THE GEAR:
The Men's Heat Elite jacket is part of the new Omni-Heat line of products from Columbia Sportswear. The jacket features an Omni-Shield top that resists water and staining, and a fleece finish along the lower portion for comfort. The Heat Elite also has a seam-sealed chest pocket and underarm venting zippers.
The headlining feature of the jacket is Columbia's new Omni-Heat technology, billed as the ultimate body heat management system for the outdoors. According to Columbia, the thermal reflective technology helps regulate temperature by reflecting body heat. The lining is designed to maintain warmth and prevent heat loss with the highest heat retention per gram available; roughly 20% above anything else on the market. The lightweight fabric is moisture wicking, breathable, and waterproof.
THE TEST:
In autumn, you don't have to wait around very long to test jackets in the Pacific Northwest. Walk around outside for a few days and you'll more than likely have to deal with a variety of inclement conditions. And that's just what I did. For the last 6 weeks I wore the Heat Elite anytime I left the house to hike, walk to the store, or run errands around town.
The first thing I noticed about the jacket was how light it was. For something that is supposed to keep you as warm as a parka, the Heat Elite was noticeably light on stuffing. The jacket was, however, very comfortable and had a nice fit. The Omni-Heat lining looked nice and heat reflective, but again, I was a bit suspicious of something so lightweight.
As it turns out, the Omni-Heat lining is plenty warm. You definitely don't get the instant warmth you do from a big parka, but it doesn't take long for the lining of the Heat Elite to get you good and toasty. I got quite warm, but never to the point of overheating. However, the underarm ventilation zippers could certainly come in handy on not-so-cold days. The jacket also does a great job of blocking out the wind, and the lining is surprisingly breathable for a material that locks in warmth so well. While the lining may be waterproof, the shell of the Heat Elite is only water resistant. If it's really raining outside, the jacket can dampen and become heavy.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
The Heat Elite jacket delivers on all of Columbia Sportswear's promises. It is lightweight, very warm, and breathable. There may not be another line of jackets on the market that do all three things quite as well.
You could make an argument that over the past few years Columbia Sportswear had lost their edge. If the new Omni-Heat technology is a glimpse of what's on the horizon, and according to Columbia it is, then the company has the potential to once again become the lead dog in the outerwear industry pack.
Heat Elite features and specs:
- Fabric: Shell: 100% polyester fleece, 100% polyester. Lining: 100% polyester. Insulation: 50% polyester/50% recycled polyester, 60g
- Omni-Heat thermal reflective and insulated
- Omni-Shield advanced repellency
- Waterproof-breathable fabric
- Underarm venting
- Pocket zippers feature Invizzip™
- Zip-closed security pocket
- Center back length: 29.5”
- Average weight: 28oz
Price: $170
For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com
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