What is Columbia's Omni-Wick technology? And does it actually work?

I just returned from a three-day trail running adventure across the Swiss Alps. Everything that I brought with me, I had to carry on my back and even though it’s the middle of July, I was going to be so I knew I’d most likely be in for warm days and cool nights. I decided to bring a pair of , in case it was warm, as well as a pair of for cool days and cold nights.

As the trip drew closer, I was advised that the area had experienced a lot of rain, with more in the forecast, so I decided to pack my for my long pants option. Honestly, these leggings aren’t strictly for trail running, but they’re a little more robust than most of my running/yoga leggings, which I thought was a good idea for such rugged terrain. Because I’d worn them in the Alps last fall during a where the weather was seasonably warm and had been comfortable, I was pretty sure they’d do the trick and keep me more protected if the weather did take a turn for the worse.

I hadn’t worn these pants since their debut nine months ago, and as I was packing them, I noticed that they’re made with Columbia’s Omni-Wick technology. Having written about several other Columbia technologies – , and to name a few – I decided to use the trip to learn more about Omni-Wick and test it in the field. Read on to find out what Omni-Wick is and how it can work for you under sweaty conditions.

Omni-Wick is one of dozens of fabric technologies developed by the brand Columbia Sportswear and therefore you’ll only find.