Well, I haven't had the coat long enough to know for sure about the toughness, but so far I really like this jacket. I wanted a warmer jacket for skiing during the cold months of the season and this thing is perfect for that. I was told that Columbia gear runs big, so I originally got a medium. I ended up trading it in for a large (which is what I usually wear), so I would say this jacket runs true to size. Plenty of pockets and it keeps you warm and dry during inclement weather. The only drawback is that it is a little heavy, but I'll trade that for warmth. For the price, I think this is an excellent buy.

This Jacket is great! I tried on like 400 coats this winter and this one was the only one with the fancy Tech materials and options (pit-zips, removable powder skirt, omni-tech etc) AND a stylish demeanor (The obnoxious logos are the same color as the coat so you can't really see them). Tons of pockets, a waterproof shell, and warm flannel fleece inside.
I looked at The North Face and Mountain Hardwear coats because of the fabric and tech options, but do you really want to look like all the other Frat Boys who don't really go hiking? Me Neither

I've had the coat for about a month and it's great for skiing. Has a lot of inside pockets that aren't mentioned in it's description and the lining is fuzzy plaid. The fit is best described as 'athletic'. Plenty of room to move in the shoulders/chest/back, but it's snug against the armpits. Go up a size if you wear more than two layers under it. A drawback is the lack of rings to hang a lift pass on except for the zipper pulls, which isn't ideal.