zdaucfk
01-04-2011, 03:57 PM
so my wife got me the columbia whirli bird parka a few weeks before x-mas. you have probably seen the comercial for them 20% warmer etc. well it has only gotten down to the single digits once since ive had it but we have had a few teen days, and a small blizzard i can tell you the omni-tech works just the same as gor-tex it keeps you dry, and allows ventilation, protection from the wind, we had 70mph winds during the blizz. the omni heat, or the reflective dots inside the linear act to reflect your body heat back to you, and the spaces between are supposed to get rid of excess body heat.
my experience with the coat is pretty good. it is about the same price range as comparable gortex parkas, the omni heat does seem to heat you up faster than a normal fleece, or poly-pro linear, as far as getting rid of excess heat not sure about that one i was sweating my ass off shoveling this wet mess last weekend, but that was quite strenuous there are vent zips as expected which helped. i have been on a few short hikes with it about 2-3 miles with weight, say maybe 30lbs also makes you sweat your ass off when the linear is in it. the linear acts as its own jacket when taken out, and is a very good, lightweight bubble jacket, very warm on its own, water repel ant but not waterproof. pockets are insulated, and deep with zippers on all of them. all in all for the money she paid 200 it is a good purchase, feels a little tight with a pack on but not constrictive, the hood also has a velcro strap which pulls the visor back to not obstruct your vision first time ive had that option. anyone with any more specific questions before buying one feel free to ask ill try and describe it to the best of my ability. i do not plan on being cold this winter maybe a little too warm at times.
my experience with the coat is pretty good. it is about the same price range as comparable gortex parkas, the omni heat does seem to heat you up faster than a normal fleece, or poly-pro linear, as far as getting rid of excess heat not sure about that one i was sweating my ass off shoveling this wet mess last weekend, but that was quite strenuous there are vent zips as expected which helped. i have been on a few short hikes with it about 2-3 miles with weight, say maybe 30lbs also makes you sweat your ass off when the linear is in it. the linear acts as its own jacket when taken out, and is a very good, lightweight bubble jacket, very warm on its own, water repel ant but not waterproof. pockets are insulated, and deep with zippers on all of them. all in all for the money she paid 200 it is a good purchase, feels a little tight with a pack on but not constrictive, the hood also has a velcro strap which pulls the visor back to not obstruct your vision first time ive had that option. anyone with any more specific questions before buying one feel free to ask ill try and describe it to the best of my ability. i do not plan on being cold this winter maybe a little too warm at times.