Customer Reviews

Columbia Men's Cougar Peaks II Jacket

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This jacket is NOT a rain jacket and barely considered a windbreaker. It is touted as "water resistant", and yes the fabric is highly water repellent, but the numerous unsealed seams on the shoulders and elsewhere and the exposed zipper allowed water to soak through in a downpour. Even as a windbreaker it's mediocre because you cannot close the back shoulder vent so when the wind is at your back it blows right through you. As for the fabric being breathable, I'd say it's more breathable than a plastic bag but it falls way short of something more sophisticated like Gortex. I found it trapped a lot of condensation. There are no vents in the armpits.

On the up side, it's lightweight and packs small, has a concealable hood, is cut large enough in the sleeves to fit over a fleece jacket or sweatshirt, and does shed light rain/drizzle. And it looks good. But don't be mislead in thinking it's truly a rain jacket or windbreaker because it isn't either. It's just a cheap, "better-than-nothing" jacket to bring along on a day trip or keep in the car for occasional use.

I'm really disappointed by Columbia's products moving towards form over function the past couple years. This jacket is a glaring example. Maybe they'll make the 3rd generation of this jacket better. Or not...

This jacket is supposed to be waterproof, but after a while in even a drizzle it starts to absorb the water just like any other material. If this were actually waterproof then it would be AMAZING. I wear every now and again when I'm going to be outside for short amounts of time, it's good for that, but isn't much better than that.

I love the fact that it's packable, very easy to store in your car under the seat or a backpack. The hood packs into the collar so it's not in the way all the time, that's another awesome feature.

It's light and since the thickness is minimal I would recommend possibly getting a size larger to wear a sweatshirt under if your going to be wearing it in Fall weather.

LIke I said, this would be an awesome jacket, if it were waterproof. But without that important feature, this is nothing more than an expensive windbreaker. I would recommend spending a little more money in order to get better quality, that's the general rule isn't it?

I've got a bunch of stuff from Columbia, not only is every item of superior quality, but reasonably-priced as well. Seriously, when it comes to sportswear, and particularly items like jackets and such, the mark-ups are often ludicrously unjustified. One particularly severe example of this phenomenon I experienced involved a soft-shell jacket from one of the upmarket manufacturers. The MSRP of that jacket, which protected against neither wind nor rain, was $160.

Columbia doesn't pull shenanigans like that, which is why I sought out this brand for an cheap windbreaker, and as the review title indicates, I do love it. It's got a decently roomy cut for layering but isn't all puffy, it has a proper anti-precipitation coating that actually works, and it has the all-important vent in the back to keep the wearer from overheating (crucial for cycling,) and the cell phone pocket up front. Put a polyester fleece sweatshirt or wool sweater on underneath and you're ready for anything, provided due attention is given to pants and headwear. And it looks cool even though it's cheap.

Additionally, a note about Columbia's customer service: Not long ago, I had a zipper go bad on a Columbia jacket I had owned for about two years. I sent the jacket back with an explanation of my plight. Shortly thereafter, they sent me a replacement. I also learned that they give their returned and/or damaged clothing away to charity to be repaired and distributed to the needy. That is very cool.

You cannot beat the excellent price, especially when you consider the exceptional quality that all Columbia prodcts seem to have.

The jacket itself is extremely lightweight. Its perfect for a slight chilly or rainy day. Its so small and light that packing it requires almost no room at all. The hidden hood is a great feature. The jacket is very comfortable.

I have only one complaint about this jacket and that is the mesh lining does not fully cover the back of the jacket, otherwise it is the perfect outerwear when for cool to warm temperatures. It will not do in a torrential downpour but anything less it stands up to water. It breathes well for tough hikes when your body warms up but the weather is wet and cool. I have had it a few weeks, and it worn it in as cool ast 48 degrees and as warm as 72 comfortably. This is not a winter or hot summer jacket. The shell is lightweight. It looks very nice and fashionable but durable and well made.

I found this jacket by accident while on a clothing site. I've learned to check Amazon too regardless of what it is just to see if they carry the item. Sure enough, they had it and at a great price too for name-brand outdoor gear.

It fits my broad shoulders and 37 length sleeves just fine. The color I got was 'tusk'. I love the two-tones pattern with dark brown along the sides. It has pockets galore inside and outside. Nice, strong zippers too. A hood is tucked away inside the collar. It has a tall collar that will cover your neck all the way to the top when zipped up. For a lightweight windbreaker, it does keep you warmer than you think it will. It seems to be well-constructed despite being made in Vietnam.

Bought this Columbia Men's Cougar Peaks II Jacket in charcoal, as it seemed to be a decent three-season garment that would offer some protection from the elements. The main purposes for this jacket were for general wear, cycling in questionable weather, and as a jacket that could stow away comfortably and in a compact fashion so that I could stuff it into a camera bag for those occasions when an unexpected shower might hit.

Let's clear up one thing to start: I did not expect this lightweight jacket to be waterproof. That said, I did treat the inside seams with a seam sealer withing a few weeks after receiving it. Try McNett Seam Sealer or some similar products, but be sure that (1) you apply it to the inside seams only, and (2) that your product will work with nylon. If you're looking for a truly waterproof jacket, if there's such a thing, then look elsewhere. This one is water resistant, regardless of what might be claimed on some sites.

Pros:

* Extremely lightweight
* Machine washable (cold only)
* Decent stowaway hood in the collar
* Good main sipper that doesn't jam
* Pocket zippers close up - things less likely to fall out
* Adjustable elastic drawcord at the hem
* Rational styling, and the "Columbia" logo doesn't scream at you

Cons:

* Back shoulder vent cannot be closed when it's windy
* No armpit vents; not very breathable
* Seems to trap condensation

If you want to stay really dry, then look at the Columbia Men's Watertight Jacket or the Carhartt Men's Waterproof Breathable Acadia Jacket. These are examples, but you'll spend more than this one.

All things considered, didn't expect much for the price when I ordered it, but it's a fairly decent lightweight windbreaker that doesn't have much bulk, so it can be stowed away when necessary. If this is what you're looking for, then it's worth it.

This is a good lightweight windbreaker jacket,nothing more and nothing less. Roomy enough in the arms and body and only one extra outer pocket(an inside one would have been welcome) One major complaint was the fact that the color I ordered(charcoal)was shown as a 2 tone design. Instead I recieved just one solid shade of boring grey. That bit of deception dragged down my rating by a star.

My sons each needed a waterproof, breathable, packable jacket that could be worn in warmer weather for active use. Specifically backpacking, golf, fishing, and kayaking. The Cougar Peaks II seemed fit the criteria, so I bought two. So far it's turned out to be a great purchase.

Pros: very lightweight, packs into a small bag when weight and space are issues. Fits very well even when bundled up underneath for cold weather. Very comfortable. Upper back section is mesh lined (would be nicer if entire body was mesh lined). Good price.

Cons: In a downpour, the waterproof capability is not as good as a top-line Columbia jacket I own (but being damp underneath is still better than being soaked!)

Would highly recommend!

This jacket by Columbia is pretty nice. It's light and pretty comfortable. It's perfect if your looking for a jacket to use for layering, windy weather, or a light rain. Reasonably priced as it goes with most Columbia products. Only downside is that the jacket is only water resistant so if it's not a drizzle then it will be of little use.