Disclosure: The Columbia Field Test Team contacted me to try these apparel products at no cost to myself. My only responsibility was an agreement to complete a survey after trying the items. I was not pressured to write this review, nor was I pressured to make a positive endorsement.
Columbia describes their Triple Trail Shell jacket as “a lightweight-yet-warm bonded construction that blends Omni-Tech® waterproof breathability with our innovative thermal reflective liner and strategically placed stretch panels.” This is one of those fancy high-tech truly protective hard shell jackets that is great for keeping you dry, and combined with appropriate underneath layers will keep you totally warm as well. What is unique and different is Columbia’s new Omni-Heat® thermal reflective inner lining that returns the heat your body generates.
The jacket has full-seam sealing so it is completely waterproof, including the outer zippers. It has an adjustable storm hood, a drawcord at the bottom hem to secure your torso, and zip-open underarm vents if you get a little too warm and need some air. The cuffs have velcro connectors to assure a tight fit around the wrist. The first time I used the jacket was climbing Mt. LeConte in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a windy 30° day in late November with a very damp fog and mist. As you can imagine, I needed every bit of the warmth and dryness provided by the jacket. I noticed right away the hood protected me from the cold wind. It was quite a relief. Otherwise, it would have been a very long uncomfortable hike. On some of the steeper stretches when I started to sweat, the underarm vents really helped to keep me from overheating.
The shell is made of 100% nylon in three layers. The trim lining is 89% nylon and 11% elastane to allow for stretching when worn over several layers. The interior includes a zip closed security pocket that is great for protecting expensive electronic equipment like an iPhone, as well as another open interior pocket that is perfect for a knit cap or balaclava. The outer pockets are completely waterproof and roomy enough for your hands, and for a camera and large gloves, items I like having close and available. The back center of the jacket is a touch longer than the front to keep your lower back and butt covered.
Because of the polyester construction, you can wad up the jacket to stuff it in your pack. No need to worry about folding it all neat and tidy because when it comes out it springs back to shape and is not a wrinkly mess. It can be laundered at home. Just put it in the washer by itself in cold water without any bleach. You can also put it in your tumble dryer on low heat, and you can even use a low heat iron on it if necessary. Do not dry clean. Mostly though, any dirt or mud will come right off with a wet cloth.
I’ve never had a hard shell jacket before because I always thought they would be stiff and restrictive. After wearing the Triple Trail I discovered I was mistaken. Because of the lightweight construction, it wasn’t the least bit inhibiting and moved very well with me. I love the way the jacket protected me on that cold, windy, wet day on Mt. LeConte. My camera, my phone, my gear and I stayed completely dry and a lot less cold than I might have been otherwise. Thank goodness it was especially protective against the wind, as it was a really raw day.
In the time I’ve been using the Triple Trail Shell I only have two negative comments. While the front zipper works perfectly well when the jacket is off, it is tight and difficult to lower when the jacket is on. I suspect that will improve as I continue to break in the jacket. After a particularly grueling section of climbing I had worked up a pretty good sweat. My baselayer clothing did a nice job of wicking the perspiration to the outer shell. When I got to a warm shelter and took off the jacket, I noticed there was a film of moisture on the thermal reflective lining. By the time I put the jacket back on 20 minutes later, it was completely dry, but it makes me wonder if the Omni-Heat® lining is affecting the wicking properties of the shell.
I’m a little guy, so I like that Columbia has a size small to fit me. On the other side of the scale, this jacket goes up to size XXL. It does have a snug fit, so if you plan on wearing the shell over a ski jacket or something heavy, I would recommend going up a size from your normal. However, if you only plan on wearing it over layered shirts and sweaters, the fit is true to size. The men’s styling comes in three colors: (1) Hot Rod, Red Element, Dynasty (a red and blue combo), (2) Black (seen above) and (3) Abyss (dark blue). For the women the colors are: (1) Imperial (a light blue, dark blue combo), (2) Leapfrog (yellow, blue and red), and (3) Black.
Columbia also sent me their new Baselayer Midweight Long Sleeve 1/2 Zip and Baselayer Midweight Tight to try. From the moment I first put these on I loved the fit. They are nicely tight to the skin, making for a very comfortable yet protective first layer. The fabric is very stretchy so they maintain that snug fit even after several hours, and also after laundering.
The Columbia marketing types tell us the top’s “bodymapped design keeps you warm and dry in all the right spots by placing Omni-Heat® reflective dots in zones that need warmth most, and Omni-Wick™ in high-perspiration zones for maximum moisture transmission. Antimicrobial treatment keeps the fabric feeling (and smelling) fresh during high-exertion activities, while a deep neck zipper helps you moderate heat when you need to.” I found all of that to be true. I have worn these baselayer items a lot in the past few weeks and they definitely work as advertised. They have superior wicking qualities, drying very quickly — and they do not stink. I can wear the shirt and tights multiple times between washing with no unpleasant odor. The zipper makes the top easy to get on and off, and I like the height of the neckline; kind of a mock turtle.
The tights have a wicking waistband that sits slightly below the waist and an inseam of 29.5 inches. On me, that comes just above my ankles, so they fit comfortably either under or over socks. The tights do not have a fly, so guys, keep that in mind. The fabric of both items is 86% polyester/14% elastane. Laundering is simple — cold water wash with no bleach and no fabric softener, and a gentle tumble dry with no iron. Ironing isn’t even necessary because of the polyester fabric. I’ve found them to be wrinkle free. Don’t dry clean.
A nice feature on the baselayer top is the thumb holes. With conventional long sleeve shirts, when you put on gloves the sleeves tend to ride up leaving exposed skin between the cuff and gloves. With the thumb holes, the sleeves are held securely underneath the gloves. No more exposed skin at the wrists. Just be sure to put your watch on after you do this rather than before. Live and learn, y’know. The top has a nice long tail so it is easy to tuck in your pants, and stays that way.
The top comes in sizes XS through XXL and in three colors for men and four for women. There is no XXL for women. The tights have the same sizing choices and three colors for women but only black for men.
There’s only one thing I can find negative about these baselayer products. They do a terrific job of wicking perspiration and staying dry, however I’ve noticed that after they dry from a session of exertion, the areas with Omni-Heat® reflective dots dry a little tacky, or sticky. It isn’t a nuisance, but it is noticeable. Otherwise the fabric is very soft and comfortable to the skin, including the reflective dots.
Final result? I am very happy with the Columbia Triple Trail Shell and the Baselayer Midweight Long Sleeve 1/2 Zip and Baselayer Midweight Tight. My experiences with each have been very positive. I would purchase these products even if they were not given to me to field test, in fact, I liked the baselayer top so much that I did buy another one for myself from Columbia. The jacket is a fine piece of protective outerwear that will last for years and years, if not decades. The baselayer top and tights are on par with comparable products from other outdoor gear companies. These are all products that will not languish in the back of my closet. They will be used frequently.
Disclosure: The Columbia Field Test Team contacted me to try these apparel products at no cost to myself. My only responsibility was an agreement to complete a survey after trying the items. I was not pressured to write this review, nor was I pressured to make a positive endorsement.
I am Jeff Clark, founder of Internet Brothers, publisher of Meanderthals, and a passionate hiker. I live in western NC near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are just out my doorstep, so the content will focus on these areas, but let me know what you would like to see on the site. 
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