Columbia Steens Mountain / Benton Springs Fleece Jacket Assessment

Backside Line

We’ve been sporting the Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 (males’s) and Benton Springs (girls’s) jackets for many years and love their basic type and inexpensive price ticket. These jackets are stable all-around: dependable, snug, and heat. Plus, they arrive in lots of sizes and coloration decisions, so discovering one which fits you is a cinch. When the nippiness begins to hit within the fall because the seasons tip in the direction of winter, we attain for this cozy fleece.

The Steens Mountain/Benton Springs jackets aren’t as packable or performance-oriented as different top-performing fleeces on our listing, however they’re nonetheless wonderful for work, day journeys, and on a regular basis put on. We’ve additionally trusted them for cold-weather backcountry journeys with no complaints. 

Heat

The Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 presents distinctive heat for its value level. Its materials and development made it one of many toastiest choices we examined. We put it by its paces on a cold fall morning at a excessive alpine lake, the place it shrugged off the misty air and saved us comfortably heat. Whereas not absolutely the warmest in our lineup, it performs nicely for its mid-heavyweight class. It transitions seamlessly right into a mid-layer underneath a shell for bitter winter days. Total, the Steens Mountain 2.0 delivers adequate heat with out breaking the financial institution.

Consolation

The Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 Jacket could be very snug because of its ultra-soft 100% polyester MTR filament materials. It’s thought of a basic match that’s true to measurement, so it isn’t too tight or restrictive. The design features a collared neck and zippered closure that retains you heat and cozy. Nonetheless, should you begin to generate warmth throughout a high-energy hike or stroll, this fleece isn’t breathable and gained’t be snug when you begin sweating. 

Sturdiness

The Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 stood as much as our testing with out challenge. Nonetheless, like most gear, the fabric and seams could put on out with in depth use and frequent washing. We wore this totally on the path and in mild brush and bushes. The 100% polyester MTR filament fleece is mushy but additionally could also be inclined to put on. We wash this one on heat or cool and air-dry as advisable. This can be a good jacket for somebody who doesn’t put their gear by the wringer.

Weight

At greater than a pound, this can be a heavier mannequin however just a few ounces lighter than Patagonia’s Higher Sweater. It’s cumbersome and doesn’t pack down nicely, so it’s higher for front-country use on day hikes, round camp, or on the town. We recommend a lighter-weight technical fleece for these longer backcountry journeys the place a mid-layer must stuff right into a pack and never lavatory you down.

Options

The Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 has the fundamental options anticipated of an inexpensive mid-layer fleece. It has two zippered facet pockets (no chest pocket). A pleasant pull tab loop on the full-length zipper makes it simpler to make use of should you put on gloves.

Ought to You Purchase The Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 / Benton Springs?

The Columbia Steens jacket is a steal for the worth. It’s heat, matches nicely, and is snug. It’s superb for a cool fall hike or a layer on a chilly winter’s day. Whereas this selection is a staple jacket, it isn’t superb for longer hikes or journeys the place weight and packability are a priority. Additionally, for high-output actions, it doesn’t breathe nicely. If you happen to’re out there for an informal, athletic midweight layer, you gained’t be upset.

What Different Fleeces Ought to You Contemplate?

Patagonia Higher Sweater Assessment: One other heavier choice, the Higher Sweater is a good day hike or round city jacket just like the Steens. It’s constructed stronger than the Columbia and certain last more for a bit more cash.

KUHL Interceptr: Just like the Columbia Steens, the KUHL is a denser materials that works nice for front-country adventures. It’s heat, however gained’t pack down for an ultralight hike. However for hanging across the campfire it seems to be nice and holds heat.