Columbia Single Track Softshell Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

The jacket is very nice and insulated well. I'd rate the comfort zone from 25 to 45 degrees. However, I returned it for 3 reasons. 1. It's insulated a lot more than what I read here and is bulkier and heavier than expected. 2. All the grey material is windbreaker nylon type material and is somewhat noisy and krinkly when it's colder out. 3. The hood has less than adequate coverage. Though not one of my reasons I've got to wonder how long those tiny pull cords at the bottom and on the hood will hold out. Someone stated that material doesn't determine what makes a softshell, so to believe that would be to say that anything can be a softshell and I find that a little disingenuous. Overall it is a nice and warm jacket that cuts the wind, just warmer and more of jacket than what I had read here compared to what I needed. I returned it a couple days after I received it and it cost me $9.91 to return it with the return label that came with it. That sucked a little.

I shopped forever for a Softshell that was functional and not bulky. I received my jacket and have to say the green is a little different than the online pic but it is a great jacket. I really like the hood and this jacket does very well in the wind. They designed this jacket very well. The inside of the pockets are micro-fleece lined and it is a warm jacket without needing the bulkiness of the parka.

This is my first softshell and I couldn't be happier, it is the best fitting jacket I have ever owned, Im 5'10" 140 and most jackets are a bit large around the middle but this one is perfect(I got the Medium), enough room for a midlayer but still form fitting without. It's really light weight but still warm, the insulation is great not too heavy but not light either. This jacket over a baselayer is good for a cool day, add a good midlayer fleece and your good for the real cold days. the pit vents are killer, they definitely help once you generate some body heat. I really like the hood, most removable hoods fit and look awkward but not this one. The first day I wore it, it was misting outside and I didn't notice the mist at all until I saw water beads on my sleeve and when it started to actually rain the water just ran off no problem, the omni-shield is what it claims to be (I'm interested to see if it will hold up over time tho) Ive only had the chance to wear it around the city and can't wait to give it a real test in the mountains come spring. From this tho I can say this jacket is defiantly worth the price cant beat $50 off retail and this being my first Backcountry buy I have to say I like the service and it shipped fast, BC is my new favorite online gear spot