When a Columbia Sportswear rep first asked if I wanted to participate in an exclusive spring field test of a new waterproof jacket, I was elated.
“Not sure about testing for rain-proofness since I live in San Diego, where it likely won't rain again until this fall and our woods aren't moist,” I wrote back. I explained that if they changed their minds about me, I’d understand.
Then on Friday UPS delivered this beautiful turquoise Peak Power Jacket, featuring Omni-Dry fabric to transfer moisture away from the body while the outer shell keeps wet stuff from soaking in. It had all kinds of cool pockets too.
I started thinking of where I could travel in the next few weeks to truly test the jacket’s rain-worthiness and how many miles away it might be. 100? 200? I even asked if maybe we could go to Yosemite while there was still lots of mist from the falls.
It turns out I only had to go 2 feet.
I woke this morning to steady rain, the first time I can remember such weather on Memorial Day weekend here. The rain and wind might have poked holes in some people's plans, but it instantly made mine better.
I ran through Black Mountain Ranch feeling on top of the world, well protected from the downpour and subsequent winds that whistled through the canyonsides. I saw only two other runners, both men and both looking liked drowned rats in their flimsy windbreakers. Me? I looked like a princess. Yes, my wet hair was stuck to my head, but only because it took me awhile to realize the loose jacket hood can be cinched to create a protective brimmed hat.
This really felt like a special morning, even if to anyone out at that hour I was just this woman in a bright blue jacket who didn't dodge the gushing gullies and who didn't stop smiling as she ran through town in blood-soaked socks.
7 comments:
Perfect timing for the rain, right?
I've been intrigued by that type of jacket, for the times it does rain. I would venture to guess it would be a nice jacket even when it isn't raining.
I'm also glad to know the jacket kept you looking like a running princess. :) I'm not so sure about the blood soaked socks, though.
First off, I want a picture of this jacket. And next, come to Oregon or better yet, have them send me one! I could test it out every single day AND write a stellar review based on daily rain that never seems to stop this year! :) Ha! I need this Jacket!!! seriously. I want one! Blood stained socks...I don't need those though. :)
Wait.. why were you socks bloody??
Isn’t it so great when strange things come together to make something that fits.. random jacket is given to you - random rain in a very dry climate.. love it! :)
Glad the jacket worked for you!
Perfect rain timing!!! I take it you liked the jacket? You should take a pic! :) I just spent about an hour with my son at REI getting a new rain jacket for his trek up Mt. Whitney in July (PT won't let me go up :( ) and the choices, and prices, were overwhelming. We didn't buy that one but I was really trying to get him to get a Columbia one!
It's a shame they don't make that jacket in larger sizes - I could use it up here in Seattle for day-to-day use. Although when I looked it up on their website, the price point did make me gasp. Don't know if any jacket would be worth that price ...
Sue, It is a pricey piece of apparel. However, the last Columbia jacket I bought also was expensive and I still wear it 15 years later, so it was worth it.
Louise says, I sooo love Columbia products. I still have my original jacket with liner and it is still going strong after 20 years!
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