Green Garden Winter Picks from Columbia – Mountain Life – GWC Mag gwcmagFebruary 1, 2024044 views Snow + casual pants, a jacket and boots from Columbia for multisport winter adventuring. 1. Highland Summit Bib New this season, the Highland Summit Bib ski pant (available for women and men) is ready for the worst weather—and let’s face it, our winters are better than ever at dishing it out. You can go from messy and wet to icy and cold in the space of 24 hours, and this is where the bib thrives. With a waterproof-breathable Omni-Tech shell and an Omni-Heat Infinity lining (the shiny gold thermal-reflective technology that works like gangbusters), the bib will keep you comfortable all day, any day. Plus: Microtemp XF II insulation (with 85% recycled polyester) works in tandem with the Omni-Heat Infinity to keep you cozy during the coldest laps but never overheated. We also appreciate the tough reinforced cuff guards, multiple well-placed pockets, articulated knees and Rebound Stretch shell that allows for maximum range of movement. The bib offers lots of adjustability in the waist, straps and cuffs, too. The Highland Summit Collection also includes a jacket and mittens. Photo: Columbia Photo: Columbia 2. Arch Rock Double Wall Elite Hooded Jacket The Arch Rock (available for women and men) is a new jacket for cold-weather hiking or all-around use. Though quite thickly insulated, it is also very lightweight and water-resistant. The thermal-reflective lining (Double Wall Elite construction enhanced with two layers of our beloved Omni Heat Infinity) keeps warmth in, blocks wind, and stays breathable. We like the trusty zippered chest and hand pockets, and the snug binding at the hood and adjustable hem. It is not advertised as a ski jacket but we skied in it, and did a bit of touring, with good results. Ie, we didn’t overheat on the bootpack, and felt protected and warm on the downslope. Photos: Columbia 3. Men’s Expeditionist Shield Boot These rugged, versatile boots are warm and protective with the same thermal-reflective lining as the Arch Rock Jacket (Omni-Heat Infinity) plus 200g of insulation and Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable construction. For extra-wet conditions, the waterproof suede leather upper is combined with a modern scratch rubber duck-boot for serious long-term water blocking. And this boot is comfortable like your favourite hiker; the midsole cushioning is soft underfoot, yet still highly responsive to add extra spring to your step. Meanwhile, the powerhouse Adapt Trax outsole provides exceptional traction on all terrain, in wet or dry conditions. A women’s equivalent is the Moritza Shield Omni-Heat Boot. Photos: Columbia 4. Men’s Landroamer Utility Pants Our favourite of the season, the Landroamer Utility Pants offer a lot of versatility for whatever the day brings. Multi-mission-ready features include built-in UPF 50 protection, Omni-Shield water-and-stain repellency and multi-functional pockets. We also like the stretch material blend (9% elastane) which means you can take on scrambling or other pursuits that involve extra kinetics. Other neat little details include a drawcord adjustable waist, articulated knees (also with knee protection panels with opening for knee pads) and leg hem cinches. Plus: the main material blend includes 57% recycled polyester. Photos: Columbia You might also like: Check the ML Podcast!