One of the big buzzes at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market was the introduction of Columbia Sportswear’s Omni-Heat technology. The latest addition to their Omni line of of technologies, Omni-Heat will be available in three styles of insulation: reflective, thermal, and electric. This new technology is said to provide warmth and temperature regulation with less bulk. The reflective application uses the combination dot-matrix application of space-blanket-like material on a breathable, moisture-wicking base. Fused together, the fabric reflects warmth back towards the body and allows the temperature to regulate itself through the breathable base fabric. The insulation application boasts the industry’s highest heat retention per gram and utilizes an insulation made of 50 percent recycled materials. The final application, electric, is designed for footwear, and allows the wearer to keep their feet warm at the push of a button. Strategically placed heating elements in the footbed are powered by a battery pack in the shoe. Here are just a few of the products from Columbia’s Fall 2010 line that will feature the Omni-Heat technology.
Heat Elite jacket
The Heat Elite jacket for men on first glance looks like a lightweight fleece/softshell combination. But with the addition of Omni-Heat reflective technology, it provides the same amount of warmth and insulation as a heavier parka. The jacket features a zonal fleece and softshell outer with Columbia’s Omni-Shield advanced repellency for water resistance, underarm zips for ventilation, three exterior pockets and one interior security pocket, and comfort cuffs (a spandex-like material that keeps snow and cold air out but is more flexible than an elastic based cuff).
Bugathermo Techlite boots
The Bugathermo Techlite boots will feature both the Omni-Heat electric and reflective technologies. In addition, they have 200g Thinsulate insulation underfoot to keep your toes toasty warm on cold winter hikes, a full Techlite shell, Contour Comfort anti-odor treatment, and Omni-Grip outsole. The higher cut of the boot look like they’ll be great for outdoor winter sports like snowshoeing.
Majik Wands gloves
The Majik Wands gloves (for both men and women) feature the Omni-Heat reflective and insulation technologies. Fully waterproof, seam-taped, but also breathable, these gloves will keep your hands warm on cold days. The reduced bulk associated with Omni-Heat allows for greater dexterity. They also feature a PU palm grip, one-hand cord hem adjustment, nose/goggle wipe on thumb, and elastic at the wrist.
Mobex Winter pack
When you think of relective insulation and heating technologies, backpacks aren’t the first item that comes to mind. Columbia is hoping to change that with their Mobex Winter pack, designed for backcountry snowports. The Omni-Heat reflective technology is utilized in the hydration portion of the pack, to keep your water from freezing on long backcountry pursuits. The ultralight construction doesn’t skimp on features; it has an Exo Flex frame with tool loop, internal gear organization for items like goggles and avalanche shovels, multi-point lash-down system, easy access to the main compartment with clamshell-style opening, reflective accents for visibility, and large zipper pulls for ease of use when wearing gloves. The Mobex Winter pack will also include a 3-liter Hydrapack hydration pack.
