The expression, “Dress for Success,” takes on new meaning in the context of “dressing for success on the water.” Wearing the right clothing while fishing all day, and protecting yourself from the harsh sun and elements, is as important to your success on the water as bringing along the right rod, reel or bait. Columbia Sportswear’s latest innovative, Omni-Freeze ZERO™ sweat-activated cool technology, takes the “heat” off your fishing adventure so you can concentrate on catching that trophy fish.
The Omni-Freeze ZERO™ formula is the next generation of cooling technology for outdoor sportswear that is definitely worth a second look. The signature small blue rings on the fabric are actually a polymer technology that uses energy from your sweat to actively cool the fabric. “The polymer lowers the temperature of the fabric, accelerating wicking and creating an instant and prolonged cooling effect.” Having tested this shirt, personally, combined with their PFG Freezer Zero Long Sleeve Shirt in the hot, Key West sun, I can definitely speak to the overall lower body temperature effect I felt from layering myself as suggested with their clothing.
%pullstart%"It almost seems counter-intuitive to layer yourself with clothing on a hot sunny day, but the cooling effect of this sweat-activated cooling technology actually kept my overall body temperature lower."%pullend%It almost seems counter-intuitive to layer yourself with clothing on a hot sunny day, but the cooling effect of this sweat-activated cooling technology of two layers actually kept my overall body temperature lower. I never felt that harsh heat that makes your body pulse, and I never felt drained from water loss, either. Instead, while wading across the shallow flats, I felt cooler. I felt I was retaining my body moisture more efficiently and I had the energy to wade around and sight fish without the feeling of that sub-tropical heat beating me up. You still need to hydrate and still need to use sunscreen on your face and hands, but the Omni-Freeze ZERO™ shirts also come with the Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 sun protection infused into the fabric. Columbia Sportswear’s shirts are not only designed to give you the maximum protection and comfort from sun on the water, but they are also beautifully designed so they double as everyday wear, or evening wear, fashionable in every setting.
But it’s the practicality of Columbia’s products that provides the greatest value. Take, for example, the Airgill Chill Zero Long Sleeve shirt. At first glance, as you unpack the shirt, you notice the circular zero design pattern in the fabric. That’s their Omni-Freeze ZERO™ formula. It’s a subtle pattern, but at closer inspection, you will see it. As you review the shirt further, you will also notice the “gill” vents built into the shirt. The gills on this Columbia shirt are all part of the vented, quick-dry efficiencies of the design. They also built in ample room for stretching and reaching, and a comfort-level that makes fishing in any boat, even the smallest flats boat, comfortable. There are other features, too, such as the Sunglass “cleaning patch,” built into the corner of the shirttail; plus, the usual features that include a Velcro swatch rodholder, a zip-closed security pocket and roll-up sleeves.
Utilizing this same Omni-Freeze ZERO™ sweat-activated super cooling technology and Omni-Share™ UPF sun protection, the Freezer Neck Gaiter, a must-have piece of clothing on the water, protects your face further from the harsh rays of the sun and also provides a cooling effect for your neck, face and nose. Finally, when it comes to footgear, The Powerdrain Cool PFG water shoe, part of the Drainmaker Collection, adds a whole new meaning to comfortable footgear in boat attire and for stepping out of the boat into the water. The Omni-Freeze ZERO™ technology is also built into the shoe and creates a cooling and fast-drying environment for wet feet. The sides and toes are constructed of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), a hard plastic that provides support and protection. The EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) additive is a foam-product used in the midsole between the outer sole and the upper, where the drain holes are located.
Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company has grown from a small family-owned hat distributorship to one of the world’s largest outerwear brands and a leading seller of skiwear in the United States. Columbia’s extensive line includes a wide variety of outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories. Their first fishing vest was created in 1961. This type of innovation continues today in their PFG (Performance Fishing Gear) line. The combination of their Omni-Shade™ UPF sun protection and the Omni-Freeze ZERO™ advance cooling paired together for market in 2013, will bring together a new level of protection and comfort to anglers.
