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  • THE GEAR SHED
  • WINTER GEAR

Gear Shed: Columbia’s New Omni-Heat Helix

  • January 17, 2023
  • Ned Morgan
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GearShedLogo

The latest evolution of its Omni-Heat technology, Columbia’s Omni-Heat Helix consists of small closed-cell foam pods on the interior of baselayers and fleeces. Since closed-cell foam isn’t breathable, Columbia used a discontinuous pattern for the pod placement.

The pods retain heat longer than the underlying base layer material and help retain and circulate air for both warmth and breathability. Omni-Heat Helix layers excel during activities that involve short or long bursts with rest times since they retain heat when you need it and then allow it to circulate out when you don’t.

Columbia Omni Heat Helix fabric
The Omni-Heat Helix pods. Photo: Columbia

Columbia Bliss Ascent Long Sleeve Shirt

Reach deeper into the backcountry or sidecountry in this lightweight, stretchy performance top (available for women and men) featuring enhanced heat management. Omni-Heat Helix helps manage your body heat, so you can be as active as you want in the cold without overheating or clamminess. And the stretchy fabric (15% Elastane) lends itself well to dynamic activities such as ski-touring and scrambling.

columbia-Bliss-Ascent-longsleeve-women-men
Photos: Columbia

Comfort

Comfort
96 100 0 1
We’re tried a lot of synthetic base layers over the years and this one is near the top for all-day comfort. Even when you’re sweating a lot, it never feels clammy or icky. The Bliss Ascent doesn’t offer quite the same warmth as Merino wool but is never itchy, and dries much faster.
We’re tried a lot of synthetic base layers over the years and this one is near the top for all-day comfort. Even when you’re sweating a lot, it never feels clammy or icky. The Bliss Ascent doesn’t offer quite the same warmth as Merino wool but is never itchy, and dries much faster.
96/100
Total Score iLegend
The best

Outdoor Tracks Full Zip Fleece Jacket

Available for women or men, this is a premium fleece that serves as the ultimate mid-layer, particularly for cold running or nordic skiing. The high-efficiency Omni-Heat Helix cells manage heat and airflow to keep you comfy and dialed into your mission.

Columbia Outdoor Tracks Full Zip women inside
Photo: Columbia

All-Conditions Mid-Layer

All-Conditions Mid-Layer
95 100 0 1
This fleece is thinner than most, so you can wear it under anything. And it sheds moisture like nobody’s business and never overheats. The only detail missing, in our view, is a drawcord around the waist.
This fleece is thinner than most, so you can wear it under anything. And it sheds moisture like nobody’s business and never overheats. The only detail missing, in our view, is a drawcord around the waist.
95/100
Total Score iLegend
The best
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  • Baselayer
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