In recent years, I’ve been warming up to cold Canadian winters. I’d sooner take a frosty -15 C over a sweltering 35 C day in the city, as long as I have the proper gear to keep me warm. For me, a jacket and pants that can protect me from Toronto’s vicious arctic wind blasts are worth their weight in gold.
So, I had to put Columbia’s new Landroamer collection to the test. To see how it stacks up against a winter even colder than what I’m used to in Toronto, I brought the Landroamer parka, utility pants and explorer waterproof boot with me on an icy January trip to Montréal.
Columbia Landroamer Collection: What is it
From Columbia Sportswear, the new Landroamer collection includes outerwear, footwear and apparel. As the name suggests, they’re designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, who don’t want the elements to slow them down. Each item in the collection includes Columbia’s patented “Omni” technology, which means they’re fine-tuned for optimal functionality when you’re out in the wilderness.
COLUMBIA LANDROAMER DOWN PARKA
A good jacket can be the difference between cutting your hike short, shivering, or pushing through the coldest days and thriving outdoors. At first, when I slide into Columbia’s Landroamer down parka on the VIA Rail to Montréal, I’m concerned I’m in trouble when temps drop and wind gusts start to batter me. It feels remarkably cool, light and breathable for a parka.
I needn’t have worried. The parka — which is lined with “Omni-Heat” thermal-reflective gold dots — turns into a personal heater once I start walking and producing body heat. I’m never too hot, though, as the jacket does an exceptional job of regulating internal temperatures. Eventually, as I snowshoe through Montréal’s Mont-Royal park, I find myself entirely forgetting about just how cold it is outside.
I’d be remiss not to mention the style. Columbia always kills it with their sportswear design, and this parka is no exception. I’m wearing the stone green colour, size medium. It’s slim, a good length, has a removable hood and a whopping nine pockets.
It doesn’t rain while I’m in Montréal, but there's plenty of wet snow. The Landroamer’s “Omni-Tech” makes it completely waterproof. Combined with the impressive heat regulation technology, I’d recommend this parka not just for the depths of winter, but for the shoulder seasons as well.
Columbia Landroamer Down Parka; $399.99, columbia.ca
COLUMBIA LANDROAMER UTILITY PANTS
After trying these out, I’m thrilled to announce that I finally got rid of the chunky, stained snow pants I’ve had since my teens. Columbia’s Landroamer Utility Pants — albeit layered with a pair of jeans, sweats or joggers for a bit of extra warmth — are the perfect replacement.
This multi-purpose outerwear is made with lightweight, waterproof material. You’d be equally comfortable heading out on a mild spring afternoon hike, as tobogganing in foot-deep-snow.
Columbia’s “Omni-Shade” UPF 50 tech guards against UVA/UVB rays. Protecting my skin under my clothing isn’t something I usually think about, so it’s a great added peace of mind when I want to spend hours outdoors.
Columbia Landroamer Utility pants, $129.99, columbia.ca
COLUMBIA LANDROAMER EXPLORER WATERPROOF BOOT
The biggest strength of Columbia’s Landroamer Explorer Waterproof Boot is its versatility. It’s just as comfortable trekking through crunchy or fluffy snow, as it is navigating slippery city streets.
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I found the “Omni Grip” rubber grip isn’t the most effective against ice, so you may want to opt for specialty boots if you’re planning on scrambling up frozen hills. However, water and slush are no match for these boots. The gorgeous full-grain leather is flexible enough to spend a whole day on your feet if you choose.
Columbia Landroamer Explorer Waterproof Boot; $180, columbia.ca
COLUMBIA LANDROAMER COLLECTION: The verdict
If you've got a penchant for spending time outdoors and don't want rain, snow or even sun to get in your way, Columbia's Landroamer Collection is your best bet. Each piece I tried out guaranteed frigid temps, snow or slush were little-to-no concern on my Québec vacation.
