Columbia technology keeping you protected and comfortable!
Columbia Sportswear's Omni-Shade clothing protects you from damaging UV radiation by blocking the majority of the sun's harmful rays, so you can stay out longer. Omni-Shade blocks Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B rays (UVA and UVB), helping to prevent sun burn and long-term skin damage through tight weave construction, UV reflectors, and UV absorbing technology. Unlike SPF (Sun Protection Factor), which is a measure of sunburn reduction from sunblock, and does not indicate any protection from UVA rays. UVA rays are much more harmful than UVB, and are present even on cloudy days. Omni-Shade provides protection from both UVB and UVA rays. Like sunblock, Omni-Shade is given a numeric value to indicate its level of sun protection. Unlike sun block, Omni-Shade does not wear off. Your safety increases as the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) increases, and several levels of Omni-Shade protection are available: UPF 15, UPF 30, UPF 40 and UPF 50+. It's like sunscreen, but you don't have to reapply All Omni-Shade fabric carries The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, given to sun-protective fabrics that have a minimum UPF of 30.
Omni-Shield delivers protection from the outdoors where you least expect it but need it most. This coated fabric resists all liquids below 170 degrees F from absorbing into the yarns and staining the garment (without any effect on the feel of the material). The fabric itself will also dry 3-5 times faster than untreated fabric, without holding moisture like a conventional fabric, meaning it stays lighter even when its wet.