Hardshell Jackets
Product 2021
Woman, Man
We liked this Columbia Outdry Extreme NanoLite protective jacket for many reasons. Let’s first get talk about its weak point: very limited breathability, practically non-existent as soon as you do any physical effort. But let’s be honest, what waterproof jacket on the market is genuinely breathable? So, with this Columbia jacket, during physical effort you will find that perspiration barely evacuates unless you manage the underlayers with precision and open the jacket to create ventilation.
With that done and dusted, this Columbia Outdry Extreme NanoLite is still an excellent product because it has many qualities. The first is of course its waterproofness. It’s simple, it is at the same level as the excellent fabric used by Gore® Wear on their C7 Shakedry for example. It can rain buckets, and nothing gets through. Humidity will eventually show itself on the edges of the hood, the cuffs and interior condensation.
This maximum protection comes with an ally, lightness. 210g in size M, it is featherlight but also tough. Even if you do need to be a little careful not to charge through bushes or rub up against sharp objects (not recommended for mountaineering). This Columbia Outdry Extreme NanoLite doesn’t absorb water, so doesn’t get heavier, and it dries very quickly.
The Columbia Outdry Extreme NanoLite compacts down and stores easily in one of the two pockets: practical, fast, easy.
The fabric is slightly stretchy, you don’t feel restricted. The cut is not really figure hugging to you have plenty of room for a fleece, mid-layer, etc. The collar is the perfect height for protection and ensures the association between the hood which is well designed. It has one adjustment at the rear of the head and it protects the head effectively without restricting vision. The flexible fabric allows you to move your head easily.
The top of the hands is well protected by the fabric which is wider in this area. A big GPS watch fits underneath without any problems and is easily accessible during exercise.
The Velcro adjustments at the wrists are strong and easy to grab with gloves on thanks to the anti-slip finish.
This fabric makes a characteristic rustling noise.
This Columbia Outdry Extreme NanoLite is a rare lightweight waterproof jacket. In bad weather it gives full protection and stays comfortable. Ideal for fast hiking, trail running and any outdoor activity that benefits from weight-saving kit, without sacrificing waterproofness.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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