Columbia’s Outdry EX Review
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With the Spring rainy season right around the corner, the need for dependable rain gear moves closer to the top of the outdoor enthusiasts equipment list. Thanks to modern technology, staying dry in inclement weather is very manageable, if you choose the right level of protection for the conditions. For optimal weather protection during activities like hiking, running, and climbing, waterproof breathable jackets and pants are ideal. Breathability is essential to prevent sweat from building up inside the garment, which can make it harder for you to stay warm if the weather is cold and downright miserable if the weather is warmer. The level of weather protection needed can vary depending on the conditions. But choosing a breathable and waterproof garment will likely cover the broad spectrum in most outdoor situations.
One such technology that does both is Columbia’s OutDry Extreme, which after testing, I think is the perfect fit for the active outdoors person looking for rain protection. OutDry EX is Columbia’s waterproof ultra-breathable technology which incorporates a waterproof membrane on the outside for permanent water repellency and durability. By putting the abrasion-resistant membrane on the outside where it’s in contact with the rain, there is virtually no risk of “wetting out” like other garments do when their DWR wears off. This is a durable, permanent waterproof layer that actively repels moisture and rain. Think of it like a force-field to rain.
But does it breathe? OutDry Extreme is ultra-breathable, thanks to microscopic perforations in the membrane that allows moisture to escape while keeping rain at bay. The interior lining is a wicking textile that enables even more breathability and next-to-skin comfort, as opposed to a plastic-feel next to skin. This technology is an enormous jump forward in keeping dry and comfortable, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. Making Columbia’s OutDry Extreme perfect for active outdoor adventurists.
Features of the OutDry Extreme
- Pinnacle Titanium features, fabrics, fit
- External seam taping seals water out
- Internal wicking absorbs moisture
- Seamless Light Rail™ Zippers resist water
I was sent the Columbia OutDry Ex Featherweight Shell Jacket and the OutDry Ex Stretch Pants to put through the wringer. Each of which performed beyond my expectations, keeping me completely dry, both from the rain and the internal ability to wick away and absorb moisture. The pants and the jacket fell into the true to size fit, at 6 foot tall and 172 pounds, medium worked precisely.
OutDry EX Featherweight Shell Jacket
The OutDry Extreme Featherweight Shell delivers lightweight protection from the elements and features contoured sleeve cuffs and an adjustable peripheral hood. The fit is comfortable and the protection is…Extreme. This is a great go-to jacket for running, hiking and backpacking. Plus, it’s backpack-compatible. The OutDry Ex Featherweight Shell is major protection in a lightweight package. MSRP $199
Features
- OutDry™ waterproof/breathable fully seam sealed
- External seam tape
- Bonded visor hem and cuffs
- Attached hood with peripheral adjustability
- Underarm and chest venting system
- Light Rail™ centerfront and chest pockets
- Adjustable contoured sleeve cuff
- Backpack compatible
- Active fit
- Shell: 100% nylon ripstop, Lining: 100% polyester mesh
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- Fully Taped and Sealed Seals on the Outside
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- Waterproof Zippers
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- Mesh Zip Pockets and Under Arm Slotted Ventilation
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- Packable at Just under 7 oz
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OutDry EX Stretch Pant
Durable enough to take on nasty weather yet light and compressible enough to pack into its own back pocket, this pant is built for performance in wet conditions. With a waterproof-breathable, polyester interlock shell, comfort stretch fabric, and a polyester mesh lining, the pants delivered comfortable protection inside and out. For added security and versatility the pants are equipped with zippered back and hand pockets and leg zips. The Columbia OutDry Ex Stretch Pants have the ideal balance of weight, packability, and weather protection. MSRP $120
Features
- OutDry™ waterproof/breathable fully seam sealed
- Comfort stretch
- External seam tape
- Bonded hem and cuffs
- Zippered back pocket
- Zippered hand pockets
- Bottom leg zips
- Packable into back pocket
- Shell: 100% polyester interlock, Lining: 100% polyester mesh
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- Fully Taped and Seam Sealed Outside
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- Zippered Leg and Comfortable Lining
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- Mesh Internal Pockets and Stretchable Waist
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- Back Pocket Packable at Just Over 11 oz
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Final Thoughts
Whether you’re out for a hike, running in the mountains, or walking the city streets, Columbia’s OutDry Ex will keep you shielded from the elements in reliable comfort. With fully sealed seams, OutDry Ex completely blocks out rain, sleet, and snow that you might encounter during your daily excursions, while the breathable quick dry lining will keep you dry and light on your feet. Columbia’s Outdry Extreme was built for the adventurer that isn’t going to let weather slow them down.
For more information out the OutDry Ex, visit www.amazon.com/columbia.
Hello, I think I’m very late to this, but are the center front pockets on the Columbia Titanium Featherweight usable? Not the chest pockets, but the “center front” pockets. On all pictures I can never see the zippers for them (are they velcro?) and I can’t find ANY videos either…So I was wondering if you can put your hands inside them because if so I will buy this jacket immediately! I hope you reply; this is the only substantial review I have found: thank you!
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for the question. The center front pockets are useable for storage, such as phones, snacks, maps, wallets, etc. They are quite large on the inside (12 inches tall by 5 inches wide), plenty of room for almost anything. Zipper opening is just over 8 inches long, so you can easily fit a hand in them. The opening of the pocket starts close to the center of the chest and the pocket runs to the left for the left pocket and to the right for the right pocket. So as far as putting your hands in the jacket to keep them warm, you would have to cross your arms and go right hand to left pocket and left hand to right pocket. If you want some pictures, send me an email and I will get some over to you. mark@activegearreview.com
Thanks!
Mark
Thanks for the review! Do you think these Columbia Outdry Ex Stretch pants would hold up to a sustained, torrential rainstorm? And is the fit loose and baggy (to accommodate layers) or more of a slim, athletic fit? I’m looking for something that can hold up to significant rain and wind that would have a loose enough fit to wear several layers underneath.
Thanks!
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for the comment and questions. I would definitely say that the Columbia Outdry Ex Stretch Pants will hold up to some pretty significant rain, all the while keeping you completely dry. I generally wear a size Medium in just about everything and ordered a size large to allow for extra layers and it worked just as planned. I would call the fit a true to size, meaning the medium for me , would allow for a single layer to fit comfortably under the pants and sizing up one size to a larger offered the room to dress in multiple layers underneath.
Thanks!
Mark
Hi Mark. I appreciate your review of the Featherweight Shell, as well as the candid photos. It’s an interesting jacket that I would like to try, but can’t find locally. Hopefully you can help shed some light on a few questions of mine:
– How do the sleeve cuffs adjust? I’ve seen photos of the Featherweight with a velcro strap, and some that appear to have an internal drawstring, so I am assuming there are two versions. Which did you have? If the drawstring only, is it actually adjustable by the wearer? Or is it simply an elastic cord sewn in to the hem that can’t be tensioned or untensioned by the user?
– How does the hood adjust? The description notes peripheral adjustment on the sides. Some photos also show something going on at the back of the head. Can you describe how the hood adjustment works and how the wearer can adjust it in the model you have?
– Does the hood have a way to adjust height? Put another way, say the brim was coming too far down the forehead and in the way of the eyes – is there a way to pin back some hood material to keep the brim higher up, as many jackets have in the rear?
– Have you tried the Featherweight shell with any sort of helmet (bicycle, climbing, skiing/boarding) under the hood?
– How has it held up since your review?
Thank you in advance, Mark!
-Nick
Hi Nick. Thanks for dropping by the site. Let’s see if I can answer all of your questions.
-Sleeve cuffs – on my version they are non-adjustable but do have elastic sewn in halfway around the cuff on what would be the underside of the sleeve, which allows for a close fit to the wrist. The waist or bottom part of the jacket is the same, non-adjustable but does have elastic sewn into the hem halfway around (on the back of the jacket)
-Hood – is non-adjustable but does have elastic sewn in on the left and right sides of the hood. The peripheral adjustment is a built in adjustable elastic cord that runs around the backside of the hood (middle of the head) from the left to right and sticks out the back of the hood under a protective flap. This cord can be adjusted (pulled or released with a simple rubber slide lock) to make the hood sit farther back on the head allowing for better peripheral vision.
-Does the hood have a way to adjust height? – The peripheral adjustment works in the case you described, allowing you to cinch the hood back which in turn pulls it higher on the forehead.
-Use with a helmet – I have used it with a cycling helmet and there is just enough hood for it to work.
-Long Term Use – It has held up Great so far. I did manage to slip while hiking and catch my arm on a very rough rock, it scraped the jacket and left scratch marks on it but has not effected the waterproofing – thank you ripstop nylon.
If you have any other questions, do let me know.
Thanks!
-Mark
Thanks Mark!
Hi Nick,
Can you still buy the outdry over trousers as I don’t seem to be able to find them on the columbia’s site, the omi trousers aren’t truly water proof like the outdry jacket I have for the last four years….
Hi Paul,
It looks like Columbia discontinued the OutDry EX Stretch Pant. And replaced them with the Columbia Outdry Extreme Downpour Pant, which appears to no longer be available directly from Columbia’s website. Amazon shows stock (https://amzn.to/3AWNh78).