The big buzz at Outdoor Retailer this summer was all about Columbia’s reinvention of the rain jacket. The OutDry Extreme looks like an old-school rubber coat, stiff and without a hint of breathability. But according to the company, that’s not the case at all, and they claim that this is a game changer. So how does it work?
Basically, Columbia says they moved the waterproof membrane to the outside of the jacket (as opposed to the traditional 3-layer system that puts the waterproof layer in the middle under a DWR-finished outer fabric.) What happens with a 3-layer Gore Tex, for example, that outer layer “wets out” after an extended period of time in the rain, and water inevitably soaks through, especially when the jacket ages and the DWR wears off. But the OutDry Extreme is a 2-layer system, with a durable, waterproof layer on the outside, and a comfortable, sweat-wicking fabric on the inside.
Still, the outer material feels rubbery, like an old-school jacket that became obsolete decades ago. How can it possibly breathe? Columbia says OutDry Extreme is actually ultra-breathable because of microscopic perforations in the membrane that allows moisture to escape while keeping rain out. Plus, the interior lining is a wicking textile that enables even more breathability and next-to-skin comfort.
But will people get over the fact that it looks like they’re wearing “rubbers?” The company is banking on the fact that as soon as anyone tries one out in the rain, they will be so impressed at how well the shell works that style won’t matter one iota. There will be several levels of these jackets and pants (Diamond, Platinum, and Gold) at different price points from $175 to $400, so you can find a version that’s just right for your climate and pocketbook.
Apparently, Columbia has been working on this for over a year-and-a-half, with testing and development ongoing in some of the rainiest places around the world. OutDry Extreme is now ready for its big debut in the spring of 2016. I get to test one out this fall and will report back with a full review. In the meantime, check out the video below that explains more about the jacket and how it works.