At the Outdoor Retailer 2015 Summer Market, I showed you the Columbia OutDry Extreme rain jacket – a tech piece that Columbia says will revolutionize rainwear forever. Essentially, the mad scientists at Columbia 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.) After being exposed to extended rain, 3-layer shells eventually get soaked through. But Columbia says OutDry Extreme’s 2-layer system, with the waterproof layer on the outside, will never “wet out.”
The OutDry Extreme doesn’t hit retail until February of 2016, but I received a test sample, and have been using it on rainy days throughout Utah’s autumn season. So is this new invention in rainwear all it’s cracked up to be?
My first impression is that 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. Putting the jacket on, I noticed that the material is stiff compared to the usual rain shell, and it’s also a bit noisy when I move. But hey, as long as it keeps me dry, I’m happy. So I took it outside.
Rain or shine, the dogs must be walked or there will be hell to pay. Some mornings in Salt Lake, I was walking in a downpour. The Columbia OutDry Extreme was like a supernatural ray shield against wetness. Water clearly beads up and rolls off the shell, and features like Velcro closures on the wrists and a roomy hood further keep water from entering.
Breathability is is impressive. Despite the “rain slicker” feel and looks, I never got that clammy feeling I would get inside the rubber rain jackets I used to wear as a kid. So here we have ultimate waterproofness combined with ultra-breathability. Looks like Columbia cracked the ultimate code with their OutDry Extreme technology.
Durability is another factor I looked at. While visiting the Columbia booth at Outdoor Retailer, a rep showed me how the DWR finish on leading brand’s shells can rub off, allowing water to seep inside. All she had to do was scrape the DWR off with a fingernail, and water soaked through. Just imagine what few seasons of bushwhacking and stuffing a shell in and out of packs will do to that DWR finish. But the Columbia OutDry Extreme is actual, waterproof material that is super durable. I’d be willing to bet it would protect you in a knife fight (but please don’t test out that theory.)
The only real negative I could find is the fit. I’m a solid size medium, and tested a medium shell. But the fit was very tight, especially across the shoulders and mid-torso. Because the material is so thick and durable (no stretch) compared to traditional rain shells, I found this to considerably restrict movement. However, arm and waist length were perfect. Bottom line: when the shells are released next spring, you may need to size up.
Will people get over the fact that it looks like they’re wearing “rubbers?” It may take some getting used to, but the company is banking on the fact that as soon as anyone tries OutDry Extreme 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.
You’ll have to wait until February 2016 to buy one. Until then, learn more about Columbia’s OutDry Extreme on their website.