Get one while backcountry has em.

By Tom Cunningham Ranked #253 - Men's Fleece Jackets November 29, 2011

I lost some weight over the summer and needed a winter jacket that fit me. I live in North West Ohio, where the wind is constantly blowing the winters can be somewhat harsh. I went with the jacket because it has the features I wanted and was at a cost I could live with. So far, so good. I've had this it for a short while now and I've noticed a few thing right off the bat.

1. It is a sturdy jacket. It's a little heavier than a regular fleece and it seems as if it wants to correct your posture when you wear it. I'm 5'10, 180 lbs and a medium fits me great.

2. It's warm. We've already had wind chills into the low 20's here and it didn't faze the jacket at all. It does a great job of keeping the wind out and the added 200 weight fleece does a great job of insulating.

3. The vents work better than traditional "pit zips" I've had on other jackets. They run almost the entire length of your torso, from just under your armpit to about where the jacket ends at your waist. They are positioned slightly forward in your body, so they aren't directly underneath your arms. When the vents are opened you can actually feel them working. They are a must when you leave this jacket on indoors.

5. I've worn it out in a few light rains and it has performed quite well, water seems to bead up on the material. Although, after a few washes I expect this will not happen. It will absolutely keep you warm and dry in a light rain but for the nasty stuff I plan on wearing a shell over top of it.

4. The pockets could be deeper. My hands barely fit into them. So gloves or mittens on a really cold day are a must.

Overall: This a great jacket at a great price. As I am writing this, backcountry has 77 left, get your hands on one while they last.

View Details: Columbia Ballistic II Fleece Jacket - Men's

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