It’s official – winter is in full swing.
Temperatures are plunging at such a rate forecasters reckon we could get the worst deluge of snow in decades.
But fear not, Columbia’s Point Park Waterproof jacket is here. It’s one of a number to include their Omni-Heat technology – a metallic foil liner that supposedly reflects heat inwards.
READ MORE: ‘Get yourself a jacket for all occasions with Columbia’s Canyon Meadows Softshell – it does it all’
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It’s also remarkably lightweight for a winter coat. There’s ample space to layer up should you need and more than enough pockets for all your tech.
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I want to point out at this point, seeing the jacket online doesn’t quite prepare you for what greets you in person. Opening it up is like stepping into a tinfoil Narnia.
But there’s a whole lot of method to the madness. According to Columbia, hundreds of little silver dots reflect your body heat, while high breathability and moisture-wicking allows excess heat and moisture to escape.
All pretty fancy stuff, but how does it work in reality? I’ve been testing it out for the last couple of weeks – pitting it against the 80mph winds of Storm Henk and snowstorms – and can barely fault it.
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I’ve been kept toasty at all times and sometimes haven’t even bothered layering up because of the Omni-Heat. The waterproofing does what it says on the tin and the spacious hood has kept me warm and dry in the elements.
I love that the Point Park zips all the way up my neck like a garter – not once have I needed to wear a chunky scarf.
The size (I’m 6ft 1 and opted for a medium) is by no means tight-fitting. But that just adds to the complete freedom of movement you have wearing the coat that, in past experiences with winter jackets, isn’t always the case.
A lightweight bodywarmer ideal for layering with comfort insulation and lined with thermal reflective lining.
The water-resistant finish and classic styling make this a wardrobe essential.
£100
Columbia
Engineered with a warm recycled synthetic down filling and thermal-reflective technology encased in a water-resistant shell, this jacket is lined with tiny gold dots that reflect your body heat, Omni-Heat Infinity keeps you warmer, longer, so you can stay outside forever.
£170
Columbia
3-in-1 jacket: Wear the outer shell in mild but wet weather, the inner fleece in mild and dry weather, or zip them together in cold and wet weather.
£180
Columbia
The jacket’s waterproof yet breathable shell, insulated construction and thermal-reflective lining will keep you dry and warm through changing weather conditions.
£145
Columbia
This softshell jacket for men is made with a water and wind-resistant fabric, and also provides adjustable cuffs and hem and a high collar to shelter you from the elements.
£90
Columbia
If there is one criticism, it would be the colour choices available. I love my shark, stone green, dark stone combo (now sold out) but for those looking for more traditional one-colour jackets something like the Labyrinth might be more up your street.
There’s no denying the warmth and breathability the Point Park offers and you can be happy in the knowledge every time you step outside, you’ll be ready to face anything this bonkers British weather can throw at you.
It’s also currently on winter sale and it’s reduced from £145 to £87. The North Face also offers an insulated shell jacket in a similiar colourway and it’s retailed for £108 instead of £180.
If you are looking for an ex Marine-approved outerwear that can battle all weather conditions? ThruDark’s Hybrid Jacket, £325, is a combination of aesthetics and functionality, a flexible addition to your armoury