Columbia Men's Horizons Pine Interchange Jacket

I bought this jacket on October 2013. After various states, countries, and even washes, this jacket is stronger than ever. Still works and keeps me warm. I have since split up the jackets and use the inside one as a running layer since I prefer to run and be warm than run and be cold. Very versatile. I use the outer jacket on snowy days. When the weather is windy, the outer layer does block out the wind.

I just picked this jacket up about a week ago, so this is a preliminary review since I haven't worn it in extremely cold temps or rain/snow yet. Once I do, I'll update this review. That being said, I love this jacket. First off, the patterning on the jacket is much less apparent that it appears in the Amazon photos. It really appears as solid black unless you take a very close look in good light. I'm glad because I think it looks more professional and I wear this coat to work. I'm comfortable wearing it as an overcoat with a suit.The outer layer is totally waterproof so far. I've run it under the sink for 60 seconds and the water just beads off. The last columbia jacket I had wasn't nearly as waterproof and I ended up applying a wash in waterproofer which was a pain in the ass. The outer layer is also very sturdy, so if you water it hiking or skiing I'd expect it to hold up easily. As far as warmth, I've been out in mid 30's with winds of 15-20mph and literally didn't feel a thing under the jacket. And the "wick away" no sweat fabric thing seem to work as well. I felt warm but completely dry and comfortable walking a mile or two in coldish weather. The hood and zip up collar provide great protection for your head and neck, though obviously for serious cold you'll want a hat as well. The zipper is sturdy and smooth as well. The sleeves have some elastic on the inside layer as well as draw strings around the waist to keep out wind. And both the inner and outer layers are reasonably warm alone. As far as fit, i'm 5'10'' 165 with 32 waist and 38 shoulders and I got a medium. It fits well, but with a fair amount of room underneath for layers and the sleeves reach to the first knuckle with arms at my side.Another thing I like is the omni-heat material on the inside shell. First off, if definitely seems to work at reflecting body heat back at you. Second, the smoothness allows you too easily slip the coat on and off without shirt or sweater (or suit jacket) jetting stuck on the sleeves. And for those worried about the shiny dots, they're totally invisible while you wear the jacket. Lastly, I have a cat and his hair gets on everything I own, and is particularly visible on black garments, but luckily his hair doesn't still to this jacket at all. I live in North Jersey and will be heading to Utah in December, so I should have an update on cold weather performance soon.UPDATE: So I've been through a few cold days now, and the coat performed pretty well. In the mid 30's I feel completely comfortable with no hint of cold inside the jacket. I was out in lower 20's with an approximately 15 mph wind and then you could start to feel a little chill through the coat, but still basically comfortable. I also only had on a thin button down shirt underneath because I wanted to test the coat. If I had put on an undershirt and sweater as I normally would at those temps, I think i would have been toasty down into the teens or single digits easily.

I needed a new winter coat that was decently stylish, but could be worn on cold days when out shoveling snow, etc. this has fit my needs very well.it gets warm almost immediately after putting it on, doesn't have quite as much of that initial cold feeling you get when putting on a cold winter coat. a small thing, but a nicety.prior to the last few days i haven't really gotten a chance to try it out in weather much colder than 20s F. but thanks to the polar vortex, it's been in the 0-single digits, with down to -20F wind chill. it's held up very well. mostly i've used it for shoveling, and short bursts outside, but i'm typically only wearing scrubs, which are pretty thin, and this keeps me warm (upper body at least).the hood is removable. it's also not quite as bulky as a lot of winter coats, though it's not jacket thin. the collar annoys me a little bit; it's a bit high, and doesn't lay down flat real easily, so it can be a little annoying up under your chin. the lining is also the omni-material (to me it basically looks like a bunch of small little space blanket dots all over…which is probably about what it is). so the lining is very shiny/shimmery…looks a little goofy, but it's not like people see the lining a whole lot. the omni-heat stuff also seems to breathe pretty well.my only other gripe is that the color i ordered (boulder) wasn't accurately portrayed in the picture. it is actually a dark grey, and not the light grey that is shown. it wasn't a huge deal for me, but if you want a light colored coat, it is not that.

I like everything about this jacket with one critical exception; and although I've only just tried it on indoors, I can tell it is very warm yet lightweight, versatile, just-right length, excellent fit, and loaded with features. I especially like that it has real snaps rather than hook-and-loop (Velcro) closers (which destroy anything knit the hook side comes in contact with (think Iso-toner gloves, knit scarves, etc). I imagine it would be perfect for walking to and from my car in wintry rainy weather which is primarily what I purchased it for.Oh yes, that critical exception: Imagine what happens when you're fully zipped in and snug; you slide into the car seat; where does all that great length go? It bunches up across your mid-section of course. The VERY SIMPLE solution to this problem? A 2-WAY ZIPPER! I thought this jacket had one when I ordered it and was disappointed to discover otherwise. Therefore, I'm considering returning it despite the great price I paid for it. Here's hoping jacket manufacturers will eventually get this message and get wise.Michael

This coat was delivered 3 days prior to the start of the polar vortex here in Chicago. I am so glad I received it as it has helped me cope with all the shoveling this winter in minus 20+ wind chills. It was a bit larger, but I like the extra room. I also like the added length. On the coldest days I have worn 2 layers underneath and have been comfortable out clearing snow for over an hour. In my old coat I would need to wear three layers to remain comfortable. It also has kept me dry from the falling and blowing snow. Be interesting how it handles rain once it warms up. My only negative is that the hood does not have much insulation. So normally been wearing a stocking cap under the hood.