TECHNOLOGY
9 Exceptionally Warm Midlayers
With Omni-Heat™ Helix
Here’s the best winter gear featuring Columbia Sportswear’s new Omni-Heat™ Helix technology
BY DAVID YOUNG
Not long after Popular Science named Omni-Heat™ Black Dot one of 2020’s “100 Greatest Innovations,” Columbia Sportswear is back with more industry-leading warming technology—and this time it's in your midlayers.
Dubbed Omni-Heat™ Helix, the new fabric technology relies on small performance heat cells that are modeled after closed-cell foam insulation.
“These little cells hold your body heat,” explains Dr. Haskell Beckham, Columbia’s senior director of innovation. “Once that heat warms up those pods, the air inside the cells can’t simply rise and escape as hot air wants to do.”
The technology—which is found in fleece, knits, and other midlayers, as well as select hats and gloves—is the latest in a string of cold-weather innovations, including Omni-Heat™ Black Dot and Omni-Heat™ Infinity, the latter of which uses NASA-inspired material to reflect body heat back to you.
In honor of this new technology, we’ve rounded up nine of our favorite Omni-Heat™ Helix midlayers to help you stay warm in cold weather.
Dubbed Omni-Heat™ Helix, the new fabric technology relies on small performance heat cells that are modeled after closed-cell foam insulation.
“These little cells hold your body heat,” explains Dr. Haskell Beckham, Columbia’s senior director of innovation. “Once that heat warms up those pods, the air inside the cells can’t simply rise and escape as hot air wants to do.”
The technology—which is found in fleece, knits, and other midlayers, as well as select hats and gloves—is the latest in a string of cold-weather innovations, including Omni-Heat™ Black Dot and Omni-Heat™ Infinity, the latter of which uses NASA-inspired material to reflect body heat back to you.
In honor of this new technology, we’ve rounded up nine of our favorite Omni-Heat™ Helix midlayers to help you stay warm in cold weather.
1. A Performance Pullover
Name: Men's Outdoor Tracks Half Zie Fleece Pullover
Cold weather doesn’t have a chance with the Outdoor Tracks Half Zip Fleece Pullover. This fleece midlayer is both warm and breathable, with high-efficiency Helix™ heat cells integrated onto the fabric. The stylish pullover is great for cold days and features a zippered chest pocket to stash cards, a phone, or other small items.
Cold weather doesn’t have a chance with the Outdoor Tracks Half Zip Fleece Pullover. This fleece midlayer is both warm and breathable, with high-efficiency Helix™ heat cells integrated onto the fabric. The stylish pullover is great for cold days and features a zippered chest pocket to stash cards, a phone, or other small items.
2. A Full-Zip Fleece
Name: Women's Outdoor Tracks Full Zip Fleece Jacket - Plus Size
Look good and feel good in this Outdoor Tracks Full Zip Fleece Jacket. This innovative layer uses Helix™ insulation cells to help you stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Throw this layer on, or stash it in your pack to take on and off throughout the day. The fleece midlayer, which also comes in straight sizes and men’s versions, provides excellent airflow, along with cozy hand pockets and a chest zipper for stashing small items.
Look good and feel good in this Outdoor Tracks Full Zip Fleece Jacket. This innovative layer uses Helix™ insulation cells to help you stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Throw this layer on, or stash it in your pack to take on and off throughout the day. The fleece midlayer, which also comes in straight sizes and men’s versions, provides excellent airflow, along with cozy hand pockets and a chest zipper for stashing small items.
3. A Breathable Half-Zip
Name: Women's Overlook Pass Half Zip Pullover
Do more this winter in the Overlook Pass Half Zip Pullover. The Helix™ technology will keep you warm without sacrificing breathability. Lightweight and flexible, the pullover moves with you during your outdoor adventures.
Do more this winter in the Overlook Pass Half Zip Pullover. The Helix™ technology will keep you warm without sacrificing breathability. Lightweight and flexible, the pullover moves with you during your outdoor adventures.
4. High-Tech Joggers
Name: Men's Bliss Ascent Hybrid Pants
These Bliss Ascent Hybrid Pants are the ideal performance layer for cold winter hikes. They’re made of lightweight, stretchy fabric with Helix™ insulation to manage your body heat. With these pants, you can be active in the cold and stay warm, dry, and comfortable. They also feature hand pockets, a drop pocket, and a drawcord adjustable waist.
These Bliss Ascent Hybrid Pants are the ideal performance layer for cold winter hikes. They’re made of lightweight, stretchy fabric with Helix™ insulation to manage your body heat. With these pants, you can be active in the cold and stay warm, dry, and comfortable. They also feature hand pockets, a drop pocket, and a drawcord adjustable waist.
5. A Cozy Midlayer
Name: Women's Bliss Ascent Half Zip Shirt
Due to the popularity of this item we are out of stock of the Women's Bliss Ascent Half Zip. Check out our other Omni-Heat Helix shirts.
Meet the Bliss Ascent Half Zip Shirt. This midlayer boasts stretchy fabric that’s lined with performance-oriented Helix™ technology. The cozy, moisture-wicking fabric keeps you warm and comfortable while also reducing dampness and odor. Stay outside longer with this ultra-versatile Omni-Heat™ layer.
Due to the popularity of this item we are out of stock of the Women's Bliss Ascent Half Zip. Check out our other Omni-Heat Helix shirts.
Meet the Bliss Ascent Half Zip Shirt. This midlayer boasts stretchy fabric that’s lined with performance-oriented Helix™ technology. The cozy, moisture-wicking fabric keeps you warm and comfortable while also reducing dampness and odor. Stay outside longer with this ultra-versatile Omni-Heat™ layer.
6. A High-Efficiency Fleece
Name: Men's Overlook Trail Full Zip Jacket - Big
The Overlook Trail Full Zip Jacket will keep you warm but not overheated, thanks to its enhanced breathability. The high-efficiency Helix™ cells inside this jacket maximize warmth and help manage your heat. Plus, it features zippered pockets to keep your hands warm and valuables secure. This fleece is also available in straight sizes.
The Overlook Trail Full Zip Jacket will keep you warm but not overheated, thanks to its enhanced breathability. The high-efficiency Helix™ cells inside this jacket maximize warmth and help manage your heat. Plus, it features zippered pockets to keep your hands warm and valuables secure. This fleece is also available in straight sizes.
7. Ultra-Warm Pants
Name: Men's PHG Trophy Rack Omni-Heat Helix Fleece Pants
Due to the popularity of this item we are out of stock of the Men's PHG Trophy Rack Fleece Pants. Check out other Omni-Heat Helix pants.
Every hunter knows when you are out on a hunt it is you against the elements. That’s why it is important to have a layering system that is both warm and breathable. The PHG Trophy Rack Omni Heat Helix Fleece Pants are perfect for a cold early morning and the hike out at the end of the day.
Due to the popularity of this item we are out of stock of the Men's PHG Trophy Rack Fleece Pants. Check out other Omni-Heat Helix pants.
Every hunter knows when you are out on a hunt it is you against the elements. That’s why it is important to have a layering system that is both warm and breathable. The PHG Trophy Rack Omni Heat Helix Fleece Pants are perfect for a cold early morning and the hike out at the end of the day.
8. A Sweat-Wicking Beanie
Name: Titan Pass Helix Beanie
While you might not think of a beanie as a traditional midlayer, the Titan Pass Helix Beanie is a warm yet breathable and sweat-wicking option to wear under a ski or bike helmet. The high-efficiency Omni-heat Helix cells keep your head warm while you are on the move.
While you might not think of a beanie as a traditional midlayer, the Titan Pass Helix Beanie is a warm yet breathable and sweat-wicking option to wear under a ski or bike helmet. The high-efficiency Omni-heat Helix cells keep your head warm while you are on the move.
9. A Vest Ideal for Layering
Name: Women's Outdoor Tracks Vest
Made with flexible Omni-Heat Helix™ heat cells, the Women's Outdoor Tracks Vest is a warm, comfortable vest that makes a great choice for high-activity adventures in cold weather. Wear it under your jacket for a winter walk around town or appreciate its breathability on a cold-weather trial run. Featuring zippered hand and chest pockets to stash essentials securely.
Made with flexible Omni-Heat Helix™ heat cells, the Women's Outdoor Tracks Vest is a warm, comfortable vest that makes a great choice for high-activity adventures in cold weather. Wear it under your jacket for a winter walk around town or appreciate its breathability on a cold-weather trial run. Featuring zippered hand and chest pockets to stash essentials securely.
Can’t get enough warm midlayers? Check out the full Omni-Heat™ Helix selection.
