Columbia Thermodynamic Softshell Jacket - Men's - 2010 BCS

OmniHeat reflective? for a clean and sophisticated looking jacket to open up to reveal a wall of "chrome dots" surpised me at first. I started wearing it in November 09 and it is my daily driver now. It is light enough to grab for travel, clean enough to dress it up, and super durable to keep it crisp over time. It breathes and regulates temperature better that you'd expect for a softshell and i forget it's on when I'd normally shed any other jacket. the outer is treated with OmniShield, making it super water resistant and, luckily for me, stain resistant as well. In short --- I dig it.

I ordered two of these jackets, medium and large. They were both good quality and I did not see any defects. Unfortunately the large was too large and the medium was a little short. I am 6'01", 170lbs, and pretty darn skinny. The medium was a tad tight around the shoulders but still fit with a shirt, tie, and sweater. If it was longer it would have been great. The jacket was brand new so it was a little stiff. After some wear it should hopefully soften up. I didn't get to test the Omni Heat feature but the concept seems sound. It felt comfortable and non-metallic. The only feature that seems questionable is the storm flap over the zipper. It isn't necessary and made the jacket stiffer when trying it on. But it looked pretty streamlined when I was wearing it.

After reading and trying both jackets, I decided to go for this super elegant (black) and crisp jacket. I have so far enjoy it very much because of how versatile it is.

I felt the Apex Bionic was a bit short and it was not as warm as the thermodynamic.

It is a stiff at the beginning but very comfortable after a few weeks.

Try it and be suprised!!

Nice styling from a good manufacturer but the fit and feel fell short. The sleeves were too tight and the fabric has NO stretch like most soft shells. Made it uncomfortable to move in, let alone be active like spring skiing. THe interior metallic lining may work well (didn't try it) but felt terrible next to bare arms, you would need full length shirts. The chest pocket would only be big enough for money or credit cards, not glasses or gear.

Nice styling from a good manufacturer but the fit and feel fell short. The sleeves were too tight and the fabric has NO stretch like most soft shells. Made it uncomfortable to move in, let alone be active like spring skiing. THe interior metallic lining may work well (didn't try it) but felt terrible next to bare arms, you would need full length shirts. The chest pocket would only be big enough for money or credit cards, not glasses or gear.

I checked out a few different softshells and definitely liked this the best. It comes down longer than the NF apex jacket and is more slim fitting as well which I like. Comfortable, stylin, and keeps you pretty warm yet breathable so you don't get too hot.

I got this jacket from backcountry with big hopes. What I needed was a thin jacket that'd be able to handle 40 F weather with just a t-shirt underneath for casual use. After doing my research, I decided on this softshell for the good price and new silver lining it had.

While the jacket does an okay job for the use I described above, quality is not up to par - at least not up to that of marmot or mountain hardwear. The plastic cover on the velcro cuff came off, which resulted in an awkward look while walking (the plastic piece loose on one end wobbling). Secondly, the plastic zipper pull with the columbia logo on broke apart. That's a minor issue but still irritating. Returning most likely...

This jacket is pretty warm. I must say the fit is a little on the slim side, which is no problem to me cuz everyone knows that tight is the fashion now. Plus if you flip it inside out you look like a bad ass with a shiny coat.......