Columbia Women's Base Layer Midweight Stripe Tight Review

Features:

The Columbia sportswear Women’s base layer midweight stripe tight is a relative new-comer is Columbia’s baselayer line. It features Omni-Heat® thermal reflective dots for strategic warmth, Omni-Wick™ advanced evaporation fabric in high-moisture areas, and an antimicrobial treatment to keep the garment fresh. The 4-way stretch fabric is designed with flat lock, ergonomic seams to reduce chafe and increase range of motion during active pursuits.

Specifications:

Material: 86% polyester/14% elastane
Lining: Zonal Omni-Heat® thermal reflective
Inseam Length: 28in. (unstretched)
Weight (sz XS): 4.5 oz (126g)

Initial Thoughts (01/17/12):

The Columbia Women’s Base Layer Midweight Stripe Tight feels soft and lightweight at first touch. Its fabric is very stretchy, lending itself to a form-fitting, move-with-you feel. Further reducing bulk and upping the warmth factor are the Omni-heat® thermal reflective dots placed on the inner surface of most of the fabric. They are deliberately absent in high-moisture areas, replaced by Omni-wick™ advanced evaporation fabric (mostly on the inner thighs and just below the back of the waist line). The waist band is a soft elastic that features small dots stitched inside to increase comfort.

When I first saw these base layer tights, I assumed they would be too short for my 32” inseam legs. After all, they were much shorter when compared to my other base layer bottoms. However, due to the 4-way stretch fabric, I had no trouble seating them comfortably at my waist with the bottom hem resting just below my ankles. Yes, these are tights, meaning they should be just that – tight. Despite this fact and to Columbia’s credit, the material did not feel uncomfortable against my skin. It became obvious soon after pulling on these tights that they had been designed with active pursuits in mind. The flat lock seams do not run down the center of the inseam as with many other brands. Instead, they curve around the anterior thigh, creating less friction while moving. After wearing these Columbia base layer tights around the house for a few minutes, my usually cold legs began to warm up. Based on these initial findings, I am excited to put these to a real test on our next snow adventure.

Initial Field Test (01/20/12):

My first time wearing the Columbia base layer midweight stripe tights was on a snowmobiling and snow shoeing adventure to Clear Lake Lookout. The tights were comfortable against my skin, but I was a bit concerned when I walked around, as I noticed some fabric bunching behind my knees. Other base layer tights/bottoms I have are gusseted at the knee to help with articulation, but the Columbia midweight base layer tight is not. However, my concerns dissolved minutes later when I realized that the fabric behind the knees was no longer bothering me (possibly as it warmed to my body temperature). I wore the base layer tights under a pair of Columbia snow pants. The temperature was in the low 30's F while wearing these tights. Usually when snowmobiling or at rest during a snow shoeing trip, my buttocks and thighs become cold despite at least two layers over my skin. Wearing these tights, I did not notice my usual cold spots, likely due to the Omni-Heat® thermal reflective lining. Though my upper body was sweating with the exertion of repeatedly digging our snowmobiles out of the deep powder, my legs were comfortable. As my core temperature rose during our snow shoeing trip to the lookout tower, my legs were comfortably warm and I did not notice damp spots from perspiration on my legs. The tights stayed nicely in place and did not bunch up.

When we arrived at the lookout tower, I added a layer of fleece between my tights and snow pants. As the temperature in the tower rose, my legs remained comfortable. The OmniHeat® lining seemed to keep my legs warm while providing good air exchange to wick moisture away from my skin. By the time we returned home, I had been wearing the Columbia base layer tights for three days. My legs were not chafed, the fabric did not smell bad, and my legs were still warm. The only thing I would change about these tights is the waistband. The top of the waistband can dig into one's abdomen while seated because it is essentially a strip of elastic. Though it would add slightly more weight, a fabric-covered band could relieve this issue. Overall, the Columbia base layer midweight striped tight seems to be a good performer for cold weather and active pursuits. I am excited to continue using them when the temperatures (hopefully) drop even farther this winter.

See Clear Lake Lookout adventure where the Columbia Women's Base Layer Midweight Stripe Tight was used.

Available from amazon.com.

Special thanks to Columbia Sportswear for providing the Baselayer Midweight Stripe Tight for review.