Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero Cooling Clothing Review

[Hydrocket]

This review would probably be of great interest to the the hikers, cyclist and active people on this forum. I mainly wanted it for going to races....trackside is brutally hot with all the concrete. Plus we do several other outdoor activities. Fishing, shooting, etc.

Anyways...Columbia introduced this technology this year to great fanfare. It was tested by athletes who claimed the extreme cooling effect enabled them to race faster, longer, improve their times, etc. I even read a review where a woman hiker said she had to stand in the sun because in the shade it was TOO cold with the gear on. It subsequently was awarded "Gear of the Year" or "Technology of the Year" by many outdoor enthusiast magazines. This technology differs from their "Omni-Freeze" clothing. The "Omni-Freeze" clothing has a chemical put into the clothing and achieves somewhat the same effect, also activated by sweat. The "Omni-Feeze Zero" has these special blue rings woven into the clothing. I had to check it out.

I went to the US to a Columbia store. I lucked out the day I went as there was some event going on and there were factory reps there. I asked. The rep told me to "hold on". He came back a moment later with forearm sleeves made of the material. The material is extremely soft and comfortable. Very light. It has tiny light blue rings woven into the material that are barely visible. When your sweat touches the rings, they expand and began the cooling effect. I put the sleeves on. He had a spray bottle and misted one sleeve. In a couple of seconds, I could feel the cooling effect. It was pretty surprising, actually. He said it would work even better if we were outside, as a breeze would exaggerate the effect. I was pretty much sold at this point. I looked at a few shirts. I wanted a long sleeve. He pointed out that they sold JUST long sleeve arm things that you could wear with any clothing. He said this was a favorite of cyclists and marathoners who had team uniforms they must wear and therefore can't wear a full Columbia shirt. They were $30, and white. But I wanted a shirt. I checked out a couple. The coolest shirt would be the "Airgill Chill Zero". It's a long sleeve shirt and in the back it has several "gills" that open up at the slightest breeze. The sleeves can be rolled up. He pointed out this shirt would not be the best choice if I was a backpacker, since the backpack would squish the gills closed...but the Freeze Zero effect would still work. The material can also be sprayed with bug spray containing Permethrin and it won't hurt the technology. Good to know. I wasn't too fussy about the odd looking pockets on the Airgill...nor the price. It was $100! The other long sleeve shirts were about $75. Still didn't like the busy looking pockets in the front. Bummer...

I later found out that Columbia owned Mountain Hardwear, and that they too were using the Omni-Freeze Zero technology. Except they called it Cool Q Zero. Exact same thing. And their long sleeve shirt had a couple features I liked better. No pockets in front (almost dress shirt looking), an internal pocket, an extra flap on the collar for keeping the sun off, one handed sleeve roll up tabs etc. The shirt model is called "Chiller". I pulled the trigger and bought one from MooseJaw outfitters for $65. After testing it this week, I must say this is money very, very well spent. The cooling effect is nice. And if you need extra cooling, pour a bit from a water bottle and you REALLY feel the cooling. Between Columbia and Mountain Hardwear, they make t shirts, polos, workout shirts, hats, neck wraps, sleeves etc with this cooling technology. Pretty much something for every sport. I could really see this clothing being amazing riding a bike or on long hikes. I'm going to buy the sleeves and use them with my golf polos when golfing. I won't need to put sunscreen on my arms (the material is UPF 50+) and it will keep me cool on the course. Win-Win.

If you need some nice clothing with extra cooling, please check this stuff out. I'm impressed, and will likely buy a few more pieces.

I've included pics of the shirts I looked at and links to the websites. There are also plenty of reviews online for specific uses in sports.

Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero: Omni-Freeze Zero Cooling Performance Clothing & Apparel | Columbia.com

Mountain Hardwear Cool Q Zero: http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Cool.Q-ZERO/CoolQ_ZERO,default,pg.html?mid=paidsearch&nid=RAIS_Dummy_Links&oid=RAIS_Dummy_Links&did=mountain%20hardwear

This is the Columbia shirts. I wasn't overly fond of the style. The Airgill was cool though!!

Airgill Chill Zero:



Terminal Zero Shirt: Nice...but didn't like the pockets.



Mountain Hardwear Chiller: This is the shirt I bought. I chose white. Nice enough to wear to dinner IMO.



Here are the sleeves...both Columbia and Mountain Hardwear

[Evans, Marv]

Technology for outdoors equipment and clothing is pretty amazing now days. I remember seeing old packs that had wood frames and tump straps. I didn't use any that old, but used equipment that came not too long afterwards. I could use a shirt like that for working around my place in the 95 degree weather. I imagine they will produce tons of specialty clothing using that technology. Even using it for head coverings might work out well.

[Hydrocket]

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

Even using it for head coverings might work out well.

Yea...they already have plenty of hats...but they also have a neat bandana thing. Roll it down, and use it on your neck..or hike it up over your head and face.

Men's Way2Cool

[Dan J]

Probably a dumb question but Would this work in a racecar under a racesuit?
(mine gets a little warm)

[cashflyer]

Originally Posted by Dan J

Probably a dumb question but Would this work in a racecar under a racesuit?

From what was written above, it seems like the shirt technology depends on air flow; either active or dissipative. Being under a suit, I think, would negate the technology.

[Hydrocket]

Originally Posted by Dan J

Probably a dumb question but Would this work in a racecar under a racesuit?
(mine gets a little warm)

You're the 2nd person to ask. Does the racesuit have any venting?

I don't see why it wouldn't give you some relief.

They do make skin tight athletic tops that would fit easily under your suit.

[intakexhaust]

Thanks for the insight. Like it.
I'm a fairly recent fan of the Columbia OmniTech Titanium ski parka (really now my 3 seasons coat). Also have a full single suit Omni-Tech Titanium. The single suit looks like a high tech mechanics coverall with a hood, no frilly graphics and only a dark navy blue. Love it. Incredible quality and true performance. Prices were laughable, meaning CHEAP! Online closeouts $60.00 each.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

Thanks for the insight. Like it.
I'm a fairly recent fan of the Columbia OmniTech Titanium ski parka (really now my 3 seasons coat). Also have a full single suit Omni-Tech Titanium. The single suit looks like a high tech mechanics coverall with a hood, no frilly graphics and only a dark navy blue. Love it. Incredible quality and true performance. Prices were laughable, meaning CHEAP! Online closeouts $60.00 each.

My Omni Tech leaks. I was talking to the salesman at my local sporting goods about the sleeves. He swears that they do work. I don't wear pants, so why bother with the legs but my arms might benefit form them as I go riding in the summer (shield the sun). I have a mean farmer's tan from Feb to November.

[intakexhaust]

^^^ I was refering to the Omni-Tech Titanium outerwear only line more specific to skiing. I've also used the same outerwear in some chilly winter cycling.

I usually get by in cold Spring to late Fall weather with a very light jacket by Hind and base layer with the Champion brand Powercore. Regarding the Omni-tech sleeves mentioned by the OP and for cycling, if the sleeves wick away sweat, might be worth trying.