Baselayers are not typically associated with innovation. It seems little can be done to innovate a polyester or wool baselayer.

Columbia Sportswear is proving the notion wrong by pulling baselayers out of a stagnant rut and fortifying tops and bottoms with Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective technology. A new line of baselayers for Fall 2011.

Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective technology regulates body temperature through a silver-colored dot matrix application of reflective material on top of a moisture-wicking air permeable baselayer. The tag team approach allows the baselayer to reflect body heat back while simultaneously whisking away sweat.

The moisture-wicking fabric is antimicrobial. A full day of sweat injected cross-country skiing or climbing won’t make the baselayer smell.

The baselayer seems it won’t keep you warm when a stinging wind hits your face stepping outside. The Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective lining kicks in with your movement, creating quick warmth that sustains throughout the day.

The Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective lining does have its annoyances. Sweat pools a bit during intense activity. The reflective silver dots retard the moisture wicking speed of the baselayer fabric causing the perspiration buildup. Once you slow down or stop moving, the Columbia’s Omni-Wick technology catches up and removes the sweat efficiently, so you don’t stay wet and risk becoming cold.

images/Columbia SportswearThe Columbia Midweight Baselayers with Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective technology will be available Fall 2011. Women’s Midweight Baselayer top will retail for $55 and the men’s half-zip for $60.  The men’s and women’s Midweight Baselayer bottoms will retail for $55.

Amy Jurries is the founder and editor of The GearCaster, a website dedicated to profiling emerging companies and technologies in the outdoor industry. Amy is addicted to ice climbing and also loves mountaineering, rock climbing, cycling, hiking or trail running with her dog Lola.

video/Columbia Sportswear