Columbia Sportswear Exact Omni-Heat® Ski Jacket - Waterproof, Insulated (For Men)

Prior to purchasing this jacket, I was having an extremely hard time finding a jacket that offered a simplistic design, waterproof functionality, insulation, optimal design, and wreck-proof durability for a price that would not destroy my wallet. This jacket retails for a price upwards of $220, but after finding it on this website, I was able to get such an amazing deal ($107) that I couldn't pass it up. I was skeptical that the jacket would not hold up to my expectations, as there was only one review I could find at the time, but I went ahead and purchased it.

I wanted to wait until I tested this jacket before making a review, so after spending a weekend at the top of a mountain in Vermont, here it goes:

In terms of the conditions I was in (way below zero on some days with extreme wind-chill and snow) this jacket performed phenomenally. However, if you are looking to wear this jacket in similar conditions, with just a t-shirt on beneath it, then stop now. I was wearing a 100% silk long-sleeve shirt, a t-shirt, and a puffy North Face down jacket beneath this thing in order to keep me warm. I have learned that no matter how expensive a jacket you buy, you are going to have to layer. As it turns out, what I was wearing kept me warm while my friends and family were freezing their butts off on the lift up. Overall, this jacket is not only stylish and simple, but it will keep you warm (as long as you layer accordingly) and dry in rough conditions on the mountain.

In terms of features, this jacket is loaded. The powder skirt is sweet and it even comes with those silk-like cuffs that wrap around your wrist in order to keep heat from escaping through the sleeves. It has plenty of pockets and I couldn't find anything wrong with the zippers or any of the other features. The hood is plenty big to fit over my helmet and kept the wind off the back of my neck. The color you see on the thumbnail picture is pretty darn accurate to the color of the jacket itself; and it was easy for my family and friends to spot me on the slopes due to the bright color.

SIZING:

I am 5' 7'', weigh 145 lb, and the jacket fit perfectly even with layers underneath. If you weigh more than me, or if you are taller, I would suggest getting a medium depending on how much clothing you will be wearing beneath the jacket.

Definitely a great buy. I am not surprised considering this jacket is made by Columbia who doesn't mess around when it comes to this kind of thing. Will be buying from them again. Let me know if you have any questions.