Columbia has been pouring big money into research and development in recent years. If the Peak 2 Peak,
its new flagship do-it-all hard shell, is any indication, it’s certainly on the right track. This shell strikes the perfect balance between light weight (15 ounces) and durability: after two weeks of sea kayaking, including countless forays through blackberry brambles and thick rainforest, it showed no signs of abrasion. At the same time, Columbia’s new proprietary waterproof-breathable fabric, Omni-Dry, could make for the most breathable hard shell we’ve ever tested. What props it onto the pedestal, though, are the little touches—like
a roomy hood with three points of adjustment and a stiff brim, and a tailored but not too slim cut that gives just enough room for extra layers. If you own just one hard shell, this should be it.
Waterproofness: 5 (out of 5)
Breathability: 4
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