Abstract: Column packing comprising a first layer and a second layer adjacent said first layer, each said layer comprising an inner knitted flattened tubular mesh element formed by inner filaments having 8 to 14 counts per inch, and outer knitted flattened tubular mesh element formed of outer filaments surrounding said inner element and in contact therewith and having 41/2 to 61/2 counts per inch, the axes of said inner element and said outer element being substantially parallel or coincident, at least one of said layers being crimped in wave form, the crests of said waves being at an angle of 20.degree. to 45.degree. to a line perpendicular to said axes, a surface of said first layer being generally in contact with a surface of said second layer, the diameter of said inner filaments being from 29 to 75% of the diameter of said outer filaments.