As part of the big Omni-Heat launch last week, Columbia introduced a new line of base layers fortified with Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective technology. The base layers help you to lock in warmth but lose the sweat, better regulating your body temperature.
Similar to space blanket technology, Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective is comprised of a dot-matrix application of reflective material. This reflective silver material works together with the moisture-wicking, breathable, polyester base layer to reflect and retain your own body heat while whisking away moisture.
The midweight base layers will come in a long sleeve crew neck version ($55) for women and a long sleeve half zip ($60) for men. Form fitting with 4-way comfort stretch, thumb holes and ergonomic seaming, the base layers should feel like a snuggly second skin.
I am curious to see how the Columbia base layers work in real life scenarios and how they will compare to merino base layers. I imagine you may still have the stink factor with polyester but the Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective technology may actually offer you the warmth of merino wool. I guess we will find out next Fall 2011 when the Omni-Heat Base Layers are released.