Columbia Wildcard III Softshell Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

I have a previous version of this jacket - It had a different name then but it's the same jacket other than for details. I picked it up in Park City, at the Columbia Outlet store for $88. I'm 182cm tall and of heavy-ish build. The XL size is quite big and loose on me.

The jacket is quite well featured, apart from ventilation, which quite lets it down. Even so, for $200 this jacket is at the cheaper end of the market and, as such, is a bargain. The Columbia brand puts a lot of people off. If you are a brand-snob then you'll probably not be reading this review anyway though. Bottom line: If you are after a fairly cheap, well featured softshell then this is a very good option.

Just pulled the Columbia Wildcard III Softshell Jacket out the box, size medium in deep teal. I'll admit that this review is biased in that I haven't even worn the jacket yet. Perhaps I was mistaken in what I was purchasing, but this is not what I would consider a piece of winter "active-wear". Outer fabric seems fairly weatherproof, and the lining is definitely made for warmth. But for a ski jacket, the dimensions are way off. I'm 5'9'' and 165lbs, so I'd expect a medium jacket to be a generous length (protection from that deep Tahoe pow). Wrong, this thing will not sit low enough to keep snow out while skiing/boarding. Furthermore, the medium is really wide. I could gain 80 pounds and this thing would still fit (on top of six ugly xmas sweaters to boot)! If you're gonna make an insulated jacket, why so much extra space on the inside?

Bottom line in my opinion- and like I said this is just from trying it on, but I've spent thousands of hours on the slopes in all conditions- this jacket is probably good for shoveling the driveway and driving to the ski hill, at which point I'll reach back for the old Orage or Helly Hansen for a real ski jacket. Thanks anyways, but this is not a keeper.

I picked up an Intense Red version of this jacket last year based on a recommendation from a Columbia Rep. First thing I though when I got it was that it looked bulky, but after putting it on I was pleasantly surprised. It fits well and the 4 way stretch is awesome. Even in the coldest weather on the backside of the mountain I easily stay warm with just a micro fleece under. Pockets are warm and roomy for hands, gloves, kleenex, goggles or anything else. Hood has plenty of room for a helmet. Overall a great jacket for the mountain at 1/4 the price of the competitors.

Wow is Intense Red intense but it's OK to stand out especially on the slopes. It is well made and warm - not toasty - but warm in 20-30 degree weather - it could use a little more insulation or warmer or a warmer type of insulation. Not a coat to wear when the temps dip too far. The shell is AWESOME - soft and supple yet durable. So far it moves well with little restrictions. Wishes... well one reviewer asked for "pit zips" and I agree, the the lack of ventilation in the pit area is an issue when exercising. Reiterate... Nice but not great.

I bought the Wildcard as an "around town" jacket for the harsh winters in Iowa and have been more than pleased with it's warmth and versatility. I've logged a few 25,000 vertical feet days in it as well and it has held up great. Plenty of pockets, a helmet compatible hood and other than the lack of pit zips, this jacket is as good and as warm as anything on the market. If you are looking for a functional, warm and great looking jacket, the Wildcard Softshell is it. It's tough to really categorize this as a softshell due to it's weight and warmth. It is as much coat as I ever need. The colors are a little generic and it runs roomy as I am 6' 252 lbs and an XL fits perfect with just enough room for a midlayer. Bottom line, for the $$ you wont find a better softshell.

I purchased this early in the season as a nice all weather option not sure where it was going to fit in. It quickly became the first jacket I grabbed when there was moisture in the air. Although it claims to be waterproof, I'm skeptical of a soft shell being perfectly waterproof. However, I'm always more concerned with breathability and moisture management and this jacket is waterproof enough for snow.
Today came the real test. Mary Jane, temperature never got out of the teens and the sky was puking. I wore two thin base layers and this coat, nothing else. I stayed warm and dry all day. I was carrying a backpack and skied hard, so that helped, but this jacket provided great mobility and comfort all day.