Columbia mens Ascender Hooded Softshell JacketTransitional Jacket

I love this Jacket. I'm really picky about my jacket's functions, and I think I've found one that is exactly what I want. First and foremost, I wasn't looking for something that was super "Warm." "But what's the point of buying any jacket, then? Isn't that the point of a Jacket? To keep you warm?" You ask. Not really. I don't get cold very easily, I make an absurd amount of body heat, and if it isn't windy, a very light fleece, a hat, and some running gloves is all I need to wear at even the coldest months here in pittsburgh in my day to day life. This jacket doesn't have much insulation, but is wind (and water) proof. This means that I don't get hot while wearing my jacket and walk around, but also don't get chilled while waiting for the bus and a big gust of wind comes by. I hate wearing jackets usually because I have to take them off immediately after entering a building, or I will start to sweat. This also means that I end up having to awkwardly carry the jacket around in my arms. These two things are a big inconvenience to me, but with this jacket, I can wear the jacket indoors for a little while and not start to sweat. Big plus. I also love that this jacket is waterproof. I would give this jacket five stars even if it weren't just because of what I just wrote above, but having it be waterproof is a huge bonus. I walked out of work a couple days ago after having been indoors all day, and was surprised to find rain falling. It was only my second day with the jacket, but having it was super convenient. If i'd have been in my standard fleece, I would have gotten soaked, but because I was in this, I stayed nice and dry. The Jacket has absolutely huge pockets in the front outside, and a nice also somewhat large chest pocket where I usually toss a pack of gum or something, but it's big enough to hold my iPhone 6+ plus more. I wish this jacket had pockets on the inside too, but that's not a super huge deal. For the fit: I'm a pretty big dude, and I'm tall. I'm 280 and 6'8". I have a pretty hard time finding stuff that fits. Usually I get stuff in XL, but I didn't want short sleeves, so I got the XXL. The XXL is bigger around my stomach and chest then I would usually like, but the sleeves and jacket are the right length, and I like the jacket so much that I'm okay with having it be a little loose. The outer material on this jacket is really cool too, it kinda feels like neoprene, but kinda not. It doesn't really look like it should be waterproof, but it most certainly is. If you are looking for a really awesome jacket that is wind proof, water proof, and has just a little bit of thermal retention, this is the jacket for you. Read more

Ordered XXL (Black). I wear XXL shirts and jackets because I like my tops less clingy. This fit comfortably. Not tight at all. Just as I'm used to. Wore it out on a 50 degree evening with 10-15mph wind at times. Never felt the wind through the jacket. We had a 10 minute light shower during that time and the water beaded up and ran off the coat. The inside has a tightly woven thin insulation that is about half the warmth of fleece which is perfect for early spring and late fall weather. My wife put it on and liked it. They didn't have a Columbia coat similar for women, so we measured her and bought one these in her size (Gray). It fits her perfectly. Well made. Comfortable. Great Jacket/Coat!!! Read more

Nice slim fit, which is good for me because I am slim. As other reviewers have mentioned, men with big biceps will find it too tight so probably look elsewhere. It's long enough, but not long (I'm 6'2). It's shorter than most of Columbia's other jackets. The fleece inner lining is very smooth and pleasing. Great for 45-60 degree weather with a t shirt under it if it isn't too windy. I'd say it's wind resistant but definitely not a windbreaker. Read more

Great coat for the man in you life. Bought it for my son who wears it all the time. It’s warm but not puffy and washes really well. Great buy. Read more

I am 5'7 145lbs athletic build. Pant/waist size 30 I purchased a small and the jacket fits very well with the ability to wear a layer underneath such as a fleece sweater. I would have liked just slightly bigger to allow some extra space for the additional layer but it is still comfortable. The jacket isn't as thick as some of my other soft-shell jackets. The hood appears to be little loose, in the sense that it seems it would not hold up to some wind and will constantly blow off if you had this up with no hat on. **WARNING** The jacket pictured as "Boulder" is incorrect. A quick google search revealed it is in fact a light grey color. The color is exactly what I was looking for. Agan, I purchased the Boulder color which is a very light grey. I will be wearing this in about two weeks in a hiking trek in England in the Lake District in 30 to 40 degree weather. Possible snow, wind and rain ahead. I will update this review on my return. *****Update I have returned from my hiking trip to england. This Jacket was great! Perfect amount of room to wear a Tshirt, Fleece and a lighter jacket underneath! with enough room to easly scale mountains. It kept the wind out and the heat in, and it rained the whole time and I never got wet. If you are out in the rain, be sure to roll the hood up. This was the only downside. I had the hood down for a time not realizing and the material on the inside of the hood become soaked and I could not wear the hood up any longer. Other than that, great jacket!! I highly recommend. Read more

Perfect for cool or marginal weather. Fits nicely to size, thought material texture is not relaxed, but comfortable nonetheless less. Well made and looks good. A decent jacket to take in the car in case it rains in the second hour of JV soccer. Fits my medium size just right. Velcro cuffs, hood on there for good but seems like people wearing jackets like this. Read more

This jacket does exactly what it needs to do; keep you warm and dry. I ordered a size up for layering purposes, but even without an added sweatshirt, it fits great! The sleeves are long enough to actually cover my whole arm (as a man around 6'3" that can be hard to find) and the sleeves are adjustable at the opening so they don't look huge around my hands. Love the quality and absolutely recommend for a good water resistant outer layer! Read more