Columbia Men's Ballistic III Windproof Fleece Jacket

Overall, I like this jacket. I have had TNF Windwall for about 8 years. The elastic in the sleeves was shot and it is looking pretty shopworn. I decided to look for a replacement. They no longer make the Windwall so had to look for something similar. The most important piece was being windproof. After checking out several different styles and makers, I decided on this one.I think it is nice looking and like the two different types of material used in the design. I checked out the size chart and based on that, a large seemed to be the one.I don't consider myself to be overly large. I'm 6', 190 lbs. and have a 43 inch chest. The fit is just slightly tight. It's not uncomfortable, but it lets me know it is there with a slight pull across the chest. Surprisingly, it is also snug in the arms. Around the biceps and elbows. On a day to day basis, it will work but I would never be able to add an extra layer under this jacket. A simple sweatshirt would never fit. It would be uncomfortably tight with that.I'm interested to see how it works on my motorcycle. That was one of the great things with the Windwall. There was enough room to layer beneath it offering great versatility with windproofing.The only other drawback is the bulkiness. It is quite a thick material. It won't easily roll up to put in a pack. You probably will need some kind of ties to attach it instead of being able to put it inside.

The wind-blocking ability of this jacket is very impressive, but it also retains moisture since it doesn't breathe well. Any activity that involves sweat is going to feel uncomfortable. I've actually had to turn it inside out to dry afterwards.I am a fairly active person (and easily prone to sweating), so I was disappointed about not being able to wear the fleece on hikes. However, it is excellent for light work or walking around in cold weather - light-weight but surprisingly warm. It's a little thick to wear as a layer, but I imagine it would make a good ski jacket.I've got a mix of coats and fleeces (a nuance for every occasion). This is my preferred one - as long as the temperature is cold and the activity is light.

I have 4 of the Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 Fleece Jacket in Large, different colors (I'm 5'10" and about 150lbs) and I've been very pleased with them. They're very soft, lightweight, fit well (just a little on the big side, but I'd rather that than too small for layering), and have been excellent in quality holding up quite well over the years.I've been looking for a fleece lined jacket that would be in between my lightweight fleece jackets, and my heavier nylon shelled Columbia jacket (in Medium which fits perfect). The problem with the Steens Fleece jackets is the wind can cut right through them. This was easily solved by adding a windbreaker over the Fleece jacket.Trusting the Columbia brand, I decided to give this jacket a try as some of the colors were very reasonably priced on Amazon. I ordered a large as well, and it ran just a little bigger in size than the Steens lightweight Fleece jackets I own, but I'd prefer that again for layering purposes if needed. The jacket has a good heft to it without being heavy. Handling it and how it moves and flexes, it almost feels like a thin wet suit kind of material that's lined in soft comfortable fleece, just to note. But it is quite comfortable to wear. The quality is excellent, the slightly larger sizing will be great for layering, and it seems very good at wind resistance. That will be tested that in the future when we have high winds around here.Overall, this is a great jacket option for those times I want something a little more insulated than the Steens Fleece jacket will provide, without the bulk of wearing my windbreaker over one of my Steens Fleece jacket, or having to wear my heavier Columbia nylon jacket that I use for colder or wetter conditions. Hope this review helps!

what i was looking for was a replacement for the light weight fleece inner part of my winter jacket combination. this was not what i was looking for per se in that it is not the same light weight simple fleece jacket but after i got it i actually like it more. it is a heavier weight than the fleece but what makes it great is that it is windproof.anyone who has lived in a blustery winter environment knows it is the wind that makes it viciously cold. this jacket seems like it will take me through warmly all of the minnesota winters except the very worst when i can use it under my other jacket, my gortex columbia outer but i am going to simply leave my older one on that and use this as a fall/most of winter jacket because it is more than a little suited for that.better yet, it fit as expected so i am very happy.

I really like this jacket and have been impressed with the quality for the price. I have found it to do a good job of shedding the wind. It is light weight, very suitable for layering and comfortable. However, if you are wearing a heavy flannel or corduroy shirt you will struggle pulling the jacket on over your shirt. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because I think it would really benefit from a left breast zippered pocket. I have had mine now for over a year and I've used it extensively as a three season jacket w/o complaint. I have machine washed it in cold water several times with good results and no shrinkage.