Columbia Ballistic Fleece Jacket - Men's - 2010 BCS

This jacket is so heavy, it almost feels like suede. It's more a standalone light winter jacket than a fleece. Unlike a normal fleece, I can't feel the wind getting through. Unless you're scowling into an arctic gale, you won't feel it. It even has wrist gaiters to seal out the wind.

The large fits my 6'0" 210lb frame well. It's more snug than normal fleeces, but not constricting. You don't want this too large, it won't look right. I tried on 3 sizes, and even one size up hung on me like cheap wallpaper and looked heinous.

The side zips make a huge difference. When hiking uphill or in a store where they have the heat a tad high, the side vents keep me from getting too warm. When not in use, the side vent zippers are practically invisible.

Wow this one weighs over 39oz on local postal scale (size xxl) Has a regular fit which allows for layering. I agree fully with the reviews below that this is a heavy jacket and can stand alone. Yet it leaves room for layering on cold windy days.

I haven't been out in the wind yet but it certainly feels like it is highly wind resistant if not windproof.

I bought this one slightly used and washed it right away. The Omni-Shield repelled water well but I washed in Revivex DWR just for good measure.

I wouldn't plan on trying to pack this in my pack because of weight and bulk but it certainly is a nice jacket for when the weather is a little nasty. Windy cool days will be no match for this thing from my first impression. I will update if anything changes.

A great jacket, just not what I expected. I had an old Columbia fleece jacket that I loved but was getting old and neeeded to be replaced. I was hoping this jacket would be the new version of my old one...not even close. This jacket is super heavy duty fleece, extremely dense and would probably take some time to break in. I only wore it for a few minutes and already began to sweat, great fit and great jacket for the winter but I wanted something I could wear in the spring and fall as well. Also, it seemed to have more of a slim fit cut than a roomy fleece I am used to.

very nice jacket! a little heavier in weight for warmth but not bulky.

As mentioned by kingofburley, this is indeed not your average Columbia fleece available anywhere. The material is thicker and will take some time to break in. The fit is slimmer and the material is slightly stretchy, and will serve as a great mid-layer under a shell, or just around town. So far its been pretty warm but I have yet to test how windproof it is. There are vent zips, but they are more for your body as they are not pit zips, so this is great for the fit (as pit zips can make the sleeves look funny), but I get a tad sweaty in my arms. The only other non-positive thing I have to say is that there are some thicker seams that will take time getting used to, e.g. I can feel the seam/lump on my back when I lean back in a chair.

So far, I'm very happy with my purchase, but look forward to when/if it breaks in and the material becomes softer.

And for reference, I'm 5'8" ~145 lbs. I got a small, and I really like the fit. Slimmer/athletic, but with a little bit of room to move around comfortably.