“We shall not cease from exploration, and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” – T.S. Elliot
There are moments in your winter journey you will be faced with a choice – turn back and return to the comfort of your roaring cabin fire, or push deeper. The Melting Point™ Parka from Columbia makes that an easy choice, letting you continue onward into the backcountry with resolute confidence.
As a company, Columbia has rededicated themselves to re-examining what they once did with fresh eyes. The result is a wave of product and technology launches scheduled through 2014 resulting in a line-up of products that let’s your outdoor soul revel in your outdoor rambles.
Columbia Men’s Melting Point™ Parka is a prime example of Columbia’s new innovative product line. Designed with a waterproof, breathable, fully seam sealed Omni-Dry® Performance Shell exterior, and a low-profile baffled liner 100 gram insulated interior (removable) jacket with stretch side panels for unrestricted movement, you have optimal flexibility in a jacket that provides premium protection in demanding climates.
Simply put, no shell this light should provide such massive protection. The Omni-Dry ultrabreathable waterproof shell gives you bomber protection from the elements. Columbia’s new Omni-Dry technology weighs in at an airy 7 grams per yard of fabric (by way of comparison Gore-Tex® weighs in at 40 grams per yard). This extremely air permeable waterproof fabric transfers the moisture vapors you generate out of the garment at an extremely high rate, while still shedding the elements in the worst conditions.
Despite the stellar protection offered by the Omni-Dry shell, our testers favorite feature is the low-profile baffled liner (which you can also purchase as a stand alone jacket).
The liner attaches via a 3-point interchange system and features 100 grams of Omni-Heat insulation with stretch side panels inside for enhanced mobility and ventilation. The synthetic insulation in the liner provides a barrier to keep body heat close when wore alone or with the shell.
Before you scoff at the mere 100 grams of insulation, you should know that the liner features Columbia’s Omni-Heat reflective liner which ensured that this jacket was just as warm as much higher insulated jackets we’ve tested. Its clean lines and simple styling make it perfect for wearing solo when you’re lounging in the lodge or rolling around town. And if by chance Mother Nature catches you roaming without the Omni-Dry shell you can march on in confidence knowing that the jacket liner features Omni-Shield advanced repellency which helps slough moisture.
And there’s more to this jacket than just a stellar outer shell and inner liner. Columbia’s Melting Point Parka also features:
- Inferno pockets to keep your digits warm and toasty
- Breathable stretch panels on liner also allow for smoother layering and extra mobility
- Fully sealed seams and waterproof chest zipper keep water from sneaking in
- Adjustable storm hood removes for sunny days
- Powder skirt snaps back or even comes off when you’re off the slopes
Security and mesh goggle pockets help you stay organized on the slopes and in the lodge- Articulated elbows aid mobility
- An abrasion resistant chin guard to keep you comfy when shredding powder all day
- A wide array of color options to satisfy even the most finicky of outdoor enthusiasts (male and female alike)
Room for Improvement…
At a price point of $450 you should have lofty expectations for your jacket. And while the Men’s Melting Point Parka is chalk full of technological innovation there are still a few issues that our field team experienced over a lengthy testing process:
First, we would love to see Columbia introduce a “Tall” category to their line-up. While the XL fit our 6’3” tester well in the arms, the jacket fell slightly short on the waist which also left the placement of pockets on the outer shell too high for our liking. The addition of a “Tall” version would not only dramatically improve this jacket for individuals over six foot, but any individual with a longer torso.
Our crew found it curious that there was no way to zip the baffled liner into the outer shell – a change we’d like to see in future iterations. While the jacket does feature a center back length of 30” we’d like to see a little more length in the body or a more generous droptail hem. Lastly, our field team found the outer shell’s collar too wide for our preference.
The Bottom Line…
Columbia’s Melting Point™ Parka is a prime example of Columbia’s new strides in technological innovation. Featuring Columbia’s ultrabreathable waterproof shell, the Melting Point Parka provides weather proof protection and performance in even the most wicked winter environments. However, whether it was due to the size of our field tester or simply some of the design elements, our field team had a few too many qualms with the fit of the outer shell to recommend the $450 price tag of the complete Melting Point Parka for taller winter enthusiasts. That being said, we would unabashedly recommend the Melting Point™ Jacket as a stand alone piece.