My new favourite garment: the Columbia Arctic Crest hoodie

Item: Columbia Arctic Crest Sherpa Full Zip
Rating: 5
Author: Patrick Bardelli

Patrick Bardelli

21.11.2024

Translation: Megan Cornish

My favourite product range is growing. The latest addition is Columbia’s Arctic Crest hoodie, which impressed across the board in my test.

Do you have a favourite product or products? Are there things that make your everyday life or sports easier? I have a few. For example (trigger warning for parts of the Community here) React sports glasses:

video
Opinion
Why I’m never biking without React's Optray sports glasses again
by Patrick Bardelli

There are other products I love. For example, Keego water bottles and the Beats Fit Pro. Certain brands also manage to develop products that meet my exact needs. Columbia’s one of them. Whether it’s a rain jacket or hiking gear, I’ve never been disappointed That’s why I was so curious when the brand announced new thermal technology for winter clothing.

I’ve already written about it:

News + Trends
Polar bears serve as a model for Columbia's new heating technology
by Patrick Bardelli

Columbia has provided me with a hoodie and a vest with the new technology to test.

Inspired by nature

The Omni-Heat Arctic insulation system is designed to provide warmth in arctic temperatures. Columbia has modelled it on polar bear fur. The technical term for this is biomimicry. The system uses the sun’s energy and is designed to store heat over long periods. In my experience, this also works in cloudy conditions. Polar bears store solar heat to keep themselves warm in extreme cold. This is partly due to their special fur structure: the top hairs are transparent, hollow and act like small light guides that direct sunlight directly to the skin.

Polar bears’ skin is black, enabling it to absorb the heat of the sun’s rays. The American outdoor manufacturer has copied these properties in its new heat technology.

Inspired by polar bears, the technology also keeps me warm on my regular dog walks.
Source: Daniela Rohr

To achieve this, Columbia worked closely with the Burke Museum of Natural History in Seattle. The aim was to understand how nature works and translate it into functional properties for outdoor sports. The result of this collaboration is new Omni-Heat Arctic Technology. By using translucent fibres and a special coating that optimises heat conduction, this technology offers an alternative to conventional insulating materials.

A polar bear on dog walks

Now, in late autumn, I’m wearing the hoodie with its «polar bear technology» more and more often on my regular dog walks along with the Arctic Crest vest. When it rains, I also like to wear the Wyldwood rain jacket. That way I not only stay warm, but dry too.

The Arctic Crest hoodie with the Columbia Arctic Crest vest.
Source: Daniela Rohr

In a nutshell

Columbia Arctic Crest hoodie: from zero to hero (product)

Love at first sight. And second. And third. The Arctic Crest Sherpa Full Zip from Columbia – to give it its full name – feels tailor-made for me and my needs. The high-quality hoodie impresses with its excellent finish and look. These things don’t keep me warm, but the many compliments I get about them make me feel good. And that never hurts.

And the hoodie actually does keep you warm. Very warm. I’m not living in arctic temperatures, but, according to the thermometer on my dog walk, it’s currently three degrees. A long T-shirt, the hoodie and the Columbia Arctic Crest vest and I’m fine.

Pro

Keeps you really warm
Good quality
Good finish
Attractive design

Contra

Nothing yet

Jackets

Columbia Arctic Crest Sherpa Full Zip

52 people like this article

Patrick Bardelli

Senior Editor

Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.

Outdoor

Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Product test

Our experts test products and their applications. Independently and neutrally.

Show all

These articles might also interest you

Product test
Reviewing ski clothing from Dynafit
by Patrick Bardelli
Product test
Stay dry in the great outdoors with Columbia’s Wyldwood waterproof jacket
by Patrick Bardelli
Product test
Clad in merino wool from head to toe: how outdoor wear fares on a city trip
by Patrick Bardelli