Columbia Omni Heat?

[TheYoungOne]

I was eyeballing some of the Columbia Omni heat stuff when winter clothing first came out last fall. I thought the little sliver reflective dots were just a silly fad. However I noticed this year a lot of thru hikers are using the beenies, gloves and even fleece jackets. Does the stuff work, and is it worth buying?

[bfayer]

IMHO Only if you find it on sale.

I have a 100 wt pullover and it's a good piece. The silver dots seem to be holding up. and do seem to reflect some heat, but its a double edge sword in that they also conduct heat, so when you put it on when it's cold, it seems to suck the heat right out of you, especially against bare skin. once it warms up it's does seem to work. It is not a revolution in outdoor gear technology and its not a game changer so I would not go out of my way to buy another unless the price was right.

I got mine at the Columbia outlet store for 70% off SRP.

[RedBeerd]

I've got some gloves and they're relatively light but keep my hands very toasty under freezing.

[Lando11]

I picked up a hat earlier this winter and it works well for the weight. I agree, its not an amazing must-have piece of gear but it works.

[Slosteppin]

Before next winter I will have to look at some of the clothing.
I found a pair of their boots on sale in January so I bought them. I have always had trouble keeping my feet warm. Hiking with cold feet is misery.
I often drive 20 miles then put on the snowshoes to hike. I have not had cold feet since I started wearing the boots, sweaty yes but not cold.

[BigRing]

I was able to pick up one of the OmniHeat jackes at Sport Authority on clearance last August for $35. I went on a couple overnight trips....one night it went into the single digits.....the jacket really did perform well. I liked it so much that I purchased one for my son.