Columbia's electric jacket warms up wearer with 'heat-on-demand'

There are jackets that ward off coldness from the outside. Then, there's the Columbia Omni Heat Electric jacket that does this--and more, creating its own heat (on demand) that "magically" warms up whoever is lucky enough to get their hands on them.

With an integrated power source (powered by special batteries strategically placed in specific areas inside the jacket) that generates heat, the cold is no match for this highly innovative outerwear.

"We don't have winter here in the Philippines but we do have a growing number of hikers who climb mountains that are high enough to merit wearing jackets such as the Columbia Omni Heat Electric," said Soleil Sanchez, the company's marketing communications officer.

"There are also many Filipinos who travel to colder countries so there's definitely a market for this here," she said.


The Columbia Omni Heat Electric jacket has already been launched in several countries where it garnered rave reviews. It became available in the country last month and has since become one of the most talked about items despite its rather steep price.

There heat that the jacket generates can be controlled with a simple push of a button, depending on how much warmth the wearer needs. The lowest setting keeps bodies comfortably warm in cool and windy; the medium and high setting keeps individuals safe from frostbite and chills in the coldest of climates (Mt Everest, anyone?).

These rechargeable lithium-ion polymer batteries will last up to 6 hours depending on its usage, and can be conveniently charged through an AC charger or USB port—perfect for the upwardly mobile and active adventurer. (The battery pack even managed to charge a smartphone with a standard micro-USB chord).

The great thing about this jacket, first and foremost, is that they look good from afar and even looks better up close. It looks sturdy and trusty, just how you like your jacket to be. It's not at all bulky, despite it being electric. And it has been tested safe, so people can throw away the worry of being "grounded."

There are no hefty appendages, only a small battery pack (covered in clear, Velcro pouches) situated in the interior of the sides of the waist. The battery pack is so light you hardly notice it's there at all.

The revolutionary flexible carbon fiber circuitry is integrated into the fabric of the jacket. This means that when the batteries are in use, the flexible circuitry will work hard to provide heat in the jacket; but when you remove the batteries, you can just as easily wash and launder the jacket like any of your other clothes. This product, though extremely innovative and dynamic, is surprisingly easy to operate—even for the most technologically challenged individual.

"The Omni Heat Electric Jacket is made from waterproof, breathable material that will withstand the harshest environments without compromising its appearance and design," Sanchez said.

Indeed, even without the heat technology, the softshell, fully seamed sealed material is exceptional enough to command a premium price in the market. As it is, this one-of-a-kind but truly functional jacket is valued at P24,999 (not P39,999 as earlier posted).

This kind of innovative product should be expected from Columbia, with their years of experience in developing relevant, patented technologies (since 1938).

The Columbia Omni Heat Electric Jacket is not for everybody. There are only 36 pieces that will be distributed in the whole Philippines. If you want the best and are prepared to use the tools to equip you to live the adventure that is your life—then head on to your nearest Columbia Sportswear outlet and reserve your Omni Heat Electric Jacket today.

*** Should you run out of the 36 pieces available locally, consider buying the jacket online. Here's a link http://www.buckle.com/mens/outerwear-jackets/brand:columbia ***