Columbia Hexbreaker Long Down Jacket - Women's - 2011 BCS

This jacket had everything I wanted....it was super warm (I live in bitter cold MN), water repellent, was lightweight, and had a figure flattering shape. Unfortunately the sizing is totally screwed up. I'm 5'2", 100lbs, with a small chest...I usually wear an extra small, but ordered this in a small as I'd heard omni-shield jackets are tight. Well they are WAY tight, especially in the chest/underarm area. I couldn't fit anyting other than a super thin shirt under it. If you're never going to take off your jacket that would be fine, but I like to at least have an option of removing it and having a sweater under it if I get over-heated. Since there are no size mediums left I'm out of luck....I'm bummed out this doesn't fit. :(

I've only worn this jacket for one day, so I can't comment too much yet on it's warmth (though it was a brisk windy 20 degrees and seemed warm with just a thin shirt underneath). As for sizing: I'm 5'7, 110 lbs. with a very long torso for my height and bought the XS, as I typically do with Columbia clothing. I'll admit to being a small-boned skinny girl, and I was surprised the XS in this jacket is almost too tight. It's wearable and looks flattering (even my conservative dad said it didn't look too tight), but it fits me like a second skin and there's no way I can wear a fleece or thick sweater underneath because it fits so closely in the waist. Arm length and body length are great - it comes just to the bottom of my bum. The black has a nice matte finish. I'm not a big fan of the appearance of the silver Omni-Heat lining, but if it actually works as it's designed, then it's worth it.

I'd say if you are between sizes, size up for sure - this one runs tight in the waist, and since there is a cinch cord at the waist, the next size up should still be flattering.

This is a great jacket! I have had it for about a month and wear it everywhere. I bought the grey-blue color and LOVE it - goes with everything without being same ol' white/black/navy.

Warmth:
-Really warm without the bulk. The hex quilting keeps the down in place and minimizes puff. This jacket will keep you warm in snow, plain cold, and nasty winds.
-...But not waterproof. In a cold rain, you'll eventually get bogged down.
-Along the same lines, I wouldn't use this as a snowsports jacket. Ok, maybe snowshoeing or leisurely XC skiing, but not downhill or snowboarding

Fit:
-Runs a little small. It IS a more fitted jacket. I usually wear an XS in Columbia outerwear and ordered a S on hunch. Glad I did because the fit through the hips is slim. Also, I wouldn't recommend this for busty women, as it is very ungenerous in the chest.
-The shape is very flattering, even without having to use the hidden waist toggles.
-Length is great. I am 5'3" and it hits about a third of the way up between my knees and hips. It's easy to walk in, but helps keeps your gams warm.
-However, the sleeves are long. Can be good/bad. The adjustable cuffs keep it from swallowing up my hands.

Other features:
-Convenient pockets! Score. The side chest pocket is perfect for things you want easy access to, like chapstick or a metro pass, while the hip pockets can easily hold keys, wallets, and phones.
-Hood...meh, not a big hood person, but I like the option if I didn't take a hat/umbrella.
-Two "body" zippers: awesome if you need more mobility for your legs.

Overall, I would highly recommend this jacket for most women as a super chic, super functional jacket for everyday wear.

After going to the TNF store in Chicago and trying on winter coats, I didn't find one with a good fit, price and weather proof. I went to try this on @ the columbia store and loved the lightness, and stream line look of the jacket. I was looking for a very warm coat for I get cold very easily. I'm 5'6, 135lbs, with long arms and torso and broad shoulders since I'm a gym rat. I brought a medium for layering with a hoodie or sweater. I have to honestly say, this coat is very warm. It has a hood, sinch drawstrings in the waist , velcro sleeves to pull close to the wrist, omniheat technology and plenty of pocket room for my iphone/gloves.