Columbia Switchback II Review
If you are someone who loves to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, someone who loves to get their workouts in while enjoying the great outdoors but doesn't want to let a little chill and rain stop them then the Columbia Switchback II lightweight jacket might be the perfect option for you. It does a fantastic job of keeping you warm and dry, although some customers have stated that it is not the most breathable which can be a bit discouraging. For the most part, however, reviewers sing the praises of this jacket saying that it both looks great and is super comfortable. It comes in a plethora of color options, so there is sure to be one for everyone. The price is right, and the durability is phenomenal, making it a significant investment and the perfect addition to your running apparel.
Omni-Shield Water Repellent
Zippered hand pockets
Stow-away hood
Great price point
Fantastic longevity
Packable into pocket
Wrinkles easy
Noisy when walking
Not breathable
Materials
The jacket features Omni-Shield Water and Stain Repellent to ensure you are staying nice and dry while also protecting the great looking coat. Moisture will bead up and roll off the fabric, without soaking through, keeping you protected from the rain. The same goes for stains, and it is going to help keep you looking clean, even when you are hitting the trails.
Comfort
There is one issue, however, that some customers have with the overall comfort level of the coat. They have stated that they would have liked to have seen a little more breathability in the jacket. Now, this is a rain jacket so you cannot expect there to be a lot of air flowing through it, if the air can easily get in then you run the risk of the rain getting in as well. Reviewers stated that they felt sticky and sweaty when they were done wearing it, and it was just overall, not a pleasant experience. There is some venting in the back of the jacket to help give you a little airflow, but some people didn't think that it did a good enough job and were unhappy with overall ventilation.
That being said, it does do a fantastic job at keeping the rain off of your skin which in and of itself will provide you with a lot of comforts, or at least prevent discomfort, since you will not be stuck running along in soaking wet clothing.
Protection
It provides excellent protection from the elements, being an excellent choice for heading outside when there's a little chill in the air or a chance for rain. The Omni-Shield will help keep the moisture off of your body and won't soak through into the materials of the jacket. It's also going to give it a little extra protection from staining so you can keep it looking fresh and clean for much longer.
It comes with a stow-away hood so you can choose to bring it out when you need to or tuck it away when you don't want to use it. The hood will aid in protecting you from the wind and rain, keeping the weather off of your neck and prevent moisture from falling in through the collar of the coat. On the same note, the cuffs have velcro that can be adjusted to the perfect fit, make sure you can tighten them enough that wind cannot travel up your sleeves and cool you down when you're trying to stay warm.
Fit
It does have velcro closures at the wrists so you can adjust the cuffs as needed to help achieve the perfect fit.
Durability
Not only is it highly durable and will not need to be replaced for quite, but it also has a very affordable price tag, to begin with. It's about average for a running jacket, but if you throw in the fact that it's going to last and Columbia designs it, then you'll be pleased with your purchase.
The water and stain resistant materials help make sure that you are not going to have to deal with water damage and unnecessary staining, causing you to have to replace the jacket prematurely. The sturdy construction will keep it from falling apart at the seams or ripping and tearing easily. The zipper is durable so you should have no problems with that piece of the jacket either. It really is an overall robust product that runners love.
Size
Weight
Customers can appreciate the lightweight design of the coat. It feels virtually weightless so you will not feel like you are wearing weighted clothing while you're heading out for your workouts.
Style
This jacket is available in a variety of different colors so you are sure to find one that will best fit your style and your personality, giving you a coat that you fall in love with. You can choose from red camellia, bluebell, harbor blue, hot coral, Miami, nightshade, rosewater, black, bright plum, bright rose, Mayan green, blue heron, fuchsia, light grape, whitened pink, oceanic, purple lotus, white, or whitened violet. Whichever color you decide to purchase, customers can agree that you'll look great. Reviewers love all the great color options and have stated that they look just as fantastic when you're looking at them in person.
Maintenance
When you aren't using it, and when it is completely dry, the jacket folds up and fits easily into its own hand packet so you can easily store it in your gym bag or with your hiking gear, so you always have it when you need it. Of course, you can still simply hang it in your coat closet when not in use as well.
Use
Of course, you aren't limited to leading an active lifestyle when wearing this coat. Some customers just really like the look and style of it and choose to wear it as their everyday lightweight jacket to keep them warm in the spring and fall or on those rainy summer afternoons.