Alright, you know I’m a fan of Columbia’s Omni-Heat: reflective dots that put escaping heat back into your body. Now, they’re in my pants.
When Columbia brought me to Park City, Utah for a few days of gear testing, these pants were there to meet me, and I was sure glad to see them. My time there was mostly spent outside in winter storm conditions, all while wearing the Ridge to Run™ II Pants. My legs didn’t freeze and fall off, so mission accomplished from Columbia. Not so fast though.
In addition to the incredible warm-for-its-weight Omni-Heat you’ll also find the shell made from Omni-Tech, a proprietary waterproof and breathable membrane. I’ve had good results with this same fabric in the past and it’s never let me down.
In the video I mention the vents on the inside leg of the pants. I wasn’t too sure when I first found them there, but it makes sense if you want to regulate your heat. It gets built up between your legs, not on the outside. I found myself having to unzip more with zippers on the outside of the legs than I do with these. That means less zipper and less weight; always a good thing in the backcountry.
A reinforced cuff guard comes standard along with internal gaiters. Those weren’t a surprise, but the fit is. My waist measures 33″ and my inseam is about 34″. A medium sits perfectly on my waist.
Speaking of the waist, I don’t need a belt because of the adjustable tabs. The Ridge to Run™ II’s don’t include suspender tabs but I never use those either. Two buttons and a patch of velcro keep it secure and the zipper is easy to work even while wearing gloves.
Pros
- Great fit (not too baggy or tight for skiing)
- Fashionable color (Dark Compass)
- Inside leg vents
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Omni-Heat
- Inexpensive ($120 retail)
Cons
- No suspender tabs (if that matters to you)
- Could be 1″ longer though I am a 34″ inseam
Links
Columbia Ridge to Run™ II Pants
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