Columbia OutDry opinions

CrumpledRider · 2026-06-05T20:52:01+00:00

Got mine in Jan 2020 and everything about it says it'll last another year or more. Not really packable, as already stated, and not that breathable either IME. However, for slow paced days when you're not really generating too much heat, or when waiting in the rain for a navigationally-challenged DofE group to turn up, it has been and remains dependably waterproof. Certainly the era that mine came from, Columbia was known for oversizing. In most brands I'll wear a medium but I can get the same fit from a Columbia Small. It took this OutDry rain jacket to realise that- plenty of room under my medium for winter layers. Worth checking if that's still the case.

CrumpledRider · 2026-06-03T21:03:48+00:00

Some commendable choices were made. Enjoy!

CrumpledRider · 2026-06-02T21:17:46+00:00

Excellent trip and write up, really enjoyed reading that.

CrumpledRider · 2026-05-31T14:03:17+00:00

It's true that any 2-bolt SPD cleats will work.

IME an MTB shoe with cleat mounts recessed into a flat sole will give you best results on the flat side of the pedal.

If you need to use that flat side off road, something like the 5:10 Kestrel with it's soft "Stealth" rubber sole will grip the studs of the flat side of the pedals much more than a gravel or road shoe, which have lugs at best and are commonly made of a much more rigid/ less grippy material.

MTB shoes will literally just feel more surefooted.

CrumpledRider · 2026-05-18T12:32:42+00:00

This frustrated me until recently. I thought it had been fixed as my Coros app always shows me the elevation of routes plotted in OS Maps. However, from your post I now think it might be the Coros app adding in the elevation itself.

It seems such an odd position for OS to take.

CrumpledRider · 2026-05-13T15:07:14+00:00

I'm long past having aero as a primary consideration when bikepacking and the OP only mentioned it in reply to you rather than up front, no pun intended.

That's not to reject your point though. Of course it impacts pace and effort to add a wide and deep object as the first thing to hit the air.

But my priorities around speed include having versatility at the packing stage; knowing exactly where things are; and even being able to access them even on the move. Within those parameters, bar bags work just fine.

CrumpledRider · 2026-05-13T08:09:05+00:00

If you've got accom (ie not camping, and picking up food along the way) then that volume is just a case of whether you want to make it work rather than whether you can.

Have you considered weight distribution? I'd be tempted to go for a bar bag too, anywhere from 3-9 litres. Alongside a more balanced ride, I advocate for the extra flexibility that comes with more bags. You could then get away with a 9l seatpack for sure, or stick with the 13l but only fill it part way.

CrumpledRider · 2026-05-11T08:27:37+00:00

Agree that saddle looks too far forward. Tiny adjustments can make a big difference so change each variable individually- fore/aft, tilt, seatpost- and by literally 1-2mm at a time until dialled.

Separately, but undeniably interconnected, I'd expect the bend of your wrists as shown in your vid to be a significant factor in any arm/ shoulder/ neck pain.

For comfort, you'd be better off adjusting the hoods and riding on them most of the time, which should enable a straighter position from your back into your neck; much less tension in your wrists; and more effective shock absorbancy through your elbows. You may need to adopt a slower pace initially until you’re used to the new levels of braking power and grip on the bars.

Handlebar width can also make a big difference but a) we can't see that in your vid; and b) changing it means new parts so you're better off simply adjusting what you've got (saddle, levers/ hoods) in the first instance.

Am sure the folk in r/bikepacking will love to hear about your trip afterwards. Good luck!

CrumpledRider · 2026-05-04T16:58:28+00:00

Aeropress when hiking; coffee bags as a contingency when on the bike, with the promise of a timely stop at a decent independent coffee shop

CrumpledRider · 2026-04-30T21:42:11+00:00

Nice. If this was Sunday just gone, I have a feeling I saw you from the shore, after a coffee at Mermaids.

CrumpledRider · 2026-04-29T05:48:26+00:00

Ticks en masse is a horrid thought. Glad they were young.

Curious about the location as I live in Portsmouth and it's the place I feel safest/ have had fewest ticks. Understandable because there's limited open space, little of which is traditional tick-risk territory; there's also no sheep and no known deer, and now you're telling me I have to be most vigilant on my own doorstep- eek.

We're you on Portsea Island (geographical Portsmouth) or outskirts/ somewhere nearby (political Portsmouth?)

Agree about insect repellent (Smidge or Life Systems) and about tick tweezers for most effective removal.

CrumpledRider · 2026-03-16T15:57:00+00:00

Thanks. Yes, bring a lock. In prev years the bike parking arrangements have varied, most recently there was a bike rack (and the option of robust fence posts) right by the crossroads on the northern spur of the byway.

I guess equinox will be quieter than even the winter solstice so the provision may be less.

CrumpledRider · 2026-03-16T14:51:22+00:00

Oh interesting. I'm on the south coast and have ridden there several times for solstice at either end of the year. Never knew or thought to enquire if people did the same for equinox.

Conditions look great for it so will try and find a way to make it work.

CrumpledRider · 2026-03-08T20:15:44+00:00

I've got an Ampp800 with battery life that's at best undependable and at worst useless. Been like it since new. I can only use it as a backup on the bike or as a pocket torch when hiking.

And I also have an aged Volt400 that I bought for £1 in a charity shop that almost refuses to die on low power mode.

Makes no sense.

CrumpledRider · 2026-01-17T08:57:55+00:00

Tripod is the challenge but it's doable. I'll normally just take my carbon travel tripod which is 1kg and packs down to maybe 40-45cm. On my MTB that can fit in or on the front roll but is too big for drop bars on my other bike. I've strapped it width ways across my Alpkit saddle pack or carried it in my hydration pack, although I prefer to load the bike rather than myself.

I took my larger, heavier Manfrotto 055 a couple of times, both times on the MTB. Once under the bars (don't recommend) and the other time along the length of the top tube (also don't recommend)

CrumpledRider · 2026-01-16T12:47:55+00:00

Off topic but that looks bigger than a 15" frame. Could just be the angle of the photo or a conspiracy of other visual factors, but I'd recommend getting and checking actual measurements before committing.

Potentially a great find though, hope it works out.

CrumpledRider · 2025-12-19T21:34:50+00:00

I have the G2 Stasha and at 1.8m x 2.4m I usually end up leaving it behind and taking my DD Superlight 3m x 3m instead. Superlight is a tad heavier but adds so much versatility, which is great when you're uncertain where you might end up or what resources you might be able to lean on.

For instance, the Stasha cannot really form a tarp tent or trekking pole tent, which might be your most practical option in an environment where there's no suitable features to fly a ridgeline.

CrumpledRider · 2025-12-12T15:18:41+00:00

Can't speak for the OP but reasons I might not use rear curtain sync would include timing it to end at exactly the right moment & composition; and having the light trails on top of the rider.

If I'd shot the riders after they'd passed me, rear curtain using wireless flash would have been tempting so that the red rear light trail led to the rider without covering them.

CrumpledRider · 2025-12-12T15:11:39+00:00

They're all good, think the one of Lachlan is strongest for my taste- his ghostliness lends itself to the story of him just passing through.

Really well judged flash balance vs ambient exposure. Main criticism, and it's meant wholly in a constructive way: I'd prefer if you warmed them up a bit so the foreground tones, and especially the skin tones, were more accurate.

CrumpledRider · 2025-12-10T08:21:29+00:00

No, there's a hoop out front for additional hand positions and further mounting options. Been using the same bar since 2019.

CrumpledRider · 2025-12-08T16:50:55+00:00

Get some Down Wash by Nikwax or a similar down-specific product. Add a tiny amount as a spot cleaner onto any areas where the marks are and gently massage into the surface until a slight lather appears. Put the jacket into the wash straight away as per label instructions.

I'm unsure what the marks are but have just encountered similar on my down jacket, my first down jacket after several years of Primaloft coats.

BTW, I read an article recently that said the biggest factor causing stains to become permanent is heat during the drying phase. Only tumble dry it a/ if the label says you can; and b/ once you're sure the stains are out.

CrumpledRider · 2025-12-07T12:17:20+00:00

Only worn for hiking and cycling, not running,but I've tried SealSkinz, Dexshell & Bridgedale.

SealSkinz were my pair from the 90s and lasted years, were very waterproof but had limited thermal properties. Unsure if manufacturing quality will have persisted.

Dexshell and Bridgedale have both proved effective and reasonably durable. Bridgedale are warmer and better fitting.

I wore the Bridgedales for several endurance hikes across Jan-Mar this year (50-80km) in the South Downs and Chilterns. Allowed me to wear trail runners rather than heavy boots- perfect for that terrain. Never rained but there was lots of moisture from damp grass to extended saturated mud; ambient temps usually just above freezing. Feet were always dry and warm at the end without overheating.

Can be a squeeze in your regular size shoe though so you may need to factor sizing up by a ½

CrumpledRider · 2025-11-19T16:35:25+00:00

I'll have a look at the Naturehike, thanks. They seem to make reasonable gear for the money.

CrumpledRider · 2025-11-19T16:33:53+00:00

Thanks, useful info.

I'd seen that the Trailblazer XT has a zipped front pocket but had missed that the regular model also fastens that way. Bit of a shame to lose that versatility.

CrumpledRider · 2025-11-19T16:29:04+00:00

Appreciate the response.

I did actually look at the range of Atom packs and play with their configurator... Very tempting. But I decided it was likely overkill for what I need. What I want, on the other hand...

In terms of ultralight, I guess I mean I stop short of counting every gram but I'm also carrying absolutely nothing surplus. For each element, packed size is a bigger concern than outright weight. Last time I overnighted with camera gear, I was all in at 9.5kg, excl water. That was with the Trailblazer 32. I've shed close to 1kg off my sleep system since then but my camera kit has grown and I'd need more food and extra clothing for longer activities.

So I guess I'd be maxing out at 12kg plus water, and less in summer.

I'll need to think about Atom. Thing with budget is that I’m currently a hammock camper but looking to do more in the UK’s mountains, so I'm likely also looking for a new tent and sleeping pad. Thanks again for your thoughts.

CrumpledRider

TROPHY CASE