Columbia Omni-Heat Circuit Breaker Softshell electric / heated ski jacket review

It’s a mouthful of a name, but Columbia’s new Circuit Breaker Softshell heated jacket is exactly the kind of hardware that avid winter adventurists and residents of frigid locales have been clamoring for. Heated gear has been around for awhile, but older implementations have generally been prohibitively expensive, extremely bulky and short on life. Reviews have generally been mixed, and the cold weather world at large has really been waiting for battery and charging technologies to advance to a point where a heated jacket could be taken seriously. The Omni-Heat Circuit Breaker is it.

This coat is one of three new launches from Columbia for next ski season (it’s slated to go on sale to the public on October of 2011), accompanied by a pair of Omni-Heat electric boots and a set of electric gloves. For this review, we’re going to focus on the most sophisticated of the three: the Circuit Breaker Softshell jacket, albeit a pre-production version that may be altered ever-so-slightly prior to October. Was a jacket filled with heating elements able to keep our core satisfactorily warm during a frigid snowmobile trip through northwestern Montana and during a near-blizzard at Whitefish Mountain Resort? Read on to find out.
%Gallery-114914%The design of the Circuit Breaker Softshell is what really sets it apart, and why it’s likely to be very appealing to travelers looking to keep their load light as they engage in winter travel. The jacket is essentially the same size as any other non-heated ski jacket, but it’s actually thinner, lighter and more flexible than bulky coats which rely on thick layers to insulate you and keep you warm. This jacket is able to trim down on materials thanks to the heating system that runs throughout the fabric; the electric nature more than compensates for the thickness that’s lost. The other incredible part about this system is that you can’t actually feel it while wearing the coat. If there are hundreds of heating tubes ran throughout, you won’t ever notice them until you feel your body warming up. If you’re concerned about tubes or wires inhibiting your motion while wearing it, don’t be — it feels like wearing any other jacket save for one thing.

That “thing” is weight. On the inner side of each chest section, there’s a clear pocket where a battery pack is stored. The Circuit Breaker can run off of just one, but the battery life suffers. With both packs installed, the coat is definitely heavier than your average non-electric jacket, but once you’ve put on the rest of your winter gear, you’ll forget about the added weight. In our opinion, the added weight is worth carrying around for the benefit of having heat. This is still lighter than some of the older heated solutions on the market.

Continuing with design, the outer layer of the jacket repelled sleet and heavy snow with ease, and the hood was always easy to find and flip up onto one’s head. There are two waist-level pockets on the exterior, an external chest pocket, and a handy arm pocket that is perfect for storing loose change, lip balm, etc. Turning the heat on and off couldn’t be simpler; just press the button on the front of the coat for three seconds, and it’s flipped on and set for maximum output. Another gentle press turns it down to Medium heat, and another lowers it to Minimum heat. You can disable to light if you wish by holding it for ten seconds (that’ll force the coat to enter “Stealth Mode”). In practice, the button worked great, even when mashed with a gloved finger.

While the design is stellar in most aspects, we did find a few gripes. For starters, there are no extended zipper pulls on the waist-level pockets nor on the arm pocket. For whatever reason, the only extended pull is on the outer chest-level pocket. Columbia should’ve included extended zipper pulls on all external pockets; any skier will understand the difficulty in operating a zipper with a gloved hand, and having no extended pull really made these particular pockets difficult to access. Moreover, the internal clear pockets that hold the battery packs need to be larger; once the jack to each battery is inserted, it’s a tricky process to wiggle the packs into their holsters. A bit more room on the Velcro pockets would have been appreciated. There’s always the slight possibility that the company would add these prior to a full-scale launch, but at worse, you could add your own pulls if you end up sharing our problem.

Speaking of the battery packs, each one can be recharged via microUSB, and Columbia (thankfully) includes two microUSB charging cables and a single AC adapter that accepts two cables at once. That means a single AC plug can charge up both packs at once — nice! What really impressed us was the extra adapters that were included; anticipating that some buyers may take this jacket to international ski resorts, a number of internal AC plug adapters are included so that you can recharge your coat regardless of where your travels may take you (Swiss Alps, anyone?). This may be an under-appreciated extra by many, but here at Gadling, we’re huge fans of any company that includes support for worldwide power plugs.

We heard early on that Columbia expected the Circuit Breaker to provide around six hours of heat with both packs fully charged. When we broke out on the snowmobile trails near Olney, Montana, we placed the heat setting on ‘High’ and never backed it down. The wind chill was quite severe, and we needed any extra heat we could find. Within seconds, we felt a rush of warmth all throughout our core region, and it didn’t stop until right around five hours later. We had briefly used the jacket’s heating functions earlier in the day for around a half-hour, so all told, we managed ~5.5 hours of battery life. That’s pretty close to the stated six hours, and it’s even more impressive when you realize that bitter cold temperatures have a tendency to drain batteries.

Would we recommend the $850 Circuit Breaker? If you live in a location where temperatures routinely drop into the teens, or you’re a frequently traveler to frosty destinations, it may be a worthwhile investment. Non-heated jackets of similar quality can easily reach $500 or so, so the price premium for having five to six hours of heat may be worth it if you’re tired of freezing whenever you step outside. The good news is that the jacket really does do an exceptional job of keeping the wearer warm, and it’s about as elegant an implementation as we have seen. The biggest problem with this coat isn’t in the coat itself — it’s that you’ll probably be itching to splurge on Columbia’s Omni-Heat boots and gloves after you get one. For instructions on how to connect the battery packs, check out the video below.

As a side note, Columbia is planning an entire range of these heated jackets to launch in the fall of 2011. While this specific model has an $850 MSRP, there will be nine electric styles in total ranging from $750 to $1,200.


Win a Marmot Variant jacket with Polartec

Not everyone dreads the arrival of winter. Here at Gadling, we actually get pretty excited about seeing our breath, making the most of snow days and sipping hot toddies. That’s because we understand that there are two keys to enjoying winter. First, dress appropriately. A good coat goes a long way towards getting you to embrace some chilly air. Second, take advantage of all the fun activities that winter has to offer. Why hunker down indoors until Easter when you can get outside for a snowball fight, ice skate on a local pond or simply take a walk on a clear winter day? Hot cocoa always tastes better after some time spent outside. So, to help you dress the part and stay active all winter, we’re giving away a Marmot Variant jacket with Polartec Power Stretch.

The Marmot Variant jacket is perfect for people who want to be on the move even when the temperatures begin to dip. It keeps your core warm while the Polartec Power Stretch allows for full range of motion. Whether you’re walking to class, snowshoeing through the woods or simply cleaning off your snowed-in car, the Marmot Variant will keep you warm and comfortable.

We have one men’s medium in “Vapor Blue/Black” to give away to a very lucky Gadling reader. All you need to do to enter is leave a comment below sharing your favorite outdoor winter memory. Maybe you built a massive snow fort. Perhaps you raced your sled down the highest hill in town. Or, if you’re like my grandfather, you just had to walk five miles to and from school barefoot (uphill both ways, of course).

Whatever it is, just tell us your favorite winter activity memory in a comment on this post and we’ll select one respondent at random to win the Marmot Variant jacket with Polartec Power Stretch.

  • The comment must be left before Friday, November 19 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
  • You may enter only once.
  • One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
  • The winner will receive a Vapor Blue/Black Marmot Variant jacket in a men’s medium (valued at $140).
  • Click here for complete Official Rules.
  • Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, including the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.

Gadling gear review: Arc’teryx Gamma MX Hoody

Many people turn to a single jacket when winter weather rolls in. They have a go-to parka that keeps them warm and dry. If your winter activities are limited to commuting to work and running errands, then one such warm coat probably is all you need from November through February. But if you are as active in the winter as you are in the summer, then you know that aerobic activity can often keep you warmer than any amount of down filler can. As such, you need a coat that is breathable, water-resistant and allows for an active lifestyle.

That’s why I was excited to test out the Arc’teryx Gamma MX Hoody. Arc’teryx is known for making outdoor gear with sleek lines and durable construction. The Gamma MVX Hoody is made for alpine conditions, and, as such, provides flexibility and warmth while remaining breathable. I brought the Gamma MX Hoody to Newfoundland, Canada for some adventure activities to see if it lived up to the Arc’teryx reputation.First, the nitty gritty. The Arc’teryx MX Hoody has the stretch necessary to allow for a full range of motion. With two chest pockets, two hand pockets and one sleeve pocket, there is ample storage space. It does, however, lack an interior pocket. It is well-sealed, water-resistant and immaculately constructed. You get the impression that you could fall off of a mountain, hit every rock on the way down and the jacket would be in perfect condition (even if your body wasn’t).

The fleece lining in the Gamma MX Hoody provides ample warmth provided it is supplemented with aerobic activity to generate additional heat in your core. It is not meant to replace a solid winter coat for when you’re walking the dog or waiting in line for a movie in sub-freezing temperatures. But, if you’re snowshoeing, mountain climbing or hiking, you’ll be more than comfortable in the jacket.

The warmth and resistance to the elements come from the Polartec Power Shield softshell fabric that makes the jacket both durable and breathable. It also allows for that full-range of motion that an outdoor athlete needs.

Like almost all other Arc’teryx gear, the Gamma MX Hoody features a very slim cut. I wear a medium in virtually every other coat that I’ve worn (ranging in manufacturers from Cloudveil to Patagonia to Mountain Hardwear). Arc’teryx gear is taut and constrictive on me in anything less than a large. However, in the proper size – in this case, a large – the Gamma MX Hoody fit snugly while still allowing for several base layers to be worn comfortably.

The snug fit did pose a problem in the cuffs. Many winter coats provide Velcro straps on the cuffs to allow for adjustment in the tightness around gloves. The Gamma MX Hoody lacks these tabs. As such, the cuffs on the Gamma MX Hoody are tight, which makes taking the jacket on and off more challenging than it should be. Adjustable straps would solve this problem simply.

As you can imagine from the name, the Gamma MX Hoody comes with an attached hood. It does not retract into a pocket, so, regardless of the conditions, the hood will be hanging off of your collar. Since I much prefer a coat that allows for rolling the hood into a zipped pocket in the collar, it took some getting used to when I would find my hood uncomfortably wedged beneath my backpack. The hood is made to fit over a helmet, which is necessary considering that the jacket is intended for alpine use. However, despite being able to tighten the hood, I still found it comically large when I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Despite attempts to tighten it fully, the hood often billowed over my head and would fall off as I walked. This would expose my neck and face to snow and rain.

As always, I like to boil things down to the basics:

Pros

  • Outstanding construction and incredible durability
  • Flexibility allows for full range of motion
  • Plenty of pockets
  • Water-resistant and well-sealed
  • Fleece lining provides warmth to supplement aerobic heat

Cons

  • Slim cut may create a tighter fit than expected
  • Tight cuffs with no adjustable straps
  • Hood is large and does not retract into the collar

Overall, this is a fantastic coat if you maintain an active lifestyle in cold weather. While it is not a replacement for a heavy parka, it is an excellent addition to the gear collection of any winter adventurer. The jacket provides ample warmth once you start your activities and is built to last. However, I strongly recommend that you try it on in person, as Arc’teryx products are cut much slimmer than other outdoor gear brands.

You can purchase the Gamma MX Hoody directly from the Arc’tery website for $379.00. The durability of the coat will surely ensure that it pays for itself over years of aggressive use.

Gadling gear review: Cloudveil Koven Plus Down Jacket

$500. That’s all I could think about as I tested the Cloudveil Koven Plus Down Jacket. That’s a lot of money for a jacket. For $500, I expect a jacket to exceed all of my expectations. It has to have virtually no flaws. For me to recommend a $500 jacket, it has to be perfect (or, at least, perfect in terms of what it is attempting to achieve).

With a trip to New Brunswick and Newfoundland, Canada on my radar, I was eager to see if the Cloudveil Koven Plus truly was a $500, perfect jacket. As the trip approached, I eagerly checked the weather forecast for Atlantic Canada and was actually excited to see the frigid temperatures predicted for my time in the Acadian Peninsula. The Koven Plus was going to get put to the test and I’d finally be able to decide if a $500 jacket really was “perfect.” When the time came, I took the Koven Plus to Canada for a week of outdoor activities in the middle of February. What I discovered is that price doesn’t always dictate quality.Let me make one point very clear: Cloudveil typically makes fantastic products. The exterior of the Koven Plus is incredibly well-made. All of the seams are sealed. The zippers are water-resistant. It provides a snug-but-not-tight fit. It’s incredibly durable. And it is warm. Incredibly warm. My first several days in New Brunswick welcomed me with temperatures that hovered around 15°F with wind chills making it feel as if it was below zero. The Koven Plus kept my core warm and dry while still being breathable enough to not stifle me the moment I walked indoors.

It also packs a plethora of pockets. Two chest pockets, two hand-warming pockets, one sleeve pocket and one interior pocket. They are all roomy and feature zippers that handled the intense tugging that occurs when you try to open a pocket while wearing thick gloves. And the sleeve pocket is a perfect place to store lip balm, which is necessary in cold, dry and windy conditions.

But after a few days, I started to notice an alarming trend when I removed the Koven Plus. My top layer of clothing would be covered in feathers. I’m not talking about a few rogue feathers that managed to leak out of the jacket. I looked like I had just gone 12 rounds with a goose. And I couldn’t help but linger on my initial thought: A $500 jacket better be perfect. To have it leak down every single time it’s worn is a major disappointment. At that price point, the jacket should not show such early signs of deterioration, let alone from the inside out.

I also was alarmed by another flaw that I had never encountered on a coat before. While kitesurfing on the frozen Bay of Chaleur, I removed my camera from one of the chest pockets only to find that the it was damp. I checked the pocket to make sure that nothing else was inside that could be leaking. But it was empty. I assumed that I must have gotten some snow on my gloves and then gotten the camera wet. Later, however, I removed my Chapstick from the sleeve pocket with my bare hand and noticed that it, too, was wet. I slid my hand into the chest pockets to find that moisture had accumulated inside both of them, as well. Somehow, condensation was getting trapped in the pockets. While I appreciate the seal around the seams and zippers, having my expensive gear become damp rather than be protected in my pockets was very disconcerting.

As the trip continued and my adventure activities kept me outdoors, I continued to get covered in down and while my gear got covered in condensation. I was warm but frustrated. For $500, a jacket needs to do more than keep me warm. It needs to protect my gear and become an integral part of my winter wardrobe. But it’s hard to wear a jacket all the time when you fear that it’s going to leave you looking like a goose molester.

Let’s break it all down:

Pros

  • Incredibly warm
  • Exterior is durable and water-resistant
  • Abundant pockets
  • Excellent fit

Cons

  • Leaks an alarming amount of feathers
  • Condensation forms and is trapped inside the pockets (posing a major risk to electronic gear)

Sure, the pros outnumber the cons, but the magnitude of those negatives is too great to ignore. It all comes back to that price. For $500, those two negatives are major deal-breakers. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend the Koven Plus Down Jacket until Cloudveil addresses these two major issues.

If you are interested in the Cloudveil Koven Plus Down Jacket, it is available on the company’s website for [sigh] $500. At the time of this article’s publication, it was out of stock. However, Cloudveil products are also sold at most outdoor gear suppliers.

Gadling Gear Review: Patagonia R3 Regulator Fleece Jacket

With winter upon us, it’s time to start bundling up. And if you have any cold weather vacations planned for the holiday season, you’ll want to be sure that you have the proper gear before you get to your destination. Keeping your core warm is not just about comfort; It’s a matter of safety. At the heart of any layering system is a solid, insulated and wind-proof fleece coat. I decided to put the Patagonia R3 Regulator Fleece Jacket to the test on a recent trip to the Yukon.

There are tons of fleece jackets on the market these days. Many are less about performance and more about fashion. With the temperatures in Whitehorse ranging from -25C (-13F) to -4C (24F), I needed a fleece that could actually keep me warm, and thus, healthy. I wore the R3 while splitting wood, hiking and dog sledding in some of the coldest temperatures I have ever experienced. Let’s break down how the R3 handled the conditions.The problem with many of fleece jackets is their inability to deter the wind. No matter how warm the jacket may be, if cold winds pierce the surface, the end result is a chilly core. The R3 is made of a microfleece that did a stellar job of keeping the wind out during my tests. The jacket is made partially from recycled Polartec Wind Pro fabric that claims to block “four times more wind than regular fleece.” I won’t attempt to quantify its wind-blocking abilities, but I can say that, unlike other fleeces I have worn, the R3 prevented me from feeling the wind chills will still remaining quite breathable.

The interior of the jacket is quite plush, which generated a fair amount of warmth against my base layer. The R3 managed to wick away most of the moisture generated when I was sweating during aerobic activities. It is certainly warmer and more insulated than your average fleece, so at times I did feel quite warm when indoors while others were still comfortably wearing their coats.

The R3 looks and feels like a durable product. The seams and pockets are sturdily stitched and the pockets are are glued-in to provide extra dependability. And while it’s solid and warm, it never felt heavy when I was wearing it. At $200, this is not your entry-level fleece and it is clearly made to last.

The fit of the jacket is snug but not tight. I have rather broad shoulders and a long torso, so the R3 did feel somewhat fitted around my shoulders and at times seemed somewhat short. However, it still comfortably fit when worn above a base layer (or two). I would certainly recommend that you try the jacket on at a store before purchasing to ensure that you find the appropriate size.

The purpose of a fleece of this quality is to keep you warm first and foremost, but you don’t want to own an ugly coat. The R3 is quite handsome and the snug fit, while worrisome if you are exceptionally broad, does cut some attractive lines.

While a fleece jacket is not suitable as your sole winter coat due to it’s penchant for absorbing water when it’s raining/snowing, the R3 was pretty impressive in frigid weather on dry days. On a hike up Grey Mountain outside of Whitehorse, I quickly shed my down coat and wore only the R3. It deterred the wind, kept my core quite warm and never felt heavy or damp as I began to sweat. It handled the blustery conditions in Carcross, YT, as well, despite the chill coming off of Bennett Lake.

A quick look at the pros and cons of the Patagonia R3 Regulator Fleece:

Pros:

  • Wind-proof
  • Incredibly warm
  • Durably crafted
  • Plush interior wicks away moisture
  • Lightweight and breathable

Cons:

  • Snug fit depending on your shoulder width and torso length

Overall, I highly recommend the Patagonia R3 Regulator Fleece Jacket if you are looking for a well-crafted fleece that can handle particularly low temperatures. It may be warmer than you need if you don’t anticipate dealing with below-freezing temperatures where you live or during your travels. At $200, it’s reasonably priced for how stellar a jacket it is and would be a wise purchase for anyone who is planning a winter filled with outdoor activities.

The Patagonia R3 Regulator Fleece is available on the company’s website and at many outdoor gear suppliers.