Apparently Columbia Sportswear Company has a heat-control problem with its lithium-polymer battery-powered heating system that creates the toastiest hunting parkas and jackets around. There’s warm; and then there’s too hot! The last thing a devoted hunter wants is to give away their hiding spot by having their jacket burst into flame. It’s a dead give-away, even to a hapless mob of doe-eyed deer.
In Columbia's Omni-Heat™ Electric (OHE) parka and jacket line, two battery packs are inserted into a pocket at the front of each jacket. The batteries power the heating system that is integrated into the lining and construction of the jacket. A cell defect discovered in the battery creates over-heating and could lead to a fire hazard. A product safety recall for select batteries and jackets was issued on November 16, 2011.
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Omni-Heat™ battery pack (part#054978-001). Battery sold online for $79; Jackets sold for $900 to $1200 |
The sportswear manufacturer became aware of the overheating issue during an inspection of goods at their distribution warehouse in France. The defect in the Omni-Heat™ Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Batteries (part# 054978-001) was found in about 220 jackets / 440 battery packs.
Only the jackets shown below are involved in the recall:
- Omni-Heat™ Electric Wader Widgeon™ Interchange (HM7197)
- Omni-Heat™ Electric Big Game™ Interchange (HM7198)
- Omni-Heat™ Electric Gale Warning I/C (FM7323)
Columbia Sportswear indicates that only 20 customers have purchased the jackets involved in this safety alert, and no injuries have been reported. Those purchases were made between July and September 2011.
Other Omni-Heat™ products, such as boots, gloves, chargers, adapters or other jackets are NOT included in this recall. Any Omni-Heat™ Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Battery packs sold after November 1, 2011 (through authorized Columbia dealers) are not included in this recall.
Consumers who purchased one of the recalled products mentioned above should stop using the battery packs immediately and contact Columbia for instructions and replacements.
Columbia via phone: (800-622-6953
Columbia via website: www.Columbia.com/Recall
Columbia via email: Columbia@custhelp.com
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