Want to channel a little Darcy Sharpe or even Mikaël Kingsbury? Try a Columbia Sportswear jacket. The outdoor gear company founded in 1938 is supplying the uniforms to several Olympic teams including the Canadian mogul and freestyle ski teams.
The mogul team’s uniform is exclusive and not available to the public. The half pipe and slopestyle skier’s though are wearing an outfit similar to the Columbia’s Outdry EX Mogul Jacket
It’s made with Columbia’s proprietary Outdry membrane. It’s one of the few waterproof-breathable membrane’s that doesn’t need a protective face fabric. That means there’s less in the way of sweat vapour escaping, so it breaths really well. And there’s no exterior fabric to absorb moisture, so it stays light even in soppy conditions.
It’s got a glisten to it and the seam tape is on the outside. Not everyone will like the style. But if you do, you’ll find yourself in one of the most breathable and waterproof outfits going. And, if there’s any osmosis between people wearing the same gear, you may find yourself flying down the slopes better than ever.
RYAN REPORT is a frequent web post by Ski Canada magazine’s technical editor, Ryan Stuart.
