Well this came out of no where. Who would have thought Columbia would jump on the 80’s bandwagon of colors to ring in the 2009-2010 ski season? I mean we are talking some crazy colors that will soon be flaunted downtown and on the slopes. My first ski jacket was actually a Columbia. I would post a link to the model but it was before Al Gore invented the Internet. Let’s just say it was bright yellow, had this fluffy insert, and was as waterproof as a sponge.
I’ve had the chance to look at a handful of Columbia jackets out this year and overall I think the style is right on. I mean. It’s all about the colors anyway, who cares how they perform? Sorry, its Tuesday and my sarcasm is over flowing. Columbia boasts the Omni-Tech and Titanium construction to be waterproof and breathable. Even if Arcteryx and eVent are screaming the same claims I have to get outside and use this stuff before I can say they can actually walk the walk. Some of the jackets I’ve been able to use in the moisture but not all of them.
Rodeo Magic II Shell – $200
First on the docket is the el Magic Shell. The inner lining has the micro fleece which is nice for throwing on real quick to go shovel the walk way. The arms are quite bulky which for me a treehugger telemark skier isn’t cool. If telemarkers had it their way, we would all be back in those tight spandex and snug racer jackets. The pockets on the Magic are fleece lined which, if your not lining your pockets with fleece then designers need to wake up to the cries of ladies who complain about cold hands. Haven’t been able to test in the snow but from the feel of it I think it will do fine. You knuckle-draggers might need something a bit more waterproof in the bum area since your sitting quite a bit.
I can’t help it! I have to make a Vanilla Ice joke! “too cold, too cold…Kick it one time, BOOOY!!” Ok I’m good now. Has a more slimmed feel with also more water proofing, being seam sealed and all. I took this camping and luckily it rained. Popped up the hood and cooked my soup for about 40 min. and it kept me dry. To me, if a jacket can perform in the rain then your set. Also has fleece body paneling which I first saw from Mountain Hardwear using their Pimp Chimp fleece. The collar comes up a little high if you ask me, how am I suppose to breath with jacket in my face? You know us telemarkers, huffing and puffing to keep up with our uber cool alpine friends.
Git Down Puffy Jacket – $170
If your considering shoplifting during the winter the Git Down is a stellar choice. Careful running after you snag a Blu-Ray player though because you’ll overheat in this puffy really quick, just like any down filled piece. For an around the town jacket this would make sense. I wouldn’t take it winter hiking or skiing, way to bulky and low water-resistance. Not sure how much ‘Git’n Down’ your going to get with the Git Down, but hey the colors are crazy. I see mostly casual use for this jackets future.
Mahagony Ridge Parka – $200
For those ’save the Earth’ types, the Ridge offers 57% recycled polyester along with a completely seam-sealed shell. I don’t care for the removable hood. I mean, honestly anytime something comes completely detached; its gone. I like when companies tuck the hood in the collar a lot more. The zip in liner cranks up the price a bit more than the other models. The fit is quite baggy, only snowboarders need apply. Fleece-lined pockets are a plus and should be standard in all jackets in my opinion.
The Ice Ice jacket is by far my favorite jacket. It fits the best and I can tell it will resist moisture really well. It really is nice to see Columbia up the ante with cool styles. Hopefully the quality performs well this season. But hey, for the price, you get into a solid jacket that meshes well with the 80’s scene.
Check out the Columbia line to stay warm and in style this winter.
