~Leesa
The Columbia Elite Fleece Softshell Jacket arrived on a particularly cold and windy day. The temperatures were in the low 20s F, and the wind was gusting over 25 mph. I was ready to head out and decided I’d try the Elite out. I wanted to see how it would do, so my first time wearing it I headed out to do some errands and have breakfast with some friends. I’ve learned to try out my gear before I end up somewhere, without an option and find an issue with it.
The jacket was quickly put to use while hiking, snowshoeing and around town.
Columbia Heat Elite Fleece Softshell Photo from Columbia in two tone. Mine is solid black, but this shows the different panels more clearly.
Product Description
Shell: 100% polyester fleece, 90% polyester/10% elastane double weave softshell, 94% polyester/6% elastane double knit
Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective and Insulated
Omni-Shield Advanced Repellency
Wind resistant bonded fleece, Breathable stretch panels, Underarm venting, Drawcord adjustable hem and Thumb holes.
Uses new Omni-Heat reflective lining to boost heat retention while offering great regulation.
Fit
The Elite Fleece is a form fitting, zippered jacket. The cuffs are elasticized and have the thumb hole. The inner part of the jacket is lined with a reflective material. It is a shiny silver, that is perforated with small holes.
Use
First stop was breakfast with some friends. I got there first and walked around for a few minutes, looking at the frozen lake, and the ice shacks. The wind was gusting fairly strong,whipping across the ice. My face immediately felt cold – but the rest of me stayed warm. I was impressed with the way the jacket blocked the wind, and kept my body warm. It is very form fitting – not ‘too’ tight, but tight enough that I can’t wear many layers under it. Later in the day, I went snowshoeing for a few hours, and found the jacket worked really well – it provides enough warmth that I don’t need many layers, and by unzipping it, I can cool down as needed. On very sunny days, I do tend to warm up more in the jacket, and end up putting it in my pack until I stop for a break.
A few of the features that I really like:
Thumb holes – great for keeping the sleeves all the way down, and my wrists warm. This is especially nice when I am using hiking poles and swing my arms back and forth a lot.
Decent sized side pockets – hold tissues, camera, chapstick, snacks and keys. This is great for short hikes when I don’t really need a pack.
Length – I’m 5′ 7″, and like that the jacket covers most of my bottom. This really helps keep the cold air out, and off my lower back.
I’ll continue wearing the jacket over the next few months, and will report back soon.
Update 3/30/10
Well, the Elite Fleece has become a mainstay of my winter wear. On a few very frigid mornings (-25 F) when I had to go out to warm my car, I wore it under my down jacket – and was thankful to have it. The Elite Fleece seems to hold in my body heat better than I could have imagined, and the down jacket kept the cold air from entering. Some days I was 1/2 way to work before I would take off the down, only to put it back on before getting out of the car. A few days I left the jacket on at work until the building warmed up. I find the jacket to not only help hold my body temperature steady, but it also does a very good job at blocking the wind. Wearing it snowshoeing has many benefits – I can stay at a comfortable temperature while exerting myself, without over heating. My only wish would be that the sleeves were a bit roomier. I have fairly thin arms, and the sleeves have a very snug fit. This means that I can’t wear anything bulky underneath. So far, this heasn’t been much of an issue.
Check back in about a month for another update.
