It comes in five colors and prints
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Shop Cooling Summer Dresses at REI
- Instant Cooldown: Columbia Freezer III Dress, $60
- Wrinkle-Resistant: REI Co-op Savanna Trails Dress, $60 (orig. $80)
- Light and Airy: Free Country Cloud Knit Dress, $27 (orig. $40)
- Quick-Dry Fabric: The North Face Arque Hike Dress, $80 (orig. $110)
- Built-In Shorts: Beyond Yoga Sport Active Ace Pleated Dress, $54 (orig. $108)
This summer has proven to be particularly brutal, with heat waves engulfing a massive portion of the country. Naturally, that has many people searching for lightweight pieces that still look put-together enough for spontaneous activities. Luckily, the Columbia Freezer III Dress checks every single box — and it’s a true fan favorite.
Available for $60 at REI, it’s designed especially for warm days spent by the water. This sporty style lives up to its name by offering crisp comfort, courtesy of the brand’s signature Omni-Freeze technology. It’s activated by sweat, wicking moisture from the body for an instant cooldown that feels like a breath of fresh air on the hottest days.
Related: REI’s Outlet Is Packed with Clothing and Shoe Deals on Editor-Loved Brands Like Brooks, Hoka, and More — from $9
Columbia Freezer III Dress

$60 at REI
With more than 700 five-star reviews, the dress is popular among those who love the stretchy polyester-elastane fabric. The style is hard-working in the heat, featuring the brand’s Omni-Shade UPF 50 to protect against harsh UVA and UVB rays that cause wrinkles and sunburn, respectively. The material is also incredibly soft, with one customer saying it “feels like wearing nothing at all.”
Many shoppers noted that the Columbia dress is “perfect for travel,” because it’s both easy to pack and completely wrinkle-free. You can pull it straight out of the suitcase and wear it immediately. Plus, it transitions smoothly from outdoor activities to casual nights out. Fans of the dress said they’ve worn it for active adventures, like kayaking, hiking, and canoeing, but love it just as much for dinner dates and errand runs.

Several people also pointed out that it can serve as a dressy alternative to a standard beach tunic or button-up. “I never expected a cover-up to be flattering,” a shopper said. For those who struggle with sudden temperature spikes, it’s even “great for those with hot flashes,” according to a customer.
With its relaxed fit, the dress offers a forgiving silhouette and is available in sizes XS to 1X in an assortment of colors. Solids like black and blue keep it simple, but there are also vibrant marine-inspired patterns, including a subtle botanical print, a wavy finish, and a whimsical mermaid and seashell pattern.
Whether you’re packing for an upcoming getaway or just looking for something new to help you beat the heat, this Columbia dress is a “must for summer weather,” shoppers said. Ahead, shop more cooling dresses from REI.
Free Country Cloud Knit Dress![]()
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Columbia PFG Freezer Tank Dress![]() $65 at REI |
REI Co-op Savanna Trails Dress![]()
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The North Face Arque Hike Dress![]()
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Beyond Yoga Sport Active Ace Pleated Dress![]()
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Columbia PFG Tidal Dress![]() $60 at REI |
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