It Doesn't Have to be the Weekend to Wear These!

   

I received a sample pair of Columbia Women's Saturday Trail II Knee Pants last week, and couldn't wait to test them out. Ironically, I tried them out last Saturday when we went for a little hike. 

These knee pants are straight leg with articulated knees, and have a mid-rise waist. They are lightweight and the slight stretch they have makes them quite comfortable. They feature Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 rated sun protection, as well as, OmniShield™ moisture and stain repellent technology. They have typical pants pockets, as well as a small zippered security pocket on the leg that is perfect for my one addiction - Chapstick lip balm! The leg hems can cinch to make the cuff loose or snug to customize your preference. It should be noted that although the legs do have some stretch to them, the waistband itself does not. This works perfectly fine for me as I'm smaller in the waist but larger through the thigh. If you are person who has a thicker waist then you might have to go up a size to accommodate the waist portion of the pant.  

The Columbia Women's Saturday Trail II Knee Pants are available in 4-6 colours, and in a range of sizes from 2-16 in Regular, and Plus size from 16W-24W.  Columbia, in fact, has quite a few Plus sized clothing items available online. 

The Columbia Women's Saturday Trail II Knee Pants retail in Canada for $69.99 for Regular sizing and $74.99 in Plus. In the U.S., Regular sizing retails for $50, and $55 in Plus.

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post. *****

Let the Cold Winds Blow with the Columbia Whirlibird Interchange Jacket

   

I'm not sure about you, but since I've been a mom, things have been hectic. Getting out the door with young ones in tow is an adventure in itself. Once I've got the kids bundled up in their winter gear, I'm racing to get myself dressed quickly, before one starts complaining about how hot they are. I like to have something quick to throw on that is both stylish and versatile, no matter the weather.

Columbia's Women's Whirlibird Interchange Jacket is a great 3-in-1 coat for moms on the go. Whether it's fall, winter, or spring, you will get bang for your buck out of this multi-use jacket. 

During winter months, the jacket is used with the thermal & water repellent zip-in liner. During the fall or spring, you can utilize the jacket fully assembled, or simply use the liner, or outer shell, depending on your needs and preferences. 

The outer shell features a waterproof, but breathable seam sealed shell, thanks to Columbia's Omni-Tech technology. It has a removable storm hood, which is great during rain and/or wind, as well as underarm venting to help you cool down. The coat also has 2 deep zippered pockets on either side of the jacket. 

The inner liner features an Omni-Heat thermal reflective liner, and a nice quilted exterior. It also has a small zippered pocket on the inside of the front of the jacket, perfect for lip balm, bank cards, or your phone. Not only is this great if you are just wearing the liner on its own, it's handy for when you are using it along with the outer layer. As an avid Chapstick user, I like to wear it close to my heart, and have easy access. ;) It also has a pocket for your ski goggles. 

Overall, I really like jacket. I do wish the inside liner also had a drop tail on it like the outer layer does, to better keep my tushie warm. But I do get that if it did, it would affect the look of the inner jacket when wearing it alone. Plus, it does have an adjustable snap back powder skirt that I could use if I wanted to. Personally, I'm not crazy about the zipper on the outer shell. I would prefer it to be a larger sized zipper, typical to most jackets, which is smoother to do up. With that being said however, that is likely due to the waterproof & windproof feature, which seals out the elements. This particular zipper was a bit stiff initially, but I have noticed that it is softening up after some use, making it easier & smoother to zip up. It's a small price to pay if it guarantees you stray dry, and keeps the wind out on cold days.

While we haven't had any frigid temperatures yet this season, I have worn this jacket on the coldest day we've had so far, which was also quite windy. So far, it has kept me warm and I have not felt any wind cut through the jacket like I have with other winter coats I own. The adjustable storm hood and the adjustable cuffs are also great for keeping out the elements. 

The Columbia Women's Whirlibird Interchange Jacket comes in sizes XS-3X, and as previously mentioned, in a variety of colours. You are sure to find a style that suits your taste. I find that it has a nice roomy fit for additional layering on colder days, but is not overly bulky. It feels very comfortable and cozy to wear. Both layers are machine washable, which is super handy. As a mom, the last thing I need is something that needs to be dry cleaned!

I followed the size guide online and got the perfect size for me. If you are buying online, be sure to confirm your measurements to ensure the right fit. 

The Columbia Women's Whirlibird Interchange Jacket retails in Canada for approximately $250 for Regular sizes, and $280 for Plus sizes. In the U.S., Regular sizes retail for approximately $200, and $220 for Plus sizes. If you can get it on sale, it's a steal!

This coat is also available in Men's styles & sizes. 

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post. *****

Columbia's Arcadia II Rain Jacket Will Keep You Stylish & Dry!

   

If you're looking for a great women's raincoat, there's no need to resort to the dull yellow traditional fisherman style jacket. While there's nothing wrong with wearing that, it's nice to be able to find something functional but also stylish instead. Columbia's Women's Arcadia II Rain Jacket gives you not only functionality but pizzazz as well! 

This 100% nylon rain jacket features a mesh polyester lining, and Columbia's Omni-Tech waterproof technology. This technology allows the fully seam sealed fabric to breathe, while keeping water out. It can be customized for comfort and to keep the rain out by adjusting the drawstring in the hem and in the attached storm hood, and by adjusting the wrist cuffs. 

These jackets do fit on the small side, so I highly suggest you do the measurements in Columbia's Size & Fit Guide if you will be purchasing online. I had originally ordered the numerical size I usually take, but upon receipt, I realized I should have gotten a larger size. Once I measured myself based on their Size & Fit Guide, I was able to figure out the exact size I would need, and did so correctly the second time around. 

I like the jacket! As a Mom who has to walk her child to the bus stop no matter the weather, this jacket will come in handy not only this summer, but also in the spring and fall. It is a very light rain jacket, which is great for the warmer temps, and can be used in cooler weather by adding warmer layers underneath. Another reason to measure yourself accurately with their Size & Fit Guide! Make sure you have some extra room to layer with, and you can get more use out of it throughout the year.  I also love that it is machine washable and dryer safe on low. 

The hem is a bit longer than your typical jacket, giving you great coverage during precipitation, and the Velcro on the front of the jacket is quite strong, keeping the flap over the zipper well secured. The storm hood is great! It comes out much farther than a typical hood, and as previously mentioned, it's adjustable by tightening the drawstrings on it. This is great not only when it's raining, but also when it's windy! Who hasn't ever had to try and hold their hood up during a windy rainstorm?! The zippered pockets are fantastic not only for safe keeping, but also to keep your items dry. Having this coat fold up into one of its zippered hand pockets is also a huge bonus. 

There are different colours available in Canada & the U.S. and some of the colour schemes in the U.S. also feature a flattering stripe down the side. It would be nice if we had the same colour choice and stripe selection in Canada as well.  

If you are looking for an upgrade to this version, their EvaPOURation jacket features Columbia's EVAP advanced evaporation technology, and underarm venting. This style will cost you more than the lower priced Arcadia II Rain Jacket though. If you don't require the underarm venting or the additional EVAP technology, then the Arcadia II Rain Jacket is the way to go. All around, it's a great choice!

In Canada & the U.S., the Columbia Women's Arcadia II Rain Jacket is available for purchase in a variety of sport apparel stores and online. They retail in both countries for approximately $89.99 in sizes XS-XL, and $99.99 for Plus sizes 1X-3X. 

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post.*****

Columbia's Conspiracy Razor OutDry Shoes Make You Feel Like You Could Outrun A Conspiracy!

   

Have you ever wanted a multi-purpose sneaker that had amazing tread and wouldn't let you get a soaker on a wet day? 

Columbia's Women's Conspiracy Razor OutDry shoes feature Columbia's OutDry Absolute Waterproof welded construction which creates an impermeable but breathable shoe. Their Techlite superior cushioning midsole provides high energy return, and their OmniGrip high traction non-marking rubber tread will be sure to grip the ground no matter the terrain. The tread practically feels like you're walking on rubber cleats, but in running shoe form. Imagine getting serious traction while chasing your toddler as he runs away from you laughing! Or keeping up with your older child on a hike! Or maybe even taking some much needed "me" time outdoors. These are definitely a formidable competitor in the active shoe market.

The Conspiracy Razor OutDry shoes make you you feel like you could outrun a conspiracy. There's no doubt that these shoes are strong and have incredible tread. They are also roomy & wide enough to be able to put on thick socks during cooler weather. You can also lace them up tighter to reduce some of the width if you have a narrower foot or if you are wearing thin socks. I do find them to be a bit stiff initially, but they would soften up with some breaking in, I'm sure. 

Women's Conspiracy Razor OutDry shoes are available in sizes 5 to size 12 and include 1/2 sizes. Each shoe weighs about 1/2 a pound, and come in 3 colour choices:

1) Kelp & Fresh Kiwi

2) Red Hibiscus & Coral Glow

3) Platinum & Afterglow (Pictured above.)

You can find these shoes and other Columbia products online, and at many large sporting stores across Canada and the U.S. In Canada, the Columbia Women's Conspiracy Razor OutDry shoes retail for approximately $130, and in the U.S. for approximately $110. 

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post.*****