either to the Arctic, but I wore them both for some cold early morning hikes and sunrise yoga outdoors and above 7,000 feet. 

What I can say with certainty is that both jackets are extremely warm instantaneously, and the down jacket is very light. On one brisk morning in the Italian Alps,  I was the only one out of a group of seven journalists that didn’t have chattering teeth, even though I was wearing hiking shorts on my lower half, so I was pleased with the performance.

That said, there are some instances where it definitely won’t work as well. For example, if you’re wearing a jacket with Omni-Heat Arctic and it’s raining, you’ll likely put on a waterproof jacket over the top, which blocks the UV absorption. That said, the puffer jacket is water-resistant, so they’ve clearly thought about that. 

Similarly, the jackets that incorporate Omni-Heat Arctic will still keep you warm at night, but without UV rays not necessarily more so than any other jacket with the same amount of insulation. That said, if you’re seeking more out of your insulated jackets for very cold conditions but not looking to add more insulation or layers, it’s a good place to start.

• The best synthetic puffer jackets

I just returned from a three-day trail running adventure across the Swiss Alps. Everything that I brought with me, I had to carry on my back and even though it’s the middle of July, I was going to be running at high altitude so I knew I’d most likely be in for warm days and cool nights.

I decided to bring a pair of running shorts, in case it was warm, as well as a pair of running leggings for cool days and cold nights. As the trip drew closer, I was advised that the Verbier area had experienced a lot of rain, with more in the forecast, so I decided to pack my Columbia Women's Back Beauty Warm Hybrid Leggings for my long pants option.

Honestly, these leggings aren’t strictly for trail running, but they’re a little more robust than most of my running/yoga leggings, which I thought was a good idea for such rugged terrain. Because I’d worn them in the Alps last fall during a hut hiking trip where the weather was seasonably warm and had been comfortable, I was pretty sure they’d do the trick and keep me more protected if the weather did take a turn for the worse.

I hadn’t worn these pants since their debut nine months ago, and as I was packing them, I noticed that they’re made with Columbia’s Omni-Wick technology. Having written about several other Columbia technologies – Omni Heat, Omni Heat Helix and OutDry Extreme to name a few – I decided to use the trip to learn more about Omni-Wick and test it in the field. Read on to find out what Omni-Wick is and how it can work for you under sweaty conditions.

What is Omni-Wick?

Omni-Wick is one of dozens of fabric technologies developed by the brand Columbia Sportswear and therefore you’ll only find it in their clothing. It’s one of two technologies under the label of Wicking Technologies that the Oregon-based brand has developed.

Wicking technologies are those that keep you dry, but not by fending off the rain as in waterproofing technology. Omni-Wick is designed to handle that moisture that your own body releases when you work up a sweat while hiking or running up a mountain, so that moisture can leave your skin and evaporate through your clothes, allowing you to cool off. 

According to Columbia, Omni-Wick is a performance-grade wicking technology built for outdoor activity in warm weather with the following benefits:

• Allows moisture to move away from the body to accelerate evaporation
• Quick drying
• Enhanced next-to-skin comfort

In addition to my leggings, we’ve seen it in hiking shirts like the Newton Ridge short sleeve, running tights like the Tunnel Springs Wool Tights and hiking pants like the Silver Ridge Utility Convertible pants.

How does Omni-Wick keep you dry?

According to Columbia's official video on Omni-Wick, the fabric moves sweat away from your skin into the material where it spreads across the surface, which allows it to more quickly evaporate, unlike fabrics such as cotton which will absorb and hold onto moisture. This means you stay dry, which helps prevent chafing, and also means you stay cooler when it’s hot and don’t get chilled if you stop moving because the fabric won’t be soaked and clammy.

Unlike some of their other fabrics, there isn’t as much information out there as to how this technology works. For example, because Omni Heat is based on NASA technology, there’s lots to explain regarding how it reflects your body heat like an emergency blanket. However, the description for Omni-Wick is essentially the same as you’ll find for any moisture-wicking fabric.

Does Omni-Wick actually work?

Without so many scientific explanations for how and why Omni-Wick works, I’m left to my own experience and, at least in terms of these leggings, I’d answer this question with a resounding yes. 

I ended up wearing the leggings for two out of my three days running, during which time I never got caught in the rain. Instead, it was sunny and even though I was moving at altitudes of over 8,000 feet, daytime temperatures were still in the 70s. Everyone else on the trail was in shorts. The sunlight was intense and the slopes were steep. In other words, I should have been pretty uncomfortable wearing black leggings with the word “warm” in the title. But I really wasn’t. 

I stayed comfortable on the uphills and when I stopped for breaks, I wasn’t damp and never felt chilly. Likewise, my colleague Pat Kinsella gave Omni-Wick a glowing review when he tested the Tunnel Springs Wool Tights on frosty adventures last winter, where staying dry becomes important to avoid getting cold when you slow down.

I’m not saying that wearing leggings for summer trail running is for everyone by any means, but I am saying that I trust this technology to keep me dry in a wide range of conditions. Now that I’ve tested these pants out in warm alpine conditions for several adventures, I’d happily wear Omni-Wick fabrics again for high-intensity endeavors whether it’s hot or cold out.

• Can you go hiking in yoga pants?

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Park View Fleece: first impressions

As is often the case with Columbia apparel, the Park View Fleece prioritizes function over form and fashion, and at first glance it can seem like pretty everyday item. This top is much more technical than it first appears, however, and I have been particularly impressed with its versatility.

Fairly thin for a fleece, it’s armed with Omniwick tech that makes it ideal for wearing during active pursuits ranging from hiking and biking, right through to climbing and canoeing.

The Columbia Park View Fleece is intended as an outerwear garment during the summer months and into fall, when it’s perfect for chilly mornings and post-sunset hangouts at the crag and camp. It’s also an ideal midlayer that works without adding too much bulk when you wear it over a base layer and beneath a waterproof shell, puffer jacket, softshell or windcheater in spring, late fall and winter. 

Columbia Park View Fleece: design and materials

Available in a spectrum of colors for men and women, the Columbia Park View Fleece is constructed entirely from polyester (although, sadly, none of it appears to be recycled, which is disappointing for any modern synthetic garment, but especially a fleece).  

With a smooth outer face, the inner features the grid pattern of Columbia’s Omniwick fabric technology, which is designed to promote moisture management during dynamic activities – so when you work up a sweat on the hills, trails and crags, it is wicked away to the outside of the garment, meaning you’re not left feeling uncomfortably damp or at risk of getting cold due to wind chill.

There’s no hood on this full-zip top, but it boasts a high collar with a chin guard to prevent skin/beard hair becoming caught in the zipper. The sleeves have thumb loops, which I always like to see on a midlayer garment, and an elasticated cuff. There are two hand pockets on the Columbia Park View Fleece, and a chest pocket on the left breast – all with zippers that feature long pull cords so you can operate them with cold hands or when you have hiking gloves on.

So far, so good, but you can only really tell how a top performs once you’ve used it in the wild, and I have spent the last seven months putting this one through its paces in a wide range of environments, and in all sorts of weather conditions, to see how it performs compared to the best fleeces on the market. 

Columbia Park View Fleece: on the trails

I first wore the Columbia Park View Fleece during an autumnal hut-hiking adventure in the French Alps with my colleague Julia, where we were trail-testing a whole new range of Columbia gear with product experts from the brand. At the time it was probably the least eye-catching element of the entire collection, which included the Arch Rock Double Wall Elite Insulated Jacket (which contains NASA-technology no less), but I wore it for the entire trip, and it has been the garment I have grabbed more often than any of the others over the last nine months.

Its non-flashy appearance belies a very versatile and functional top, and I have now worn the Columbia Park View Fleece during all four seasons of the year. And not just because I had to test it, but because it offered just the right level of thermal protection and performance for whatever I was doing at the time – be that going for a hike, heading out on my bike, scrambling around a rockface, camping with the kids or walking the dog.

When I’m breaking a sweat doing something active, like trekking or bikepacking, the top deals with the moisture so I don’t feel damp and start shivering when I pause for food or a break. I like the fact that it doesn’t have a hood (a feature that’s often more of an annoyance than an asset when you’re out in the wilds), and I especially love the little features like the thumb loops that stop the sleeves riding up my arms when I put an extra layer on.

There aren’t many things to write home about with the Columbia Park View Fleece – it’s just a well-designed, solid performer of a top, which works in a massive range of environments and conditions. And it’s priced very reasonably too: the list price is $60 / £65, but you will often see it for less than half that (making it cheaper than many technical running T-shirts and hiking shirts, and you get a lot more bang for your buck with this top).

I have noticed some slight fraying on the stitching around one of the elasticated cuffs, but this doesn’t look too serious, and the polyestor construction means this is a robust and tough top, which should last for years. It’s just a pity no recycled content has been used – something Columbia could and should put right very easily.

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking Trousers: first impressions 

Anyone hiking in wet weather needs a reliable set of rain pants in their backpack to pull on at a moment's notice and this pair gives you a sturdy shield against a proper deluge. Using Columbia's innovative OutDry Extreme technology, which wears the membrane on the outside, they're reasonably light, fully waterproof, breathable and easy to care for.

These rain pants are designed to be over pants, worn over your leggings or hiking trousers and because the membrane is worn on the outside, they're lightweight which makes them a good choice for both summer and winter hiking. The OutDry membrane works a treat against a heavy downpour and we couldn't find any weak spots anywhere thanks to a good design and fully taped seams.

We were able to pull these on and off in the field while wearing hiking boots, but the leg zips only go up to the knee and full zips might make things a little easier. An adjustable waist and ankles mean you can cinch these tightly when it's blowing a gale, and three proper zipped pockets are handy if you have to wear them for hours.

They're breathable in milder, wet conditions and roll up into quite a small package (about the size of a regular water bottle) so they're easy to cart around, although they're a little pricey for something you might just bring along as a backup.

The OutDry membrane is a little unusual looking, but it's getting less shiny and more palatable with each passing design, and one of the great benefits of it is that it's easy to wipe clean. This combined with the recycled polyester, lack of PFCs and no need for a DWR make these a good sustainable choice for the eco-conscious hiker.

Columbia Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking Trousers: in the field

I've got to test out a few pieces from Columbia made with their OutDry Extreme membrane in the past couple of years, including their OutDry Extreme Mesh Waterproof Hooded Shell Jacket and the Coral Ridge ODX waterproof jacket. I like the technology. It looks a bit like an old-school oil cloth which takes some getting used to, and the fact that I was sent a cream pair of pants to test certainly didn't help my self-consciousness on the trail, but there's no denying that it works against the rain.

This is the first time I've got to test it out the fabric in a pair of rain pants and I've been wearing these around the UK for a couple of months now.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing and fit 

I am somewhere in between an XS and a small and Columbia's sizing can be a little erratic in my experience. I tested an XS in these pants, which overall fits well, but they sent me them in short, which is maybe a little short. Anyway, I think they run slightly on the large side since they're meant to be worn as an overpant.

The fit definitely isn't the most flattering on me, and I think that's made worse by the fact I tested a pair with a short inseam. I wouldn't usually expect a pair of rain pants to be hugely flattering, but there's something about the design of these that doesn't look great on me. However, they're not too loose or too tight so that's a good start.

Weight and packability

These aren't quite as light as my Hazy Trail Waterproof trousers, but they are pretty light and very packable, rolling up nicely to the size of my Contigo Cortland Autoseal water bottle. That means they're no problem to bring along on any hike.

Waterproofing and breathability 

If you don't know, the OutDry Extreme technology puts the membrane on the outside so there's no outer layer of fabric to eventually wet out. That means these trousers, and any other clothing that uses the membrane, will actually keep you dry. That's assuming, of course, that they're well designed, and with taped seams and zipped pockets, I've yet to find any place where water will breach my defenses.

The membrane is also designed to be more breathable, since the fabric part is next to your skin, and that is a surprise, because the touch and feel of the material definitely feels as though it would be anything but breathable. In the conditions I've tested them in so far, however, they appear to be as breathable as the jackets I've tested, which is to say they do a great job.

Functionality and other features

With articulated knees it's easy to move around in these pants (again, they appear stiff but aren't) and I was able to get them on and off recently while wearing a pair of fairly large hiking boots. However, the 3/4 length zips really only go up to the knee so I had to work a little harder than I'd like and I'd prefer a full leg zip. 

The pockets, on the other hand, are great. Deep enough for gear, zipped and protected by little flaps. But probably the detail I appreciate the most is how easy these are to clean. I won't lie – I balked when I saw the color, as I wouldn't normally willingly wear anything cream out in the mountains. I made a point of kneeling down in the mud in these while camping in South Downs National Park, however, and was able to wipe them clean with my camping towel, which is a great perk of any garment that uses the OutdDry Extreme membrane in my opinion.

Columbia Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking Trousers: the bottom line

As usual, the OutDry Extreme membrane is a little strange-looking and you can feel a bit conspicuous wearing these on the hill, especially if you wear any color other than black. If you're interested in staying dry though, these rain pants will definitely do the job, though they're a little on the pricey side. If you're in the market for a more traditional look at this price point, check out the Mountain Equipment Makalu Pants which are the same weight.

• How Advnture tests products

If people are uncomfortable when they go out on the hiking trail, chances are they’ll turn back. In its mission to make the outdoors accessible to everyone, Columbia Sportswear's wants to make sure you’re comfortable, and stay out longer. Among other things, that means you stay dry and warm when it’s wet and cold out, and the legacy brand has easily invested more in technologies designed to ensure that than any other outdoors outfit.

As I write this, I’ve just got back from a day of foraging and hiking with Columbia in South Downs National Park in the south of England. With the UK’s spring bringing reliably blustery weather and boggy conditions always a strong possibility, I’ve been armed with a pair of Konos TRS OutDry hiking shoes and Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking trousers to see if they’re up to the task of keeping wet weather at bay. Both are made using the latest version of Columbia’s OutDry Extreme technology. Sounds promising, but what exactly is it? And does it work?

I’ve already written about a few Columbia technologies that help people get and stay outdoors, such as Omni Heat, which uses space technology to reflect your body heat back to you while allowing excess warmth to escape, and OmniHeat Helix, which uses the same closed-cell foam pods you’ll find in a sleeping pad in fleece jackets. In this article, I take a look at OutDry Extreme, which might just revolutionize how we approach waterproof gear.

What is OutDry Extreme? 

Not too long ago, Columbia Sportswear was the world’s biggest buyer of Gore-Tex, the best-known breathable waterproof membrane on the market. The partnership makes sense, with Columbia kitting hikers out with waterproof jackets, rain pants and waterproof hiking shoes to help get people outdoors for decades. These days, however, the Oregon-based brand makes all of its own technologies – currently totaling more than 30 – including OutDry Extreme.

OutDry Extreme is Columbia’s most advanced breathable waterproof membrane, and you’ll find it in lots of their rainwear such as jackets, pants, hats and shoes (it’s sometimes labeled as ODX). It was developed by an Italian company which was acquired by Columbia and debuted in their gear in 2016.

“It works like the old vinyl rain slickers, except we made the vinyl layer breathable,” explains Dr. Haskell Beckham, Columbia’s VP of innovation.

If you’ve bought any waterproof gear in recent years, you’ll likely have heard the term “waterproof membrane” and wondered what on earth it means. Until OutDry Extreme came along, it was hard to tell, since it’s always sandwiched in between the face fabric and lining. Even if you cut a garment up, you wouldn’t really be able to extract the membrane and study it, so you just have to trust that it’s there and will keep you dry.

OutDry Extreme, however, is the first membrane designed to be laminated to the outside of a garment, so in clothes like the OutDry Ex Lightweight Shell Jacket, it’s the part of the jacket that you touch and everyone can see. The membrane isn’t totally unlike an old-fashioned oil skin in that it’s quick slick to look at and touch, but it’s super lightweight and flexible, and even though it’s designed to keep rain out, it also lets sweat escape. When it appears in clothing, the seams are also taped on the outside using the same membrane. 

What are the benefits of OutDry Extreme? 

Columbia isn’t the only outdoor brand to invest in developing its own waterproof membrane instead of relying on Gore-Tex, and it’s fair to wonder if there’s any clear reason to choose this one over another. There are several benefits to OutDry Extreme that, so far, appear to be unique to this particular technology, as well as a few you can find elsewhere.

As we explained, OutDry Extreme is the first membrane designed to go on the outside of a garment, and the fact that it’s not covered by another fabric means that there’s no need to add a Durable Water Repellent. This makes it more sustainable, because it means there’s no nasty chemicals being sprayed on your jacket, and it requires less maintenance, because eventually DWR needs to be reapplied. 

However, the most important point here is that placing the membrane on the outside means that your garmet is actually more waterproof. That’s right. In a typical waterproof jacket, the outer fabric can repel a certain amount of moisture but eventually, it wets out. With OutDry Extreme, the outer fabric is hydrophobic and doesn’t collect moisture, so it never wets out.

“I remember the day I learned about the idea. My jaw hit the floor. Such a great idea. It solves so many problems, recalls Beckham.

“It’s how rain jackets should have been made all along.”

There’s no doubt that other brands will be keen to replicate this success, but naturally, the technology is patented so for now, you’ll have to shop Columbia for this impressive perk.

The oilskin-like quality of it also means that garments using OutDry are basically wipe-clean, which not only cuts down on maintenance, it means your clothes end up needing less (or zero) machine washing. This in turn increases the sustainability of the garment, because it makes it likely to last longer.

According to Haskell, OutDry Extreme is also more breathable, because the membrane faces outward and the fabric faces your body, which spreads any vapor from sweat out better before it reaches the membrane, making it easier for the membrane to process and transport it away from your skin.

Also on the sustainability front, because it’s not bonded to a face fabric, the membrane can be dope dyed in production, which uses less chemicals and zero water, as compared to traditional dying methods. It’s also PFC-free, and while these two factors are no longer unique to OutDry Extreme and don’t tell the whole story when it comes to improving sustainability, it’s a strong signal that a more environmental approach is at least in the ether at Columbia.

Finally, if you get a pair of shoes with the membrane, it’s laminated to the inside of the shoe rather than constructed as a separate bootie. The bootie approach, which you’ll see in shoes that use Gore-Tex, means there’s a gap between the outer mesh and membrane and in this gap gathers rain. As you might have learned from experience on a boggy hike, this gap means eventually, your shoes wet out, your hiking socks get soaked and if you’re on a long walk, you could end up with blisters.

Remove the gap, and once again you’ve got a pair of shoes that should, in theory, never wet out – the proof will ultimately be in the pudding, of course, because the membrane in a shoe is stressed at the points where your foot bends, and if that compromises the membrane you’ve got a deluge on your feet.

Is Columbia OutDry Extreme actually waterproof? 

Columbia isn’t the first brand to claim they’ve invented (or patented) a waterproof membrane, and they all claim to be totally waterproof and breathable – but if you’ve ever left the house in waterproof gear, you might have learned that you don’t always come home dry. So does OutDry Extreme really do what it says it does? Or is it just another fad?

I’ve been testing gear with OutDry Extreme for a few years now, and I can say that the fabric itself is truly watertight. While writing this article, I actually ran my Wyldwood rain pants under the tap for a bit, then laid them on a table with a little pool of water on them, and not a drop ever gets through.

That said, some aspects can make a garment less waterproof even when the fabric is failsafe – largely, the design. I tested the Coral Ridge jacket last year and didn’t cinch the hood properly, so I got a little wet around my head and neck, but that’s mostly user error. And as I’ve mentioned, the nature of shoes could mean a weakening of the membrane over time. With a well-designed garment, however, like the Wyldwood pants or OutDry Extreme Mesh Jacket, you’re looking at a dry hike even on the wettest of days.

Although this membrane was launched back in 2016, the company is continually updating it and I can see a huge difference between that OutDry Extreme Mesh, which I tested on the West Highland Way two years ago, and the Wyldwood today. It’s lighter, less swishy, more flexible and super breathable. So yes, OutDry Extreme is actually waterproof, and it’s only getting better.

• How to waterproof a jacket: stay dry with our easy guide

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Konos TRS Outdry hiking shoe: first impressions 

It's no longer the case that every hike requires a sturdy boot and for many of us, a decent pair of trail shoes will more than suffice for days on the trail. However, not everyone wants to sacrifice grip and protection for the comfort of a lighter shoe. That's where the most comfortable hiking boots and shoes come in, of which the Konos TRS is one.

These ultra light hiking shoes are designed to let you walk for miles and scramble on steep terrain in comfort. A plush midsole is designed to absorb the impact of each step and return energy to you as you stride, while deep grooves in the forefoot provide enough flex that your toes can bend properly. Though the lugs aren't the deepest, the outsoles delivered good traction when we tested them out on steep, wet slopes.

You can all but guarantee out-of-the-box comfort with these sneaker-style shoes, though the toe box may be a little narrow for some feet but the lacing system allows for some versatility. The uppers have kept our feet dry striding through bogs and, even though we've been testing these in colder weather, we haven't struggled with the breathability. 

Reinforcements mean the uppers will give you good protection on rocky trails without adding much weight and overall, we've been able to walk for hours in these with happy feet. The price of these shoes is really appealing for anyone wanting the comfort of a trainer but some grip and protection, however we'd love to see some recycled materials used in the next iteration.

Columbia Konos TRS Outdry hiking shoe: in the field

When I lived in Colorado's Rockies, I spent 11 years hiking in trail running shoes. They were comfortable and had plenty of grip for rocky, dry trails. Upon returning to Scotland three years ago, I quickly realized that I'd need to embrace hiking boots once again, since our trails are often non-existent, and usually boggy. But I miss hiking in shoes, and though I've tried a few pairs of Columbia's trainer-style shoes, I've struggled to find a pair I really liked. Until now.

I first tested the Konos TRS OutDry shoes on a long but mellow cross country stroll before realizing they were up to tougher stuff. Next I wore them up a Corbett and finally a Munro.

Here’s how they performed:

Fit and comfort

I'm technically a 3.5 in UK sizing but always go up to a 4 and that usually gives my feet enough room to swell, though occasionally I still find myself wanting more room if the toe box is narrow. I think the 4 for these is about perfect for me, however, some hikers may want to go up a full size for more room around the toes. 

There's nice, secure lockdown fit around my heel and midfoot, though these would be too snug with thick hiking socks. However, I'm honestly unlikely to pair thick socks with a trainer-style shoe since I'd only wear them if it was really cold, and then I'd want a boot.

Some Columbia hiking shoes I've tested have rubbed at the heel, but these felt great from the moment I put them on and, thanks to the cushioning, meaning I can walk for four hours without my feet feeling tired.

Protection and breathability

I think there's a general assumption that with trainers, you give up a degree of protection, and of course, water can more easily get in over the top and you can bash your ankles. However, besides those two things, I think these uppers are nicely reinforced so I wouldn't think twice about wearing them on a rockier trail. I hadn't checked the label to see if they were waterproof before heading out, but I decided to stride through the first bog I came to in the name of journalism and was thrilled to discover not a drop came through.

I've been testing these in fairly cool or cold conditions, and I haven't had any overheating in my feet which is a relief. That said, you always give up some breathability for waterproofing, so I'll be interested to see how these hold up in the summer months (though fingers crossed, the bogs will dry up a bit and I won't need waterproof shoes).

Grip and stability

You can tell by looking at the soles of these shoes that the lugs aren't super deep, so I was impressed by the grip I got when hiking down an extremely steep, grassy and wet slope recently. It's a hike I do often and I nearly always slip and fall when I'm on it, but not this time.

As for stability, I've struggled with Columbia shoes in the past that have a chunky rocker sole but these manage to have quite a thick midsole for comfort without tilting up at the toe, so I enjoyed a fairly stable ride in them.

Durability and value

I haven't been testing these long enough to say how long they'll last, but they shoe signs of being reasonably durable, with the reinforced toe box. A little of the outsole is on display to cut weight, which could increase their vulnerability.

Compared to other hiking shoes, I think the value of these is great. They're a compelling price and offer some good technical details, such as waterproofing and good grip.

Columbia Konos TRS Outdry hiking shoe: the bottom line

If you're looking for all-day comfort in a trainer-style hiking shoe but need some protection from the elements, these shoes are a great place to start. If you need something a little more technical in terms of traction and have more money to spend, check out the AKU Rocket DFS GTX.

• How Advnture tests products

Cinematographer Seth Ezekiel West has been bringing some sick skate-style filmmaking techniques to extreme kayaking for a while now, but his newly-released 15-minute short on YouTube, 'Hallelujah', has to be his magnum opus. 

It captures the joy and rush and excitement of top level kayaking with such a joy and passion that it makes you immediately want to rush out and fling yourself over a 50-foot waterfall in a small plastic torpedo yourself (except you suspect you’d probably bottle it).

Hallelujah showcases a range of the amazing rapids, waterfalls, along the Pacific Northwest’s Columbia River Gorge as well as the kayakers who dare to paddle them.

Highlights include the Bridal Veil Falls, Punchbowl Falls, Money Drop and Outlet Falls. None of them are for the faint-hearted. 

There’s also a section shot at the controversial Celestial Falls, which it is technically illegal for kayakers to negotiate for safety reasons, though which – as the film explains in its end credits in a call to legalize the falls – many kayakers continue to use, and which has become part of popular culture.

“In most action or extreme sports there’s a defined idea of what a film looks like. If you mention a term like ‘skate video’, a certain style of shooting and editing pops into your head, and I’ve always felt like whitewater kayaking is missing that,” says West. 

“With a new generation of paddlers taking the reins I think it’s time for a new definition of how a kayaking edit should feel. Hallelujah is my contribution to the community with some ideas of what I think that style could look like. As we progress more and more into downriver freestyle, it feels like a bit of skate culture is intermingled with kayaking, while there’s still that need for crisp slow motion shots that embrace the essence of sending a big waterfall.

“I’m hoping this edit reopens the conversation on what a whitewater kayaking video should look like in the 2020s, and inspires the next generation to define the new style of the sport.”

• Types of wetsuit: a handy guide to choosing wetsuits

Hiking season is here, and if your gear needs a refresh, the REI clearance sale is the perfect opportunity to pick up something new. The store is offering huge discounts on discontinued clothing, shoes, bags and accessories, from big brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia, and Arc'teryx.

These deals won't last long and the most popular sizes are likely to sell out fast, so you'll need to act quickly if you see something you like. We've put together a collection of our favorite deals below, or you can use the quick links here to browse the sale yourself. Happy hiking!

Quick links

• All clearance deals: shop the whole REI sale
• Patagonia deals: save up to 70% off clothing
• Columbia deals: half price hiking essentials
• The North Face deals: jackets and fleeces
• Arc'teryx deals: climbing and hiking gear

Top deals

• The best budget hiking boots: affordable options tested and rated

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Tunnel Springs Wool Tights: first impressions

Made with a material mix that’s majority merino wool, these thermal leggings accompany the Columbia Tunnel Springs Wool Crew Baselayer top to supply a full-body base layer suit of soft, protective armour designed to help you keep comfortable in cold conditions while exploring the outdoors. 

It is, it has to be said, a pretty expensive thermal underwear combo, but the garments are made with an eco-minded and high-performing material mix of merino wool and lyocell. 

The benefits of the former are well known: merino wool is a natural and near-magical material that keeps you warm in the cold (even when wet) and cools you when it’s hot. It feels lovely next to your skin, breathes beautifully, wicks moisture away from your body with aplomb, contains proteins that break down stink-causing bacteria and can be worn for several days without needing to be washed. 

All of these properties make merino a perfect ingredient for technical underwear, but it’s not especially robust, especially at a low GSM, and no one wants to wear thick undies. So Columbia have mixed it with lyocell, a tougher fabric made from the fibers of wood (mainly eucalyptus), which has been heralded as an eco-friendly alternative to cotton and synthetics such as polyester.

Both the Tunnel Springs top and tights are armed with Omni-Wick technology, which Colombia claims offers enhanced wicking capability to move moisture away from your body to exterior of the garment, where it can evaporate. I’m not disputing this happens – both garments do indeed wick moisture very well – but I do rather think this is just one of the many naturally occurring properties of the merino wool material that features so heavily in the content of the clothes, which the brand has cheekily rebadged as something they invented. It’s still a great feature, I just think the sheep should get a little more credit, instead of the product designers taking all the glory.

The Tunnel Springs Tights feature flat seams and elasticated waist and ankle bands, which comfortably keep them in place when you’re out and about, but there are no foot stirrups (which can be a mixed blessing anyway, with many people disliking the band that runs under your foot).

Columbia Tunnel Springs Wool Tights: in the field (and in the sack)

I’ve been wearing my Tunnel Springs tights during hut-hiking escapades in the French Alps and on chilly winter walks and frosty trail runs in the south of England, as well as during some cold nights sleeping out.

I love merino garments, and these tights are sumptuously comfortable to wear, with no prickliness or itchy irritation at all. While using them overnight, effectively as thermal pyjamas in a sleeping bag, they just kept me warm and I completely forgot I was wearing them. Perfect. 

When I wore them under hiking trousers and rain pants it was a similar story – they just kept my legs nice and toasty without being noticeable or impeding my movements at all. I haven’t had the opportunity to wear them beneath salopettes or ski pants in the snow yet, but I’m confident they will perform perfectly in such a scenario.

On several especially frosty mornings I’ve been out running in them, and while they’re not quite as suited to this purpose as a good pair of purpose-built running leggings (with a merino material finish, the Tunnel Springs garments are designed primarily as underwear, and can easily snag on brambles), they did a good job of keeping me warm while wicking moisture away.

I wore them beneath running shorts, which did leave me with the old dilemma of whether undies should be worn beneath tights in such situations… and I can happily report that the Tunnel Springs can comfortably be worn commando style without any irritation.

• How Advnture tests products

The lunar lander scheduled to go to the moon this week will be protected from the sun's heat by a fabric used in Columbia Sportswear's outdoor gear. 

Omni Heat Infinity, the gold foil material in some of Columbia's best puffer jackets, winter hiking boots and ski jackets, uses the same technology found in emergency blankets to reflect your own body heat back to you.

It's typically used when you're facing the harshest conditions on the mountain, but this mission will mean it is used to insulate a spacecraft against the harsh temperatures of space, which can vary between -156°C and 120°C.  

According to an official press release, the propriety heat-reflective technology developed for hikers is set to go to space on Wednesday, with the upcoming launch of Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander, named Odysseus, which according to Space will be the first-ever private spacecraft to land on the moon. The mission is part of a broader goal to return humans to the moon, something that hasn't occurred since 1972.

“As an apparel company developing outdoor products for all seasons and all activities, it’s imperative that we test our technologies in the most extreme conditions and find ways to innovate beyond our customers’ current needs,” says Dr Haskell Beckham, Vice President of Innovation at Columbia Sportswear.

“Taking key learnings from this partnership, we’ll be able to create new products that will help people enjoy more of the outdoors – regardless of conditions – and ultimately unlock the outdoors for everyone here on Earth.” 

The job of the lunar lander is to use small NASA cameras to explore how the shuttle will affect the moon's surface. These findings will help scientists better understand and predict the effects of landings on the lunar surface as part of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to establish a long term lunar presence.

In order to be successful, the lander will need to be protected from the sun's rays using the same fabric found in the lining of the Columbia Infinity Summit Double Wall Down Hooded Jacket, which we tested on a hut hiking trip to the Alps last year. It definitely kept us insulated during cold Alpine nights, but only time will tell whether it can stand up to the demands of the sun.

The liftoff of the IM-1 lunar mission is targeted for Wednesday, February 14 at 12:57am EST / 6:57am CET / 11:57am GMT. The mission will be streamed live on NASA TV and https://www.intuitivemachines.com/im-1. 

• The best down jackets: stay warm when the temperature drops

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Hazy Trail Waterproof Walking Trousers: first impressions

These down-to-earth Columbia Hazy Trail Waterproof Walking Trousers do their main job well, without making a massive song and dance about it. They have several good features – including proper pockets, an integrated carry pouch, reflective details and calf zips – but they’re really just designed to do one thing: keep your legs and hiking pants dry during sudden rain and snow storms when you’re out hiking.

The 2.5-layer Hazy Trail trousers are made with Columbia’s own Omni-Tech material, with a microporous membrane incorporated into a polyester-based laminate (none of which is recycled, sadly) that is tasked with keeping wind and water out while allowing the wearer’s body to breathe. 

According to Columbia’s own tech scale Omni-Tech provides protection against “light to medium rain and snow” in “mild conditions” and during “moderate activity”. So let’s be clear: while these pants are well suited for day walking, hiking and trekking at up to low alpine level, they’re not designed or intended for climbing mountains or taking on anything too extreme.

I’ve been told that, as a public-listed company, Columbia don’t publish the results of technical testing on their garments or the materials used (which seems odd, frankly), so I’ve no idea what the verified hydrostatic head (HH) or breathability rating of these pants is, but third-party sources (and Dr Haskell Beckham, Columbia’s Vice President of Innovation) quote figures of HH: 10,000mm or more for Omni-Tech, and give the material a breathability rating of 10,000 g/m²/24hr.

There are rain pants and waterproof jackets out there with bigger numbers, but these ratings are good (larger than those given to the flysheets of many decent backpacking tents) and comfortably high enough for a garment to be considered reliably waterproof and comfortably breathable (textile experts say any garment with a HH of at least 5,000mm can be considered waterproof). Furthermore, the seams of the trousers are fully sealed (as you would expect), the pockets (which zip shut) have a waterproof overflap, and the trousers appear to have been treated with a water repelling (DWR) substance.

All of which sounds and looks great, but obviously I had to put the Hazy Trail trousers to a few real tests on some soaking wet walks in order to see how their performance compares with those of the best rain pants on the market.

Columbia Hazy Trail Waterproof Walking Trousers: on the (hazy and hydrated) trails

Luckily, while I was testing Columbia’s Hazy Trail waterproof trousers, Britain was battered by a sequence of storms that ensured the trails weren’t just hazy, they were downright drenched during the days I was out and about. The walking wasn’t especially pleasant, but at least I was able to really put these pants through their paces in the conditions they were designed for.

Weather Protection

The Hazy Trail trousers worked just fine in terms of doing their primary job: keeping my legs dry. As noted above, these pants are designed for use in wet but non-extreme conditions, which is the sort of scenario the majority of us face most of the time, as we go for day walks and the occasional backpacking trip or overnight trekking adventure. (If you’re climbing a mountain or going somewhere very cold, wet and challenging, look for a hardier pair of protective pants such as the Haglöfs LIM ZT Shell GTX Pro Pants, but know that you’re going to pay a lot more for them.) 

Light rain beads on surface of the Hazy Trails and rolls off, and the trousers didn’t wet out during the testing process (which is more to do with the DWR than the membrane) or let water through to my under garments. In my experience they supplied good protection from the elements, being both water- and windproof. 

In terms of breathability, microporous systems like Omni-Tech (and Gore-Tex) breathe best in low humidity, and in the UK we experience quite high levels of humidity (even in winter), especially around the coast where I live and do most of my walking – so the conditions were quite challenging for these trousers. Nevertheless, they still performed reasonably well – I didn’t accumulate too much condensation and I’m confident they will work even better in drier, colder, less humid conditions. 

Design

These are over-trousers, designed to be pulled out of a pack and used as a shell layer on top of your hiking pants when the heavens open while you’re out walking. As such, it’s important that they’re simple and hassle-free to carry, and accordingly the left pocket on the Hazy Trails doubles up as a stuff sack, swallowing the rest of the garment and zipping shut to form a neat package that can be stuffed into the pocket of a hiking backpack and easily located when it starts raining. 

Aside from this capability, I was pleased to see proper pockets on these rain pants – there are two, and both zip shut and have a waterproof protective flap to cover the zip. Note: the zip itself isn’t fully waterproof, so I still avoid putting anything that absolutely needs to stay dry in them, but these pockets can still prove very useful when you’re out and about.

A calf-length zip on each leg allows you to slide these trousers on without taking your walking boots off (because, by the time you’ve done that, you’ll be soaked through). You can tighten the bottom of the legs with a cord and toggle, and loop the cord over the speed hooks on the top of the lacing system of your hiking boots or walking shoes (if they have such a feature), to keep the pants in place and stop your best hiking socks getting wet.

The waist also tightens with a toggle, which I had mixed feelings about (the closed loop prevents one end getting lost, but the cord is far too long and it’s hard to get a tight, secure fit).

The Hazy Trail Waterproof Trousers are only available in one color – black – but they do have several reflective elements on them – around the back of the knees, on the bum and at the ankles – that make hiking at night on shared lanes a little safer.

Durability

With waterproof over-trousers, there’s always a trade-off between robustness and weight and bulk. At 320g for a pair of men’s large, Columbia have prioritized ease of carry over longevity, and there are no reinforced areas on these pants. If you typically time your hikes to happen in the drier months, but still need some just-in-case wet weather protection, these will be perfect; but if you’re looking for waterproof trousers you can wear for long periods of time throughout extended periods of the year, in conditions that are in any way rough, then you’ll need a tougher pair.

Fit and comfort

On test I found that these trousers have been appropriately sized to comfortably fit over hiking pants. One thing I did find was that the leg length on the regular-sized trousers was a tad short, so if you’re in any doubt, opt for the longer leg. (And, while we’re talking about sizing, it’s great to see Columbia recognizing that the outdoors is for everyone and making these waterproof overpants available in extended sizes up to 6X, albeit for an extra tenner – although they’re very often reduced by up to 50%.) 

• How Advnture tests products

Columbia Ampli-Dry Waterproof Shell Walking Jacket: first impressions 

Lots of waterproof jackets these days are growing increasingly technical, coming in a stiff package that will keep a howling gale in the background, but won’t pack down small or come at a budget-friendly price. Sometimes, however, what you really want is a light and packable jacket that will fend off the worst of the weather but doesn’t add the weight or bulk needed to protect you in a blizzard and that’s what this jacket does well.

The Ampli-Dry Waterproof Shell is relatively lightweight and, with four-way stretch, easy to pull on and move in if you’re taking off your backpack or scrambling. With fully waterproof material and taped seams, the rain won’t get past this jacket, especially if you cinch it tight at the adjustable hem and hood. 

It’s built to have a slim fit when you're wearing it and to pack down small when you’re not, which means it’s easy to load up as an emergency layer. Three zipped pockets will hold your gear, though we’d love an inner pocket for our phone. Our main sticking point with this jacket, however, is the amount of condensation that builds up on the inside when we tested it on a challenging hike, suggesting it’s not quite as breathable as we’d like. That said, since it’s built for more casual hikes than serious mountaineering endeavors, it will still fit the bill if you use it for its purpose and the pit zips go a long way in aiding breathability.

For the price, you get great waterproof protection for day hikes in a portable package and the design is smart enough that you might make this your go-to waterproof layer for daily life as well as wilder adventures.

Columbia Ampli-Dry Waterproof Shell Walking Jacket: in the field 

Living in Scotland, I’m always game to test a new waterproof jacket, however I originally received this shell to wear on a hut hiking trip in the Alps, during which the weather was unseasonably warm and dry so I didn’t get to test it out properly until I returned home. I’ve been wearing it on hikes in Scotland and the Lake District for the past couple of months, mostly as a shell in drier weather but also on a few windy and wet descents.

Here’s how it performs:  

Sizing and fit 

I often find Columbia gear runs large, but this is an exception and fits true to size. It has a reasonably slim (and flattering) fit, and I’ve been able to layer it over a fleece jacket no problem without any extra material flapping around. It’s got a slight drop tail which means it just covers my bum which always helps for windy and wet days. That said, if you tend to push the limits with sizing, you might find your regular size is too small for comfortable layering and consider sizing up. 

Waterproofing and breathability 

When it comes to keeping me dry, there’s no question that this jacket gets the job done, with rain beading nicely and rolling off, plus I can just give it a good shake when I take it off and it’s nearly dry. The hood is snug and doesn't block my vision, especially when cinched, and I haven’t had any issue with it blowing down in the wind or letting too much water in when it’s raining sideways.

The breathability, on the other hand, could be a little better in my opinion. I mainly noticed it when I was hiking up a steep (38 degree) slope on a cold but dry day. I was wearing it over a microfleece mid layer and a wool base layer, and I wasn’t surprised to be working up a sweat. I unzipped the underarm vents and I felt pretty comfortable, but when I got to the top of the hill and took the jacket off, I was surprised at how much moisture had built up on the lining. 

Of course, waterproof jackets will never be fully breathable no matter what the manufacturer tells you, and fortunately I was wearing it over fleece which dries in a flash, but in an ideal world I’d be looking for more moisture control.

Comfort and storage 

Though it’s described as a shell, there’s nothing stiff or rustly about this jacket; instead it’s soft and comfortable. The four-way stretch is a little unusual in a waterproof jacket, but it does make for easy movement, especially when I’m poling and it no doubt helps with layering too.

I’m also pleased with the amount of storage: two large hand pockets big enough to hold my map, plus a chest pocket for my phone. An inner pocket and two-way zips might make for perfect, but for the price I can't quibble with this.

Value

Though I have my complaints regarding breathability under certain conditions, I still think you get a decent waterproof jacket for the price here. It won’t do you for a glacier trek necessarily, but for regular day hikes, it will keep the rain off, pack down small, and isn’t so sporty that you won’t want to wear it around town too. 

Columbia Ampli-Dry Waterproof Shell Walking Jacket: the bottom line 

A reliable waterproof jacket for those on a budget, this jacket is more than enough for casual hiking. That said, if you’re willing to spend more for a similarly lightweight and good looking jacket that boasts better breathability, consider the Montane Phase Lite instead. 

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Lost Lager II Beanie: first impressions

Congratulations to Columbia for the most intriguing name for a hat I’ve ever encountered – Columbia Lost Lager II is a moniker we assume came about during a Friday afternoon ‘ideas’ session in the local watering hole, after someone misplaced their drink for the second time. 

I’d be tempted to buy this beanie based on the name alone, but it also has some pretty decent attributes that make it a useful head warmer during outdoor pursuits ranging from winter hill hiking and trekking to various snow sports (although it’s better suited for après ski / boarding wear than when you’re actually on the slopes, for reasons I’ll go into below). 

Pleasingly made from 100% recycled polyester, the Lost Lager II Beanie is available in a veritable rainbow of attractive colors – although, for some reason, the options do vary according to what side of the Atlantic you are on, with the US site offering a larger range, while UK customers have a slightly more limited selection of pastel hues. 

To find out how it measures up to the best cold weather head gear and hiking hats on the market, I pulled it over my ears and went adventuring.

Columbia Lost Lager II Beanie: in the hills

I’ve been wearing the Columbia Lost Lager II Beanie while hiking in the French Alps during the past fall, and walking around the hills, tors and trails of South West England in the midst of winter, and it’s been keeping my head and ears wonderfully warm.

This large beanie comes in one size only, and the fit is relaxed, as befits the laid-back après snow sport style Columbia are aiming for; it’s far too chunky to be worn under a helmet, so is definitely designed for wear once you’ve finished on the slopes. 

Beyond winter sport resorts, it can also be worn while hiking in the hills and winter trekking – but it’s a relatively heavy hat to carry around when you’re not using it. With a reasonably modest-sized brand logo on the front, the Lost Lager II beanie comes down over your ears, and can be rolled down to cover your entire head and face if you so wish (so long as you don’t mind behind apprehended as a potential bank robber). 

Admirably it’s made entirely from recycled synthetic material (rescued polyester), which is both good for the planet, and also means it retains its considerable thermal properties even if you get it wet. The Lost Lager II Beanie doesn’t have an inner lining, and won’t keep your noggin dry, but will keep it extremely warm.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the tester

Columbia Men’s Titan Pass: first impressions

Offering lightweight warmth and great value for money, the Columbia Men’s Titan Pass is at home on the mountains, under a ski jacket, or keeping you cozy round a campfire on a cool evening.

The Titan Pass is a lightweight yet warm mid layer that comes in at a price point well below many other best fleeces around. Made from Polartec 200, it’s stretchy and offers good warmth for a low weight penalty. Color-wise, you’ve got plain old black or a couple of nice bright options. 

There are two zippered hand pockets, a zippered chest pocket and two large internal dump pockets that will easily swallow hats, sunglasses, hiking gloves or goggles. 

There’s no hood on the Titan Pass 2.0, which might be a deal breaker for some. Not everyone wants a hooded fleece, however, and the high collar keeps wind away from your neck. Meanwhile, a drop hem offers additional coverage at the back. 

Columbia Men’s Titan Pass: on the trails

I first put the Columbia Titan Pass fleece jacket to work on a trek of the White Mounth munro circuit in Aberdeenshire, Scotland in late September. While temperatures were still warm, and it lurked in my pack for much of the daylight hours of the hike, it came in very handy during the evenings. 

While I was staying at the bothy on the shores of Loch Callater, in particular, the mercury began to plummet and I soon threw the Titan on and felt glad of it. The weather turned on the second day, and in cooler conditions I wore it while walking. 

I found it reliably warm, but the lack of a brushed interior or smooth-faced exterior means it isn’t as buttery soft next to the skin as some, nor is it likely to be as hard wearing. I expect the fleece exterior to bobble after numerous washes. 

However if you want a fleece mid layer that will keep you warm, has loads of pockets and isn’t too heavy on the wallet then the Columbia Titan Pass is definitely worth checking out. 

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Men’s Outdoor Tracks Hooded Technical Fleece Jacket: first impressions

The first thing to say about the Columbia Men’s Outdoor Tracks Hooded Technical Fleece Jacket is that the fluffy polyester fabric finish is fantastically comfortable to wear next to the skin – as well as being an outdoor-active garment, it’s definitely a fleece jacket I enjoy wearing while lounging around the house and for casual social occasions. 

And, on the face of it, the Columbia Outdoor Tracks Hooded top is just a straightforward, albeit fairly stylish, fleece with a lid. (Note: the hooded version of this versatile jacket is only available for men, but there is a very similar version for women, sans lid.) Look underneath that hood, however, and you will discover a design element that lets you know there is a lot more going on here. 

On the inside of the main body of the fleece, and along the interior of the sleeves, are a series of cellular, closed-cell dots that are almost imperceptibly raised from the surface of the garment. These are the hexagonal-shaped hallmarks of Columbia’s Omni-Heat Helix system, and they’re designed to work by creating an air gap, which enhances airflow and moisture control, and also traps some body-warmed heat inside the garment. 

In theory at least, this means that, while you’re wearing this fleece, you won’t get too hot and sweaty when you’re hiking and scrambling up the steep sides of hills and mountains, and will subsequently avoid becoming too cold when you stop at the top and during the descent. 

This all sounds impressive, but does it actually work, and how does Columbia’s Outdoor Tracks hoody compare to the best fleeces on the market? To find out, I’ve been testing this top in Les Contamines-Montjoie, hiking in the Haute-Savoie around the Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps, and subsequently on trails closer to sea level in the southwest of Britain. 

Columbia Men’s Outdoor Tracks Hooded Technical Fleece Jacket: on the trails

I first donned the Outdoor Tracks Hooded top during a three-day hut hiking adventure on trails that wend around the ankles of Mont Blanc, scrambling through the passes and around the peaks of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in France. 

After starting fairly low down, at the gorgeous alpine village of Notre-Dame de la Gorge, we traced the route of an old Roman road, ascending to spectacular Le Refuge des Prés, a hut that hugs the hillside at 1,935m above sea level. Over the following days we ventured higher too, trekking trails and exploring the Réserve naturelle nationale des Contamines-Montjoie, France’s longest and highest nature reserve, which extends cloudwards to 3,892m spike of l’Aiguille Nord Tré la Tête.

It was fall in the Alps, and the days were clear and fresh: chilly in the early mornings, very warm in the middle of the day and then close to freezing in the evenings. These were ideal conditions for testing a versatile fleece such as the Outdoor Tracks hoody.

Each morning I was thankful for its thermal properties as we set off along paths before the sun had hit them. Thanks to the top’s excellent breathability, I didn’t get overly sweaty during the climbing sections, especially as the full-length zip meant I could dump heat quickly when I wanted to. And once we reached the snow line and stopped putting in the hard yards I was once again grateful for the warmth it offered.

Back in Britain I’ve been wearing the Outdoor Tracks hoody during late-fall and winter day walks, short cycling trips and while doing everyday activities such as walking the dog. I’ve found it comfortable, functional and usefully versatile for all of these purposes.

It is difficult to scientifically assess the claims that underpin the Omni-Heat tech used in the Outdoor Tracks hoody. Is it really warmer than other fleeces of a similar material thickness and weight thanks to the rash of closed-cell dots on the inside of the garment? Objectively speaking, having tested it alongside tops such as the Artilect Halfmoon Bio Pullover (which is actually a bit lighter, but doesn’t feature a hood) I’m not sure it is, at least not when worn as an outer layer.

I’ve been wearing a large version of the Columbia hoody, as per my usual sizing, and while the fit is trim, it’s not particularly body hugging. It’s very comfortable, but I think if I were trying to maximize the thermal properties of this top, the Omni-Heat tech might be more effective if I sized down and went for a closer-fitting medium.

Having said all of that, the Outdoor Tracks hoody comes into its own when worn as a mid layer, over a quality base layer and beneath a good wind and waterproof outer shell jacket, when it really does supply some serious warmth.

Beyond the material tech, the Outdoor Tracks hoody features three pockets: a pair of open hand pouches and a small zipped vertical pocket on the left chest, which is only really big enough for a credit card and/or some cash. Inside the fleece there are a couple of large pouches that could be used to hold a map.

There’s a full-length zip, but no chin-protecting garage, so watch out for trapping beard hair or skin. The hood can be pulled tight with a couple of toggles, and it fits underneath a helmet to keep your ears warm when you’re cycling or climbing.

The hem and the cuffs are elasticated to keep drafts out, but there are no thumbhooks, which is a shame on a fleece that’s so perfectly weighted for use as a mid layer. Neither, it seems, it there any recycled material in the mix, which is disappointing (especially in the fleece category, where fabric recycling basically began in the outdoor world).

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Columbia Maxtrail Midweight Warm walking pants: first impressions

Extremely comfortable to wear – whether you’re lounging around in a hut or campsite, or striding out tackling some trails – Columbia Maxtrail Midweight Warm hiking pants are made using the large American brand’s Omni-Shield shell fabric. This is a material mix that includes recycled and non-recycled polyester (with the latter being the largest ingredient). 

Windproof and resistant to rain (up to a point), they retain their thermal properties when wet, and dry quickly if you do get a drenching. There’s also an Elastane element in these trousers that supplies a decent degree of flex, which means you can move freely on trails and crags.

They come with a belt, albeit a pretty basic one, and the ankle-ends of the legs have a cord and toggle so you can hitch them up three-quarter-style in warmer weather, or when going barefoot through shallow water crossings (or when paddling in rivers or bays). 

The design includes a pair of nice, deep hand pockets, a wide thigh pocket with a popper for carrying a map or other sizeable objects (although it’s not large enough to accommodate an OS-size map with the flap shut) and a single zipped rear pocket for keeping precious things (such as credit cards) safe.

So, are they good enough to join our illustrious list of the best hiking pants on the market today? I’ve been putting them to the trail test in a range of locations over fall and winter this year.

Columbia Maxtrail Midweight Warm walking pants: on the trails

I first wore these trekking trousers on the alpine trails that wend around the ankles of Mont Blanc, during a hut-based hiking adventure in Les Contamines-Montjoie in France’s highest nature reserve. It was early fall in the Alps, and while the day walks were warm, after-sunset temperatures plummeted quickly and the night hikes we went on were a whole lot chillier. These versatile pants served me well throughout however, providing plenty of thermal protection from the icy breezes that met us on the peaks and passes.

In the months since then, as the fall intensified and then segued into winter, I’ve been wearing the Maxtrail Midweight Warm hiking pants during day walks and overnight hikes in the southwest of Britain, including on the exposed, wind-whipped tors of Dartmoor and along gusty sections of the South West Coast Path.

While they are not fully waterproof – meaning you’ll require proper rain pants if you’re hiking in heavy rain – the Omni-Shield material does deflect misty moisture and light showers, and continues to keep you warm even soaked. Although lightweight, they’re also pretty warm. Besides their thermal properties, one of the best things about these trousers is their windproof performance – which I have found to be brilliant.

Once the cold and wild weather has passed, I look forward to having a chance to wear the Maxtrail Midweight Warm hiking pants hiked up around my shins while wading through river crossings and during beach-based ambles.

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Columbia Women's Back Beauty Warm Hybrid Legging: first impressions

Made with warm, sweat-wicking materials, these women's hiking pants are designed for those who want freedom to move when they hit the trails. With a robust, stretchy polyester/nylon blend, these pants offer more protection than your average pair of leggings, keeping you warm when a cold wind blows and wicking sweat when you get too hot. Also placing them ahead of your average yoga pants, they feature abrasion-resistant paneling on areas where you tend to come into contact with rough rock surfaces, on the seat and knees, and they have ample stretch for scrambling.

These trousers are body-hugging without being uncomfortably compressive if you wear them in your regular size, and the elasticated waist means no annoying draw cord is required. If you like to keep your phone close by and have a secure place for your car key, there’s a roomy thigh pocket and a zipped pocket on the rear of the waistband – however, that pocket hasn’t been sewed up at the sides so if your key seems to have disappeared, it might just be in your waistband. Beyond that, these are a good looking and affordable option for those who prefer hiking in leggings or want to make it easier to pull on rain pants in a hurry. They’re versatile enough to be worn to the climbing wall, the gym or around town as well.

Columbia Women's Back Beauty Warm Hybrid Legging: in the field

I don’t often hike in leggings, though I’m not totally opposed to the idea; it’s just that, as a yoga teacher, I spend way too much time in stretchy pants as it is and just generally prefer a looser fit on the trail. However, I received a pair of these to wear on a gear testing trip with Columbia to the French Alps and got to wear them over three days of hiking and they’re probably my favorite pair of hiking leggings now.

Here’s how they performed:  

Sizing and fit

Columbia gear has a tendency to run large on me, except for the Silver Ridge Convertible hiking pants which bizarrely were too tight, but I tested my usual size with these (small) and they fit perfectly. They’re tight but not too compressive, which I really don’t enjoy, and I didn’t spend the entire trip yanking them up. 

The high waist isn’t just flattering, it’s really more functional when you’re wearing a heavy backpack, as I was on this trip, and layering for hiking. Finally, they’re the perfect length, meaning they don’t have five extra inches of fabric bunching up at the bottom like some leggings.

Comfort and temperature regulation

In general, I find these really comfortable, especially when I compare them to some of my yoga leggings which are sometimes so compressive they give me indigestion. The elastane content is quite high, but they also don’t feel insanely stretchy which I think is good as I wouldn’t want them to lose their shape.

They’re designed for warmth on cold hikes, but we ended up experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures on our trip so under normal conditions, I’d have rather worn my lighter Saturday Trail Hiking Trousers instead. 

However, I was there to test gear so that’s what I did and, while I was a little warm in the middle of the day, these are breathable enough and wick sweat well enough that I wasn’t suffering, and I was glad to have them on for our post-hike yoga session which was outdoors during the warmest part of the day. They do provide some insulation and I really appreciated them for an evening hike when the temperatures dropped.

Storage and other features

As long as my leggings have at least one thigh pocket, I’m happy, and these have just that where I can stash my phone no problem.

They have a zipped rear pocket, which is in theory good for keeping a key, but they’ve forgotten to sew it up so it goes all the way around the waistband, which could mean you lose track of gear. These pockets are handy when you’re upright, but I do find the zip uncomfortable if I lie down in them for yoga afterwards.

Durability and value

They’re definitely hardier than basic leggings or any of my yoga pants. The abrasion-resistant panels on the seat and knees means I could sit and scramble on rocky surfaces and they look as good as new, plus they lend a flattering shape to the design. The remaining panels are made from a smooth, but not too shiny, pill-free fabric.

These leggings are a really fair price for most people and you definitely get a pair of hiking leggings that you could wear across other activities, like rock climbing, scrambling, yoga and the gym, plus you can wear them around town without looking like a hiker. As a result, I think you get a fair bit for your money and will find these more flattering, versatile and functional than the Columbia Women’s River Leggings.

Columbia Women's Back Beauty Warm Hybrid Legging: the bottom line

If you’re looking for a sturdy pair of hiking leggings for cold days that give you plenty of room to move, these pants lack nothing and come at a good price. The only reason you wouldn’t like them is if you don’t like hiking in leggings to begin with, in which case there are plenty of other hiking pants in the sea. It’s only a shame that they don’t come in men’s sizing.

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Before I worked as an outdoors journalist, when I was a mere enthusiast, I never thought much about the technologies that went into my gear. Sure, I wanted to know my base layers were made using merino wool and my waterproof jackets with GORE-TEX, but those labels listing all the amazing technologies that go into every pair of rain pants and every fleece jacket I bought? I never paid them any notice.

Over the last couple of years, however, my job has meant I’ve got to learn a lot more about the science behind my outdoor gear, and I have to admit, it’s fascinating. Take OmniHeat Helix, for example. I recently learned all about this technology when I was on a gear-testing trip to the French Alps with Columbia Sportswear. 

I’ve tested my fair share of Columbia gear, from the high-performing Arch Rock Double Wall insulated jacket to the fashion-forward Coral Ridge ODX waterproof jacket. My first ski jacket in 2004 was by Columbia. But if I’m being honest, I didn’t know that much about the brand until the first day of our trip, when we gathered in Columbia’s European headquarters in Geneva.

Of course, we were a group of journalists and the purpose of the trip was to impress us, but even with that in mind, I started to find myself a little excited by how much Columbia has invested in technology. According to my notes from that day, the company comes out with a new technology every season, totalling some 40 technologies, which I’ve written in my notebook with seven exclamation marks (I went on their website to check and counted 36, so I was close enough).

One of the pieces of gear I was testing on the trip was the Outdoor Tracks Technical Fleece. Because I had flown to Geneva without checking a bag, I had thrown it on for the journey so I was already wearing it when the Columbia rep, Christelle, started talking about the technology that had gone into it. Honestly, I hadn’t paid it much heed, but now I was invited to unzip it and examine the lining, which I saw was dotted with hexagonal pads. I’d assumed this was merely a design decision, but as I learned, it’s actually one of Columbia’s newer technologies – OmniHeat Helix.

What is OmniHeat Helix?

OmniHeat Helix is an insulating technology consisting of soft, closed-cell foam pods which are applied to the interior lining of a garment like a fleece jacket to help keep you warm.

“If you think about traditional materials that are used in jackets, they really are just different forms of trapped air,” says Haskell Beckam, Senior Director of Innovation.

Closed-cell foam insulation has already been used in other industries – it’s actually used in the construction industry to insulate houses, but I’m more used to seeing it in sleeping pads for camping like the Therm-a-Rest Z-lite SOL. Compared to open-cell insulation, it’s more resistant to moisture, which is why it’s great for sleeping pads. That’s also why it wouldn’t work to just construct a jacket or blanket entirely out of closed-cell foam – because it’s not breathable.

“Our innovation was to figure out how to apply closed-cell foam in a discontinuous pattern to the garment so the garment could still breathe,” explains Beckham.

According to Columbia, the pads hold onto heat longer than the underlying base material, so they’re more effective than fleece on its own. However, they don’t trap sweat in the process, so garments using OmniHeat Helix can help you avoid overheating if you’re wearing them for aerobic activity during active periods in cold weather, but when it’s time to rest, they continue to keep you warm. As Beckham describes it, it’s a reactive technology.

Does OmniHeat Helix work?

It all sounds good, but does OmniHeat Helix really work any better than just wearing a regular fleece? It’s impossible for me to scientifically verify these claims, but I did wear the jacket in the ideal conditions when I was in the Alps.

Though the daytime temperatures were actually unseasonably warm, we spent a couple of nights in a high altitude hut, which meant that as soon as the sun dropped, it got cold fast. On our second night, I joined the group for a pre-dinner sunset hike. We set off about an hour before sunset so that when we reached the highest point, it was dark and we could come down in the cold under a full moon.

The hike up was steep and strenuous, in that switchback-resistant style all alpine hikes seem to be, and I was warm and sweaty with my fleece on. After taking some photos at the top, we began our hike down and though it was now cold, I didn’t need to pull on my shell or down jacket. In fact, I didn’t get chilled at all.

Since returning to Scotland, we’ve had unseasonably cold weather so I’ve had lots of opportunity to keep testing it and I do think it’s effective. Compared to my awesome Houdini Houdi, which is super warm but a little more bulky, my Outdoor Tracks fleece is lighter and thinner, so I would think it wouldn't be as warm, but when I pull it on I am instantly more comfortable. 

I don’t know if you need to race out and replace your entire wardrobe with items using OmniHeat Helix, but I will say that if you’re looking for a technical layer for high aerobic activity in cold environments, it’s worth looking for those hexagonal pads of coziness.

• What is Columbia's OmniHeat technology? And does it really work?

Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Hiking Trousers: first impressions

These women's hiking pants are built for fair-weather day hikes when you want to be comfortable and aren’t too bothered about technical performance. The Omni-Shield Summiteer Lite nylon is soft against the skin and these have enough stretch (plus articulated knees) that you can move comfortably. They’re water-repellent in a shower but breathable enough to wear on hot days. They can also be rolled up and fastened into capris if you’re feeling sweaty, plus the fabric offers UVA and UVA protection.

The design does have a few flaws for hiking, however. First of all, though they have five pockets, none are really big enough to be functional, and the two rear pockets are so well disguised that it took us a while to notice them. If you want to roll them up into capris, you might find that the snap fastening is really fiddly to use and doesn’t stay put. That said, these are a great price and extremely comfortable, making them a solid choice for casual day hikes and brilliant for travel.

Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Hiking Trousers: in the field 

I got to test out a pair of these hiking pants on a hut hiking trip in the French Alps where we were testing the new line of Columbia gear. The weather ended up being unseasonably warm for the fall, so I was happy to get such a lightweight pair of trousers for my alpine adventure. Since I’ve returned from that trip, I’ve actually been wearing them loads around town and for other trips as well as for local hikes.

Here’s how they performed:  

Sizing and fit 

I tested a US size 4 which is my usual size and they fit perfectly. I have a slim/athletic build and they’re loose enough to be comfortable but not so much that I need a belt or that they flap around, and they also don’t catch anywhere. I was pleasantly surprised by this as I’ve had trouble with Columbia pants fitting me right in the past.

Stretch and breathability

These pants are stretchy enough for any scrambling you might want to do in them, and have articulated knees. They’re comfortable for sitting on a plane, so I wore them as my travel pants for my Alps trips as well as several other quick trips I’ve taken since. They also have great breathability for warm weather hikes, which is what I experienced during the days in France.

Weather protection

I was surprised to discover that these pants are water-repellent, which I did recently when I got caught in a light rain while wearing them and the water just beaded and rolled off nicely. I certainly wouldn’t wear them for a hike I knew was going to be rainy, but they will deter a splash.

They also have UVA and UVB protection, which I tend to think most hiking pants are since they’re not generally made from a loose-weave material like linen that could arguably let some sunlight in, but I’m mentioning it out of due diligence.

What these pants won’t protect you against is the cold. They’re built for fair weather and as we’ve had a few very cold weeks here in Scotland, I’ve switched to my more rugged trousers for getting out on the trail.

Pockets and other features

These trousers have five pockets, including a zipped thigh pocket, but honestly none are big enough to really be functional. I suppose you could put a car key or a credit card in the zipped pocket, but basically I just ignore them. Because these are fair weather pants, I can see this being a problem for some as you’re less likely to be wearing a jacket with pockets, but if you’re like me you’re usually wearing a backpack for gear anyway. It would be annoying to have to find a place for your phone if you like to have it handy though.

Another odd flow is that once I met up with the rest of my group in France, I saw that some of my fellow journalists had rolled theirs up to capri-style and fastened them. I tried to do this but found that the snap fastening is so well-concealed that I couldn’t get it to fasten, and the only time it did it quickly came undone. It definitely doesn’t work on my pair, but as I’ve said others seemed to have managed it, so perhaps there’s an inconsistency in the design. In any case, I wouldn’t rely on this function.

Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Hiking Trousers: the bottom line

If you’re looking for a comfortable and largely practical pair of pants that you can wear on a mild-weather day hike, for adventure travel or for lounging, you’ll like these trousers, but if you’re seeking something rugged and technical for hardy adventures, keep looking.

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Columbia Women's Outdoor Tracks Technical Fleece Jacket: first impressions 

When you spend a lot of time outdoors in all conditions, you’re always looking for that perfect, breathable mid layer that delivers serious warmth when the sun drops but isn’t too bulky. This fleece jacket comes pretty close to perfect in the warmth-to-weight and breathability department, and is great for layering under a shell jacket in cold weather and as an outer layer for cool spring and summer days. 

Made using Columbia’s innovative OmniHeat Helix technology, insulation is delivered via small foam pods which dot the lining in a hexagonal pattern everywhere but under your arms. These pods harness the technology used in the construction industry’s closed-cell insulation to trap your body heat, but thanks to the pattern arrangement, you can also work up a good sweat and moisture vapor can escape, leaving you comfortable and dry.

The Helix technology means this jacket manages to be ultra warm without bulk, so it’s easy to layer and has a streamlined, flattering fit. It’s a bit longer than some we’ve tested, meaning your hips and bum get a little added warmth, and the hem and cuffs are elasticated but not adjustable. There is plenty of storage, though it could perhaps be improved upon – the hand-warming pockets aren’t zipped, so they’re not great for valuables, while the Napoleon pocket is a bit small for a phone, but there are two deep inner mesh pockets and overall there’s tons of space for bits and pieces.

This particular model is women’s only, but if you're looking for men’s fit it comes in a hooded version. There aren’t any thumb holes, which can make it a little more tricky to pull a jacket on over the top, but the cuffs are elasticated which helps. It doesn’t contain any recycled content, so there are some refinements that can be made, but if you’re looking for a technical fleece that delivers toasty conditions without weight or bulk, you’ll want to check this out.

Columbia Women's Outdoor Tracks Technical Fleece Jacket: in the field

I got to go to the French Alps earlier this fall to get a sneak preview of the new Columbia lineup including this fleece jacket. We were adventuring at altitude, so even though the weather in general was unseasonably warm, the temperatures dropped the moment the sun got low so I had ample opportunity to test out the toastiness of this jacket.

Here’s how it performed:  

Sizing and fit 

This garment fits true to size. I am typically a small and that’s what I tested even though I do find Columbia gear often runs large. This fits me perfectly with enough room to wear it over a base layer. The sleeves are the right length (not too long) and it comes down just a tad lower than some of my other fleeces for a bit more warmth. The only thing I’d change regarding fit is that while the hem is elasticated, it’s not adjustable, and on my hips I could maybe use a drawcord to cinch it in strong winds, but it’s a minor detail and I think on most bodies won’t be an issue at all.

Warmth and breathability

When it comes to fabric technology, it’s always hard to scientifically validate claims, but just based on my experience, I was warm and not sweaty when I wore this on a night hike in the Alps. The slope was steep and the temperatures were low, which is ideal for testing out a layer that you want to provide warmth and breathability and of course you can unzip easily when needed. It’s somehow a perfect blend of pretty light but warm, and the lack of Helix pads under the arms help avoid overheating.

Weight and packability

This isn’t the absolute lightest fleece I’ve tested, but it’s one of the lighter ones and because the Helix pads cut down on the need for bulk, plus it has no hood, so it’s slightly more packable than nearly all of my other fleeces, meaning it would be feasible to roll up and put in a daypack.

Odor control and durability

I can’t imagine that you’ve been reading all of my fleece reviews with bated breath, but if you had, you’d know one of my main issues with fleece is the stink factor. Amazingly, I wore this over a few sweaty days in the Alps and somehow it didn’t need a wash afterwards. I can’t tell if it’s the fit or the venting armpits or a magic fabric but so far it’s not been as smelly as my other fleeces.

Construction-wise, it’s a good, sturdy piece of gear. I’m sure the outer fabric will show a bit of pilling with wash and wear over time, but I don’t see any major weaknesses that would point to this not holding up to the test of time. The Helix pads seem to be integrated into the fabric, not glued on, so I don’t think there’s any chance of them falling off.

Columbia Women's Outdoor Tracks Technical Fleece Jacket: the bottom line

In recent years, Columbia has gone after the next generation of hikers with fashion-forward gear, but with this fleece, they’ve managed a streamlined but classic look that houses innovative technology for straightforward but effective temperature control.

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Columbia Tunnel Springs Wool Crew Baselayer: first impressions

When you’re looking for a base layer, you want something that will keep you warm without overheating, wick sweat when your activity gains intensity and dry reasonably quickly so you’re not shivering out in the cold wearing a wet top at the summit. Some base layers have extra bells and whistles like zips and hoods, but with the Tunnel Springs Wool Crew, Columbia has relied on a straightforward approach and it’s paid off.

This base layer is made using a blend of wool and synthetic Lyocell, so it boasts temperature-regulating and odor-control properties of the former but is more durable and quick drying thanks to the latter. It’s light enough to wear in a range of temperatures and across different activities, providing warmth on chilly days when paired with a fleece and shell, but can also make a running top in cold weather or be worn on its own for mild hiking days.

Handy thumb loops make it easy to layer or wear with gloves. The fabric doesn’t really feel like wool, it's a bit like a textured cotton in feel. For the most sensitive skin, it could be a little itchy, but in general we think most people would be surprised to discover it’s wool. It doesn’t have any added stretch, but there’s plenty of pliability for all sorts of movement and the lack of elastane adds to the durability of this garment. Overall, this is a timeless-looking first layer that you can comfortably use across all sorts of activities.

Columbia Tunnel Springs Wool Crew Baselayer: in the field 

As an avid hiker, trail runner, skier, climber and everything outdoorer, I can’t really ever have enough base layers – unless they’re itchy or too hot that is. In a base layer, I look for something with some wool content that is breathable and quick drying and helps me stay warm when it’s cold.

I got to test this base layer out on a hut hiking trip to the French Alps this fall with Columbia, wearing it during the colder night hikes. Since I’ve returned to Scotland, I’ve been wearing it a lot, on hikes up Munros and for about five days straight on family walking holiday.

Here’s how it performed:  

Size and fit 

I am a size small and tested a small and it fits true to size. It sits close to the skin but without any elastane, it’s not figure hugging. In general, you need base layers to lie against the skin to wick moisture, but while this isn't skin tight it seems to be close enough to do the job.

Temperature regulation and breathability

I’ve tested base layers that are really warm, but this one is light enough that it makes a good first layer while being versatile across different activities. So far I’ve mostly worn it for hiking though I’ve also worn it for some cold trail runs and been quite happy. The wool/synthetic blend means it’s both breathable when I do get sweaty, and thankfully it’s really quick drying too which makes it a good choice for high intensity adventures.

Comfort 

This is neither the softest nor the itchiest base layer in my closet. When I first received it, I actually didn’t realize it was wool, which is unusual. For a moment, I thought they had sent me a cotton base layer, which would be mad, but it feels almost like coarse cotton rather than wool. I imagine those with sensitive skin would be able to tell, but for me it only has the slightest itch factor. That said, it could be softer against the skin, but I can happily wear it all day.

You might think the lack of elastane would make this less comfortable, but the fabric naturally has enough give and the fit is right so I’ve been able to do yoga wearing it no problem.

Odor control and durability

Synthetic materials tend to get stinky while wool doesn’t, and this top manages to harness more of the properties of wool in that department. As I mentioned, I wore it for five days straight without needing to wash it – just airing it out was enough between uses.

Wool isn’t always the most durable, especially when you don’t take good care of it, but blending it with synthetic fabric and skipping the elastane bodes well for longevity, plus there’s no zip to fail. The odor-control also cuts down on how often it needs washed, which helps no end.

Columbia Tunnel Springs Wool Crew Baselayer: the bottom line

If you’re seeking a versatile first layer that boasts some of the best properties of wool but is reinforced with synthetic fabric, check out this classic-looking, lightweight and effective base layer.

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