Accessories Grant Pentiricci Product Reviews

Columbia Wind D-Ny Fleece Jacket – Product Review

by Grant Pentiricci January 19, 2013

(Photo Source: Columbia.com)

I chose to purchase this jacket primarily as a layer to wear under my BPS rain parka. This jacket has great heat trapping properties as well as several different technologies to keep you warm and dry. I really liked the athletic fit and it is really comfortable when worn under my BPS parka. On cold days I wear this jacket as an inner layer and it really keeps me warm!

Pros

This jacket has OMNI-HEAT thermal reflective technology that reflects and retains the warmth of your body. This technology  keeps you 20% warmer through this reflecting process and also helps regulate your body temperature by allowing excess heat and moisture to escape. I find that this is one of the best features of this product. The “aluminum foil” lining of this jacket really does trap heat and performs just as described.

This jacket also has OMNI-WIND block. This feature stops wind by utilizing a membrane that is breathable. Although I usually wear this with a heavy outer layer, this feature comes in handy on warmer days as I wear this jacket by itself from time to time.

Cons

The jacket isn’t cheap. It currently retails for $199.99 CDN on Columbia’s online store. When it comes to the elements and being comfortable, I’m willing to pay a little bit more to stay warm, so I was willing to pay more if the jacket held up to its claims. Also, I was lucky enough find a good sale price, so I went ahead and purchased it.

Depending on your personal taste the color could be off putting. It only comes in one color- “Black Heather” and that’s it. There are no other options. My wife did point out that it was a neutral color blend so it would “go with everything” – and so far, she’s been right.

The inside pockets are way too big and don’t have any way of keeping their contents safe. I don’t use them at all as they’re poorly designed and items fall out very easily.

This jacket is made in Vietnam. Consumers wishing to buy North American made products will find this a definite con.