Columbia Men's Heat Elite II Fleece Jacket

Winter Necessity
January 05, 2012

This jacket is perfect for the rainy cooler weater. Great for fishing and boating. Keeps you warm and protects from the wind. It is not bulky but runs a little small.

As Expected of Columbia
December 27, 2011

This jacket keeps me very warm. The Omni-Heat lining really works! It's very comfortable and constructed well. However, I feel like the side pockets are placed a little high, since when I put my hands in, my shoulders feel awkwardly slumped. Otherwise, this is the perfect jacket for cold weather, and it never gets too hot due to its breathability and pit vents.

Nice jacket with some quality control issues
November 29, 2011

I recently received this jacket so have not put it through the wringer yet but, will say it looks good & is pretty warm having warm it in the high 30*s - low 50*s around town. I have not yet worn it in extended outdoor conditions but it seems like it would still preform well for what it is. Do not expect miracles. Overall the design is pretty good, the chest pocket is pretty small & you would be pressed to fit a pair of sunglasses in there. However, it would work well for an ID or something similar. The side pockets are large & well positioned; fully opened they will function as hand warmers. The armpit zips are a nice feature for venting however, they seem a bit "bulky" in my armpit. Meaning I feel as if there is a lump of fabric there or something. One would think the Omni-Heat lining would be clammy or hold in moisture. I have not found this to be the case at at. It seems to breath well & feels comfortable against bare skin (bare arms in the sleeves) I mentioned some quality control issues. In my jacket the interior security pocket was not sewn closed creating a tube rather than a pocket. This is something I will fix myself rather than initiate a return. Also when feeling around in the chest pocket I heard a thread or two pop. I hope this does not lead to further issues. Overall a nice looking functional jackets that filled the bill for what I was looking for. The few issues it had are the only things preventing a five star review & I will buy more Columbia & Omni-Heat products. Remember this is a fleece jacket, do not expect too much water or wind resistance.