Honestly… I’m kinda surprised it took this long to happen.  It’s a wildly known fact that the geek population of the world has picked up a nickname for the hours we’re not slamming Frappuccinos and showing you (yet again) how to fix that excel document.  We have picked up the glorified moniker of “Weekend Warriors”!!!  What does that mean exactly?  basically that Mon-Fri tie-clips are optional… but Sat & Sun we hike, climb, swim, tent, jump and bounce our way into serious manhood (and no, we’re not talking about fantasy sports either!).  It almost goes without saying that the camping gear companies have seriously taken notice.  The advancements in tech with camping gear over the past 5 years have been mind-boggling… did it really take all these years to realize you don’t need 16 triple D batteries to operate a lantern?  Whatever the excuses are… I don’t really care, I’m just excited as hell that it’s finally going down (a lot of which you can find tucked into our website under the category “Smells Like Outside“.)  Back to what I’m here for.

Not too long ago one of the foremost experts on all things outside, Columbia Sportswear Company, came out with something that was the next logical step in outdoorslife… the Bugathermo Techlite Boots ($350).  A lightweight waterproof winter boot with… are you ready… a built-in heating system operated by rechargeable batteries that can last up to 5 hours.  HELLO!!!!!!!  Isn’t that F’ing brilliant!?!?!?!?  Again, I can’t believe it took them this long!  We are hoping to get a pair of these out into the wild soon, so we can field test and give you our honest opinion… but either way you look at it… these have got to be awesome!  This is actually the 2nd generation of these hi-tech wonders.  Last year was the launch… and after what I’m guessing is a few “suggestions” they’ve launched round 2 with a lighter package for easier mobility.

I contacted a representative from Columbia to get the low-down, and here is the info she sent me:

Men’s Columbia Bugathermo Techlite Boots

Suggested Retail $350.00

Last season, we introduced the Bugathermo, the first high-performance winter boot with an integrated heating system. This season, we’re offering the same revolutionary technology in a lighter package for the ultimate combination of warmth and mobility.  MOREBuilt with Columbia’s most advanced technical winter boot tooling and a lightweight cushioning footbed and midsole, the Thermo Techlite features removable rechargeable batteries and electronic controls that provide three different heat settings, to regulate heat around the foot for hours of warm comfort. With a lightweight waterproof thermal rubber shell and rustproof alloy gaiters, the Bugathermo Techlite is ready for serious mountain trekking, snowmobiling, ski lift operation, or Arctic exploration. Combine these features with the Bugathermo’s trusted durability, 200g Thinsulate® insulation and Omni-Grip® traction, and you have serious winter warmth without the weight.
Features:

·         Lightweight waterproof leather and synthetic upper

·         Removable, rechargeable batteries

·         Innovative built-in heating system

·         200g Thinsulate with added underfoot insulation rated –25ºF/-32ºC

·         Anatomically contoured footbed with AgION® anti-odor treatment provides cushioned comfort and support

·         Second-generation lightweight Techlite® shell provides added protection from moisture and cold weather

·         Omni-Grip outsole with aggressive winter traction pattern

·         Weight: Size 9, 1/2 pair=1lb. 5oz/607g