jennyp

i wanted a light weight, adjustable belt, and this seemed like a good idea, despite the rather unattractive looking buckle (which i figured would be hidden under a shirt...). I don't mind ugly as long as its unobtrusive. Then it arrived. the buckle looks like an airplane seatbelt buckle! if that's your style it probably works just fine, but it is a very big, very noticable, ugly buckle. It is also quite heavy.

I originally ordered an 8, which I have in other columbia pants, but they were quite large, so I tried a 6, which was much better (i'm 5'4 1/2" and 130 lbs). I like the fact that the legs zip off to leave relatively long shorts rather than exposing most of my thighs as some other women's convertible pants do.

I really wanted to like this jacket since it was a great price for a wind-resistant fleece. I first ordered a small (since I own a small in another columbia jacket), but it seemed tight across the shoulders, so I sent it back for a medium. Despite being roomier across the chest, it still felt tight around my shoulders and was now baggy around my stomach. I think perhaps the armholes are small relative to the rest of the sizing? Maybe if you have a slighter frame it might fit well. I did like that the cuffs appear to be loose from the outside but have an inner cuff that would keep the wind out. Finally, the Dahlia color looks like a purplish color, but it is pretty much fuschia in real life, and I am definitely not a pink person.

After reading the reviews I ordered a short (i'm 5'4 1/2'', and I definitely needed the short. I own other columbia pants in 8 that are a little loose, but these 8s were quite huge. I returned them for a 6, which I am keeping, but I could probably get away with a 4. They look nice, which makes them great for traveling as I don't have to pack anything else in case I have to dress up somewhere. I could even wear them to work (in a hospital).

less flattering than i expected. it can really only be worn very casually, which is not as convenient for traveling when it is nice to have things that can double for city evenings as well as hiking.