Columbia Sportwear Introduces “The End of Wet” Technologies for Spring 2012 Collection

Columbia Sportswear, who is known for their innovative fabrications, introduces new technologies for their Spring 2012 collection to combat uncomfortable wetness in clothing, outwear and footwear. With a collection of products celebrating “The End of Wet”, Columbia Sportswear introduces Omni-Dry® (this extremely air permeable waterproof fabric transfers the moisture vapors you generate out of the garment at an extremely high rate for a waterproof fabric, while still retaining its wind blocking properties and shedding the elements in the worst of conditions) + Omni-Wick™ EVAP (a fabric with incredible sweat dissipating properties. Using cutting-edge moisture management technology, our EVAP compound disperses sweat across a broad surface allowing moisture to spread out and evaporate quickly. Perspiration is whisked away so you’re dry before you even knew you were working up a sweat) in outerwear and OutDry® (a waterproofing system bond a waterproof, breathable membrane directly to the back side of a product’s outermost layer, creating a unique one-piece component while sealing the stitching and any other potential water entry points) in footwear – technologies that are proven to keep you drier than existing waterproof-breathable technology. I was in awe when I saw the Columbia Sportswear Powerdrain Drain Maker

As you can see from the photo above, water literally runs through it. The Drain Maker is a fully drainable hybrid water shoe capable of performing in and out of the water with an easy synch closure system. It features a Techlite™ midsole with drainage ports in heel and forefoot as well as lugs for extra traction made with Omni-Grip™ wet grip rubber. No more worries about stepping into puddles and having soggy shoes and feet for the rest of the day, every step you take expunges water out. This innovative shoe also comes in a comfy slip-on

One must have Columbia Sportswear item that features both the Omni-Dry™ and Omni-Wick™ EVAP is The Compounder™ Shell.

The Omni-Dry™ in this jacket provides ultrabreathable waterproof fully sealed seams and the Omni-Wick™ EVAP allows advanced evaporation. It also features an attached, adjustable helmet compatible storm hood, is vented, has a drawcord adjustable hem, waterproof zippers, a drop tail, pockets that with Invizzip™, an internal key clip and abrasion resistant chin guard. Another cool (no pun intended) garment is the Baselayer Lightweight Short Sleeve Top

Featuring Omni-Freeze™ ICE advanced cooling (Omni-Freeze® Ice capitalizes on the sweat that
your body produces to deliver aggressive heat management. The moment moisture hits the fabric’s surface, the temperature of the fabric is lowered, creating an immediate cooling sensation. Ready to beat the heat in cooling comfort) and Omni-Wick™ advanced evaporation, this cool shirt is breathable, anti-microbial, 4-way comfort stretch and has ergonomic seaming. My favorite apparel item from Columbia Sportswear’s Spring Collection is the Bug Shield™ Mesh Jacket.

I live in a semi woodsy area with a wonderful huge backyard and lots of trees which also equals a lot of insects – all of which seem to target me specifically (or so it seems), so the features of this jacket are perfect. The Mesh jacket is not only very cute, it’s ultra-light, features Insect Blocker™ (minus the hideous overpowering bug spray smell), a drawcord adjustable hem and zippered chest pocket.

I, along with several other editors, learned all about these products at the Columbia Sportswear Base Camp which funny enough was held on a rainy night – perfect for the scary campfire stories we were entertained with, the smores we made, the Gibbon Slackline and Jibline walking (I admit I was too scared I’d fall on my face to partake but the people who were there made it look so easy) and the warming cocktails.