Testing Columbia’s New OutDry Extreme (ODX) Waterproof Technology
Columbia Sportswear’s new matte OutDry Extreme (ODX) is the latest game-changer in the technical realm of waterproof, breathable fabrication. It’s setting a new standard in rain gear, and we wanted to put it to the test.
Living in Vancouver, BC, I rarely leave my house without an umbrella—especially in the spring. Waterproof gear is a must-have in the PNW, where the temperate rainforest provides fresh air, verdant ferns and healthy ecosystems. April showers may bring May flowers, but the Wet Coast brings year-round greenery.
While the consistent greyness can dampen spirits, causing many to stay inside—sipping tea, reading a good book, a cat purring on their lap—with the right gear, it’s still possible to enjoy getting outside and adventuring.
Columbia’s OutDry Extreme technology features a matte finish with a fully seam-sealed, impenetrable outer membrane and soft, wicking fabric inside to keep you dry in the wettest conditions.
With this advanced, high-performance technology, there will be no more water soaking through sleeves; no soggy socks; no rogue raindrops to wipe off.
Equipped with my Reign No Shine™ Jacket and Escape Thrive™ Titanium™ OutDry™ Mid Shoe, I went for a hike in the rain, using the lush, fern-filled area of Lynn Canyon Park for a testing ground.
The matte feel of the interior of the jacket contrasted nicely with the thick, smooth outer membrane. The drawcord-adjustable hood and waist hem sealed out the elements. Features like the PU-coated zippers and the underarm vents further elevate this jacket.
The shoes fit comfortably like a high-top sneaker, with maximum cushioning and enhanced stability from Columbia’s Omni-MAX™ tech. They felt lightweight and breathable, yet stopped the raindrops from reaching my feet. The Adapt Trax™ outsole offered traction on uneven, varied terrain with the stable, hike-specific tread pattern.
We wandered through the forest for an hour, taking photographs on my old-school DSLR and enjoying the fervent foliage.
But the real test happened when, unknowingly to me, my phone slipped out of my camera bag and landed silently on the soft forest floor.
By the time I’d noticed my missing appendage, my friend and I had wandered through the trails for another 30 minutes. Retracing our steps, I descended into panic when I saw no trace of my device. I used my friend’s phone to call my own number until finally someone picked up and said they would return my phone to the café.
With renewed vigour, I threw back my hood and dashed through the forest. Pouring rain drenched my hair as I rushed to reclaim my phone, my lifeline to work, friends, family, my bank accounts…
I ran harder, never once slipping on the wet boardwalk or slick grey rocks. Lungs howling, I made it to the café where I was reunited with my phone, and my faith in humanity was restored.
Disaster averted and cardio goals reached, my friend and I said farewell in the parking lot. In my car, I surveyed my gear: beneath my water-strewn rain jacket, my fleece was bone dry. Back home, I inspected my shoes: the uppers had mostly dried on the drive; underneath, my Smartwool socks were warm but not wet.
Anyone who lives in Canada knows all too well that conditions and situations in the outdoors can change on a dime (or a loonie). Columbia’s stylish yet practical OutDry Extreme technology kept me dry on my adventure—and next time, I’ll secure my phone in the jacket’s zippered pockets, too.
Get Geared Up for Spring Showers
Men’s + Women’s Reign No Shine Jacket ($250 CAD): Featuring matte fabric with a fully seam-sealed, impenetrable outer membrane, adjustable details and coated zippers to keep you dry in the wettest conditions. Available in beautiful River Blue and Black colourways for Women and Canoe and Black colourways for Men. Also available in plus-sizes 1X-3X.
Men’s Whistler Peak Shell ($330): Built with a fully seam-sealed, impenetrable membrane with a soft lining for next-to-skin comfort. Adjustable details add more protection against the wettest weather. It’s available in a sleek Canoe/Black and Black colourways.
Men’s + Women’s Escape Thrive™ Titanium™ OutDry™ Mid Shoe ($195): This mid-hiker features a waterproof-breathable OutDry™ upper keeping feet dry while a Navic Fit System™ adds a lockdown fit. The Omni-MAX™ Plus system with Techlite+™ midsole cushions every step of the trail, and an Adapt Trax™ outsole brings traction to the dirt, mud and gravel. Also available in low-top. Available in Teal/Black colourways for Women and Zinc/Black colourways for Men.
This article was sponsored by Columbia Sportswear
OutDry™ Extreme keeps you dry inside and out with a fully seam-sealed, impenetrable membrane outside and soft, wicking fabric inside, so you stay comfortable in a downpour.
Is the OutDry product line PFAS free?
Thanks for the question! It’s PFAS free. Columbia completed the transition to PFAS-free on all their products in Fall 2024.