Columbia Men's Ascender Ii Softshell Jacket

The cold temperatures is where this Columbia soft shell is most useful. Its warm inner fabric and wind/water resistance outer shell helps to keep me toasty warm! I should point out that I also have a heavier Columbia outer shell similar to this soft shell that I used in unison with an older Columbia soft shell jacket that I somehow misplaced (bummer). Needless to say I HAD to get another one because the quality of the great layer piece was soo good.Size:XXLHeight: 6' 0"Weight: 245lbsBuild: AthleticPros: (1) a wind and water resistant outer surface, (2) A high collar that zips to one's chin, (3) a strong and reliable zipper system, (4) draw strings at the waist, (5) generous sleeves with adjustable Velcro pull back closers, (5) inside fleece like material that feels great against the skin (6) well built and sturdy construction, (7) PRICE!!!Cons: (1) Waist is a bit loose fitting (good thing for the drawstrings) but it still could have been cut a little slimmer, (2) The fleece like material used inside of the arms is a bit "grabby" (It doesn't bother me though -just thought that you should know), (3) runs a bit smaller than the last Columbia Soft Shell that I owned.I use this great layer piece throughout the cooler Fall, and colder Winter months. Put on a mock/turtle neck with this soft shell and you will be in great shape for those cooler/colder days. I use it while driving as most winter coats are too bulky to drive in comfortably. There are so many good things to say about this jacket that I think that you get the picture. I hope that what I shared will help you make an informed decision.I recommend this great soft shell!

Great jacket and even better price. I got the black in Large for about $40, after doing a bit of price watching. I agree with the other reviewers who mention it's like a lot of north face brands and a popular European kind of jacket - not too heavy and keeps closer to the body without being Euro-tight. I needed something I could wear as a Health & Safety consultant & professional, to meetings both indoors and outside on construction sights, but I could still wear my long-sleeved collared shirts with. The outside material is great because dog hair (I have a beagle) doesn't cling to it - dog hair will cling to the inside which is a thing, durable fleece-like material. This jacket is great for weather over 45 degrees, unless you're quickly going from your car into a building (I live in New Hampshire). Don't rely on this as your sole winter jacket, but as a layer under another coat or as more of a fall jacket or warm winter day. It's not really water-resistant, but will repel water for a short while. I like the pockets on this jacket and appreciate the chest pocket for my phone or wallet.This is a jacket you should expect to wear only a t-shirt or long sleeved collared shirt under. No big bulky sweaters. I like to wear thermal sweaters, and they work great with this, but a heavier sweater would feel squished in this. Also don't play on wearing a hoody under this, if you want to do that get a size up.

PRICEGreat price. About a month ago just the black colored option dropped to $50.17 and I pulled the trigger.FITI went with the XL due to having broad shoulders and it fits just right., slightly snug.I always have a hard time finding clothing that fits correctly and usually try to error on the side of baggy vs tight.Just for reference to potential buyers that don't fit into the suggested ranges , I'm 6' 210lbs with 56" shoulders , 46" chest and a 34" waist.FUNCTIONLiving in the SF bay area there tends to be micro-climates and that's where I feel this jacket shines.When it's zipped up it offers protection from the wind and cold while still being breathable.I've worn it in rain from a light drizzle to pouring and the drops bead up and remain on the surface.I have not done this for extended periods of time so I can't say if that would be the case if I was standing in a constant downpour of over an hour.STYLEI like the way it fits and I have received a lot of complements about it.

I got this jacket as a Christmas gift for my boyfriend and he loved it. I got the collegiate navy color in size LARGE (he is 5ft 11in and weighs 180 lbs) and the large fit him great! The first thing I would note is the feel of the jacket, it feels soft and comfortable and it is a good wind breaker jacket. I was originally looking into getting a North Face jacket but I would say this is comparable in quality to the Apex Bionic for a better price. We live in Northern Maryland and the winters vary here but it usually does not get extremely cold except for a few weeks here and there every winter. This is a great jacket for mild winter days (40 degrees and up). One review here said that they wore it in Alaska weather and it kept them warm. I would say you can't go wrong with this, either if you're buying it for yourself or for someone else.One thing I would note is that it did not come with any of the tags. I don't know if this was just my jacket or all of the Columbia one from this Columbia Amazon seller don't have the tags. My boyfriend didn't care but if you're buying it for a relative they may feel more comfortable seeing the tags.