ashenThis is the first time that we are talking about a Columbia jacket extensively. We’ve always inclined a bit more towards The North Face, Patagonia and Marmot when it comes to travel wear. It’s about time we looked the other way a bit because Columbia has a close competitor for some of the products of the mentioned brands. What we demand from a high quality winter jacket is mostly to retain heat while keeping you comfortable, and we believe that the Columbia Interchange jacket delivers this with a reasonable price. If you are in the market for an affordable winter jacket to overpower the cold in your next mountaineering journey or snowshoeing trip, stick around and keep reading.
A Few Words On Columbia
We always think it’s appropriate to introduce the creators before diving headlong into a gear review. So bare with us because knowing about the manufacturer is equally important.
The year is 1937. Columbia originated as the Portland based Columbia Hat Company which was a small business bought out by Gert Boyle’s parents who were from Germany. Gert became the executive in 1970 after her parents and husband passed away. The hat manufacturing company then made their first Bugaboo™ parka in 1986. Then in 1996 they introduced the Performance Fishing Gear, or PFG for short. In the following years, Columbia introduced some of their most outstanding innovations such as the Omni-Heat Reflective in 2010 which is a core element in heat retention.
Next they came up with the TurboDown™ technology in 2014 which infuses Omni-Heat synthetic insulation with natural down. In 2016 they revolutionized waterproof wear with their OutDry Extreme technology. Their rapid innovations continue with the latest being the Omni-Heat 3D. It is the latest thermal-reflective technology with advanced heat retention with extra comfort. All of these innovations and discoveries were spearheaded by none other than the phenomenal GERT BOYLE.
Now that we are familiar with the origin of Columbia, Let’s see how much of these innovations have been embedded into the Interchange Jacket.
Columbia Men’s Whirlibird IV Interchange Jacket Specifications
- Fabric type : Omni-Tech Generation Dobby 100% nylon, Omni-Heat Reflective lining 100% polyester, Thermarator 100% polyester
- Classic fit with three separate jackets that can be worn separately or together.
- Featuring a zip-in interchange system, a chin guard and underarm venting
- Adjustable hood, cuffs, hem and snap back powder skirt
- Convenient pocket placement
- Size range from small to 5X tall with a variety of colors to choose from
Design And Build Quality
The notable feature of this jacket that makes it a main sell point as I’m sure everyone noticed is the inclusion of three separate jackets. This way you’ve got three layers to protect in serious conditions of cold and snow. And the best part is that despite you wearing three layers, it does not restrict your mobility. The rest of the specs are pretty much standard for a winter jacket. The interior lining consists of their metallic dot pattern designed to retain heat, while the breathable fabric dissipates moisture.
Materials used aren’t strange to folks who have been using winter wear for a while. The Omni-Tech Generation Dobby is specific to Columbia though and the dobby weave adds texture and durability to the fabric, enhancing its performance and aesthetic appeal. What sets apart the Omni-Heat Reflective tech is the reflective material incorporated into the fabric. This reflective material helps to retain body heat, effectively trapping warmth and enhancing the insulation properties of the garment. The lining is designed to provide lightweight warmth without adding bulk.
Features
Aside from the standard features of a regular winter jacket, the under arm venting is a bit of an unusual feature here. Pocket placement is ideal to store your phones, wallet etc. Would have been better if they had included two chest pockets so that it would have been perfect. The hood is adjustable as mentioned and is long enough to cover the face in snowy weather. The zippers are quite strong and durable and might be a bit difficult to use when you have mittens on. Not so stylish like some other jackets we reviewed but it will definitely keep you warm.
Overall User Feedback For The Columbia Interchange Jacket
As expected, the buyers are pretty happy and satisfied for the money they paid. The main sell point was the 3 layers and of course the true to advertised size. Seems like most users are above 6 feet and they’ve previously suffered because the jackets they used to own could not cover their wrists. Not with this one though. A 6’4” 240lbs user claimed that the jacket covered his entire torso and his arms. The jacket is midweight and breathable although you’ve three layers covering up. Even in temperatures such as -15 degrees Celsius, this jacket will keep you warm and toasty. Best recommended for snowshoeing and winter hiking. There is also the Women’s version of this jacket that earns an equally good reputation.
A Close Competitor : The North Face Men’s Carto Triclimate Jacket
Yet another outstanding product by TNF which by the looks of it kind of overrides the Columbia for almost the same price tag. Anyways you can be the judge of it after reading this. Specs are as follows:
- Made with a DryVent shell, insulated with our 70% post-consumer recycled Heatseeker Eco insulation and DWR finish.
- Has got 2 layers instead of 3.
- Standard fit(outer jacket), Slim fit and Relaxed fit.
- Size ranges from XS to 3XL.
The North Face Men’s Carto Triclimate Jacket vs Columbia Interchange Jacket
In terms of the warmth, heat retention, breathability, unrestricted mobility and overall comfort, both TNF Triclimate and the Columbia Interchange are both in a parallel situation. 99% of both the customer bases had zero complaints about heat retaining even during the coldest conditions. TNF jacket’s pocket placement too is almost identical including the armpit zippers for breathability. Also just like the Columbia, TNF jacket’s hood is also adjustable and covers you well from the cold and wind once fully zippered up. The lining does not scratch your face, instead it’s a soothing feeling. The only thing we could not find about TNF jacket was that the sleeves covered up the wrists as well, like the Columbia. This is definitely important for tall people and for anyone who is actually skiing.
Most people’s vulnerable point during the cold is their face, particularly the nose. But as we saw before, there are folk who find cold in your wrists to be pretty dissatisfying as well and that’s why the Columbia Interface is so popular among the tall built 6 foot plus folk. So there you are. We’ve laid out both the jackets before you although we stressed a bit more on the Columbia. Both have earned their fair share of positive customer feedback and we are fans of them both. I’d personally say that if you are more towards the athletic tall side, go ahead with the Columbia because it’s already been proven. Don’t forget to let us know how your experience was with either of these jackets.
