Gear Review
Columbia Wildcard III Softshell Jacket - Men's
Into the Return Pile... sizing proportions are all messed up
By Dave B. January 5, 2011
Just pulled the Columbia Wildcard III Softshell Jacket out the box, size medium in deep teal. I'll admit that this review is biased in that I haven't even worn the jacket yet. Perhaps I was mistaken in what I was purchasing, but this is not what I would consider a piece of winter "active-wear". Outer fabric seems fairly weatherproof, and the lining is definitely made for warmth. But for a ski jacket, the dimensions are way off. I'm 5'9'' and 165lbs, so I'd expect a medium jacket to be a generous length (protection from that deep Tahoe pow). Wrong, this thing will not sit low enough to keep snow out while skiing/boarding. Furthermore, the medium is really wide. I could gain 80 pounds and this thing would still fit (on top of six ugly xmas sweaters to boot)! If you're gonna make an insulated jacket, why so much extra space on the inside?
Bottom line in my opinion- and like I said this is just from trying it on, but I've spent thousands of hours on the slopes in all conditions- this jacket is probably good for shoveling the driveway and driving to the ski hill, at which point I'll reach back for the old Orage or Helly Hansen for a real ski jacket. Thanks anyways, but this is not a keeper.
View Details: Columbia Wildcard III Softshell Jacket - Men's
Nailed It? 0 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- [Shell] 87% polyester, 13% elastane; [Lining] Ultra Wick; [Insulation] 60g Microtemp XF II
- Waterproof Rating:
- Not specified
- Breathable Rating:
- Not specified
- Core Venting:
- No
- Pockets:
- 2 Front, 1 chest, 1 media, 1 goggle
- Seam Taped:
- No
- Powder Skirt:
- Yes, removable
- Hood:
- Yes, removable
- Zip-in Compatibility:
- No
- Recommended Use:
- Hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- Lifetime
Change me.