From polar bears to polar vortex: How Columbia Sportswear uses nature to protect us from it

Standing on a corner in Reykjavík, holding the most delicious cinnamon roll I’ve ever tasted, I find myself sweating profusely. It’s not due to exertion, as the stroll from my hotel was leisurely. Nor is it because of the weather, as it’s a cool 40 degrees Fahrenheit in late September. The culprit is my Columbia Sportswear Omni-Heat Infinity baselayers, whose insulation I underestimated. A mistake I won’t repeat.

Prior to this, I had tested various breathable membranes and thermal-reflective technologies. Columbia’s gold metallic foil, utilized in 2021, had insulated a lunar lander sent to the Moon in February 2024. However, in Iceland’s Mars-like landscapes, I find myself audibly panting from the excess warmth of my attire.

I had been advised that Omni-Heat Infinity was unnecessary for glacier trekking, yet I had packed it for emergency cold temperatures. I should have stuck with Omni-Heat Arctic, designed for high-output adventures. Iceland’s ever-changing weather is the perfect testing ground for such fabrics.

Iceland, a land of layers both geological and sartorial, is constantly evolving due to tectonic activity. Despite its cold climate, the country fosters a warm, resilient culture that necessitates appropriate clothing.

The unpredictable Icelandic weather, characterized by rapid shifts, demands versatile apparel. Oregon, home to Columbia Sportswear, shares a similar climate, making it an ideal place for field-testing outdoor gear.

Columbia’s Omni-Heat Arctic system, inspired by polar bear pelts, aims to provide warmth without bulk. By studying nature’s solutions to extreme conditions, the company developed a solar-capture technology that reflects heat back to the body.

Dr. Haskell Beckham, vice president of innovation at Columbia, explains the evolution of the Omni-Heat technology, from the silver lining introduced in 2010 to the gold dots of Omni-Heat Infinity in 2021. Partnering with Intuitive Machines for space missions further validated the effectiveness of these materials.

Inspired by the resilience of Arctic inhabitants, Columbia’s research team delved into the science behind polar bear survival. By studying a polar bear pelt borrowed from the Burke Museum, they gained insights into how these animals thrive in extreme conditions.

Through a combination of materials science and natural inspiration, Columbia continues to innovate in the realm of outdoor apparel, ensuring adventurers can focus on their experiences rather than their clothing.

This is when the Columbia team was able to shed light on how polar pelts absorb light.

“We found that the fur is actually translucent, but not transparent,” Beckham explains. “This allows some solar energy to pass through the fur. The bear’s skin is pigmented, which helps convert solar energy into heat—similar to how a black T-shirt feels warmer in a warm environment than a white T-shirt. With this system, the pelt absorbs solar energy and converts it into heat. We then worked on creating materials with similar effects, focusing on color and density.”

The result, Omni-Heat Arctic, uses thinner outer layers that allow sunlight to penetrate to the insulation and be converted closer to the body. The lining of the Arctic Crest Down Jacket features a pattern of triangles and dots, with multi-layered engineering incorporating a layer of metal topped with a black pigment coating to absorb solar radiation and convert it to heat. This heat is conducted towards the body while preventing it from dissipating into the cold.

Beta testers confirmed the success of the design, noting an increase in warmth when the sun is out. The innovative lining design mimics the natural heat transfer of polar pelts, providing warmth even without direct sunlight.

Despite the complexity of the process, Beckham’s research challenged conventional wisdom and led to the development of Omni-Heat Arctic, an enhanced version of natural solar transference. The garments offer up to three times more heat retention and improved performance attributes, targeting specific areas for insulation while promoting warmth without exposing the wearer to harmful UV rays.

Columbia Sportswear continues to explore new bio-inspired technologies for outdoor apparel, such as mimicking the water-repellent properties of lotus leaves and the structural color of butterfly wings. Their dedication to innovation and efficiency is evident in their use of 3D printers and computational modeling to create sustainable solutions for outdoor gear.

As I prepare to switch to lighter jackets and rain shells, I reflect on the comfort and warmth provided by the Arctic Crest Down Jacket and Arctic Crest Sherpa Fleece during the coldest winter in years. Columbia Sportswear’s future cooling technologies are on the horizon, but for now, I appreciate the reliability of their current offerings in the unpredictable weather of early spring. In the years to come, I am willing to embrace biomimicry to stay warm and cozy, like a fresh cinnamon roll, whenever there’s a hint of crispness or clouds in the air. The PopSci team has dedicated countless hours to testing and researching the best gear and gadgets available, so you can make informed buying decisions. Trust Popular Science, with over 150 years of experience in demystifying innovation and technology for everyday readers, to guide you through the overwhelming world of consumer electronics. Our team of writers and editors brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure you receive the most reliable recommendations. Let us help you navigate the world of devices without the analysis paralysis of internet shopping. Learn more about our rigorous product evaluation process and trust Popular Science to keep you informed and up-to-date on the latest in technology. Please rephrase this.