Travel Essentials: Columbia OutDry Extreme Rainwear

Whether I’m trekking through a rainforest or sailing the rough seas, there’s one problem I constantly struggle with during my travels: keeping dry when the skies open up. In fact, on a recent trip to Quebec Maritimes I would’ve traded anything anything for a shell to shield me from the rain and forest melt combo that had me and my travel buddies drenched to the bone. Being wet and cold is the worst feeling everrrr. Just thinking about it makes me shiver. Throughout the years I’ve tried all kinds of rainwear in hopes of drier times, but most have either acted as a heat trap or wetted out. So I got super excited when I heard that Columbia Sportswear has developed one of the biggest breakthroughs in rainwear since Gore-Tex. Woot, woot! The beauty of technology. What is this magical innovation you ask? It’s called OutDry Extreme and it’s the first waterproof and breathable fabric technology constructed with a waterproof layer on the outside and a wicking fabric on the inside…

You see, most traditional rainwear has an interior waterproof membrane (which doesn’t allow air flow) and a water-repellent coating (which degrades over time). OutDry™ Extreme is different: the exterior is a water-tight membrane with millions of microscopic perforations that let water vapour escape via a wicking membrane fused to the shell. I know, I know, a lot of technical info that you may or may not care about. BUT the point is, it keeps you dry! Just think of it as breathable body armour. An innovation that Columbia Sportswear takes very seriously — they’ve even sent out their Directors of Toughness to put the new gear to the test. Let’s all escape to Costa Rica with them for a moment…

The folks at Columbia Sportswear also sent me a jacket from their new line to test out: the Women’s OutDry™ Ex Platinum Tech Shell Jacket ($299) to be exact. At first glance, I could immediately tell that a lot of thought and research went into making the shell. In addition to the amazing new OutDry™ Extreme technology, here are some of the features I really like:

Adjustable Sleeve Cuffs – I have super short arms so the fact that I can tighten the velcro at the cuffs is a godsend. Double bonus for activities that involve raising my arms (like zip lining) so the rain doesn’t sneak in via open cuff.

Adjustable Storm Hood – Love me a good storm hood. Looks cute, but more importantly it keeps the rain out of my face (unless it’s that lovely horizontal stuff). The hood is also helmet compatible for all the adventures that require a little extra protection for the noggin.

Underarm Venting – Amazing for vigorous activities that have me working up a sweat. Just unzip a little to control the airflow…

Easy To Pack – A feature that is really important during my travels. This jacket is ultra-light and compact — it folds up easily and takes up less room than a sweater. Yeays!

I took my new shell out for a few test runs and am basically in love. It’s something I know I’ll use over and over again throughout the spring/summer/fall and during my travels. I’d highly recommend it to anyone — from those of you who just stick to urban dog walks to those who love extreme adventure. It’s currently available in white, black and pink. I opted for the white because it makes me feel like an astronaut — true story. Oh, and that pink detail you spot at the cuffs is actually another Columbia Sportswear fab find: Trail Flash Half Zip Shirt ($69.99) in haute pink. It’s made with a sweat-wicking fabric that is streamlined, has 4-way comfort stretch and reflective detailing. It’s also gone through an antimicrobial treatment to protect it from bacterial growth (aka sweaty times) AND the UPF 50 protects you from the sun. It’s comfortable, bright and has thumb holes which make me happy…

My photog is always cold so she tested the OutDry Ex Gold Down Jacket ($329.99) with 650 fill power goose down insulation and the same waterproof and breathable fabric technology as my jacket. Here is a sneak peek — it’s not available yet, but look for it in fall 2016!

I’m excited to try the rest of the Columbia OutDry Extreme line. If these jackets are any indication, these guys have really stepped up rainwear with their new technology. Wishing you all exciting and dry adventure ahead!

I received these Columbia OutDry Extreme items from Columbia Sportswear for review purposes. As always, all my opinions are my own.