As for the Columbia Powder Keg II jacket (https://www.test4outside.com/en/produit/columbia-powder-keg-ii-jkt/), with its classic style we weren’t expecting anything particularly outstanding… Mistake! After several sessions we soon realized that what seems a classic, rather banal looking pair of trousers are actually, very well-cut, comfortable and most importantly very warm!
Columbia has been using its Omni-Heat 3D Thermal Reflective technology for several winters now. Marketing tends to overdo the technicity of certain products, but here, as we found out testing the same jacket, this reflective liner is extraordinarily efficient. It reflects your body heat and improves insulation. So you have trousers that ensure protection from exterior elements and ensure insulating warmth. Two-in-one.
The Columbia Powder Keg II trousers can be worn alone but they don’t feel that pleasant against the skin. We preferred skiing with a technical under garment. Great comfort, stretch material enables fluid movements without any restrictions.
The Columbia Powder Keg II trousers are not salopettes, so doesn’t cover the back. Usually these type of trousers are not especially comfortable, because often the waistbelt prevents you from being fluid in the action. Surprise!! The Columbia Powder Keg II trousers are performant. The two Velcro® fastenings on either side of the hips ensure good adjustment, of course if you lean far forward then your kidneys are exposed, but you have your jacket over the top, so you don’t feel the cold.
We liked the big zips along the legs, with double sliders, you can ventilate your legs as you please and release any overheating. But beware; you cannot take the trousers off without taking your boots off first as it isn’t an integrated zip.
All the zips slide well and have little cords for easy grabbing factor with gloves on.
There are four loops at the hips to attach the jacket to so that the snow skirt remains in place.
There are numerous practical pockets. The one question concerns the base of the trousers around the ankles if they are tough enough against scrapes?
If the idea is to wear the jacket with the trousers, logically the color red would be the same … this is not the case, maybe deliberate style?
The Columbia Powder Keg II are great trousers, well-cut, comfortable and very cozy warm. The price is “accessible” and as the jacket proved, deserves the HOT DEAL Award for an excellent product that is good value for money.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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