For Fall 2017, Columbia Sportswear expands their new OutDry Extreme Eco line into insulation. With these 2 new styles (for both men and women), your down or insulated jacket is not only warm and waterproof, but much more environmentally friendly as well.
If you recall, OutDry Extreme Eco utilizes the company’s membrane-on-the-outside technology but ditches the use of any harmful PFCs. The jacket fabric itself is made from 100% recycled polyester and remains dyeless–hence the white color. The current OutDry Ex Eco jacket uses the equivalent of 21 recycled plastic bottles, while the new OutDry Ex Eco insulated jackets use up 27 recycled plastic bottles. Furthermore, all the trims (zippers, labels, pull tabs, etc.) are made from recycled content.
The OutDry Ex Eco Down Jacket ($280) is stuffed with 700-fill power goose down that is RDS-certified (100% responsibly sourced down). Ditching the stitching, the baffles are made from a heat seal construction that stops any down migration and eliminates cold spots.
The helmet compatible hood is adjustable with a nice high collar to hide behind when the wind blows. There is a Velcro flap over the front zipper to trap in warmth and keep water out — Columbia has yet to find a fully recycled waterproof zipper to work with and didn’t want to compromise the eco-nature of the jacket. Two zippered hand pockets give you some gear storage options.
The OutDry Ex Eco Insulated Shell ($230) uses 100% recycled synthetic insulation in lieu of down. The drawcord hem and storm hood are both adjustable, with a drop tail to help keep out snow. You get two zippered hand pockets and an internal security pocket to store all your essentials. And for those occasional bootpack session, underarm venting keeps you from overheating.
The insulated versions of the OutDry Extreme Eco jackets are Bluesign certified similar to the original and will be out next fall.