Columbia introduced Omni-Heat thermal reflective technology in 2010. Its first-generation system used a pattern of reflective dots inside clothing to reflect body heat while allowing moisture and excess warmth to escape.
The technology debuted as part of a broader Omni-Heat suite that also included thermal insulation and electric heating. Columbia announced the system in January 2010, with a global retail launch planned for fall 2010 across apparel, footwear, and accessories. Canadian freestyle skiers also wore early Omni-Heat gear during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
The idea was inspired partly by the heat-reflective materials associated with NASA spacesuits and emergency blankets. A common mix-up is confusing the launch of the original Omni-Heat system with later updates: Omni-Heat 3D arrived in 2018, while Black Dot and Infinity were subsequent additions to the technology family.