Stuck in the Rut

Everyone knows Columbia makes some awesome outerwear, but the company just hasn’t been very big on the big-game hunting scene in recent years. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I stopped by the company’s SHOT Show booth today and discovered its new Omni-Heat lineup, which utilizes several different technologies to create an impressive portfolio of cold-weather hunting gear.

As you can see in the photo here, one of the most unique things about Omni-Heat garments is the use of an inner fabric with aluminum printed on the surface. The acts as a reflector that increases heat retention by 20 percent.

Omni-Heat garments also use a proprietary new synthetic fiber insulation that Columbia says has been proven to be 30 percent more effective in heat retention than Primaloft in independent laboratory tests. This jacket I am wearing here, called the Omni-Heat Big-Game Quad Parka, features a waterproof shell and zip-out insulating underlayer so that the piece can be used as a lightweight rain jacket, medium weight mid-layer or together for total comfort in cold weather. The jacket, shown in Columbia’s own Timberwolf camo pattern, will retail for $399.

Columbia also has a pair of cold-weather boots in the Omni-Heat line that use a battery-powered, heated footbed to keep your toes toasty on those extremely cold days afield. The Bugga Therma boots have three heat settings and will run four hours on high or 10 hours on low on a single charge. Batteries can be recharged in two to three hours. The Bugga Thermas will retail for $300 in black or $350 in camo.