Despite having some Columbia clothing in my early travel years, neither Heather nor I had ever considered Columbia Sportswear for outdoor apparel to tackle the extremes of Lake District weather. However, after some research, we decided to give it a try.
Columbia Sportswear traces its origins back to 1938 as a small hat company named “Columbia Hat Company,” taking its name from the Columbia River that flows through Portland, Oregon, where its Headquarters remains today. Over the years, the company expanded its offerings to include a wide range of apparel while staying true to its core mission of keeping wearers “Warm, dry, cool, and protected no matter what.”
Columbia Sportswear Technologies
For our review, we selected items equipped with Columbia Sportswear’s “Omni” or “Outdry” technology, envisioning a typical Lake District winter. The day we ventured out for testing had just witnessed fresh snowfall, with temperatures hovering around -2° to -3°C before considering any wind chill. Remarkably, there was no rain—a rarity in the region—so we couldn’t evaluate the waterproof capabilities firsthand.
Omni-Heat Reflective utilizes a patented metallic dot material lining, comprising 35% of the heat-retaining lining, to reflect thermal warmth. The remaining fabric is highly breathable, allowing moisture and excess heat to escape, making it ideal for outdoor performance.
Outdry™ Extreme represents a groundbreaking advancement in the industry by featuring a tough waterproof membrane on the outside and a soft wicking internal fabric. This innovative design addresses issues commonly associated with traditional waterproof jackets, where the internal membrane and external fabric can degrade over time, compromising both waterproofing and breathability.
Women’s Midweight Stretch Baselayer – Long Sleeve
A performance baselayer featuring Columbia Sportswear’s Omni-Heat™ and Omni-Wick™ technologies.
Key Features:
Constructed from four-way comfort stretch material with antimicrobial treatment to prevent bacterial growth and odors.
Flatlocked construction and ergonomic seaming for a comfortable fit against the skin.
Thumb holes in the cuffs to prevent riding up during activity.
Out and About
This baselayer proved exceptionally comfortable, contouring snugly to the skin like a second layer. I didn’t feel the need for additional layers under the jacket, though I might have added some mid-layers for extra warmth on less strenuous outings. The neck zip allowed for temperature adjustments, which was convenient whether climbing uphill or descending and feeling the chill.
Verdict
I’ve owned several baselayers over the years, but this one might just be my new favorite. The thumb holes were a practical addition, eliminating the need to adjust the sleeves constantly and providing extra warmth for my hands. Most impressively, I remained odor-free after our day out—a rare feat after a sweaty hike in the hills.
