Features:

  • 100% Polyester
  • Imported
  • Zipper closure
  • Machine Wash
  • ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Men's Ascender Softshell Jacket features our durable water and wind resistant shell to keep the elements out while keeping you dry and warm.
  • HANDY FEATURES: Two side zippered hand pockets not only keep your small items secure but also keep your hands nice and toasty.
  • ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: Binded cuffs, a drawcord adjustable hem, and a front zip closure help provide a customizable fit.
  • DURABLE FABRIC: This jacket is crafted of a 100% polyester soft shell that's durable enough for everyday wear.
  • VERSATILE: A lightweight make and adjustable features make this jacket a staple for any winter wardrobe.
... an older NorthFace Apex Bionic Soft shell that I love. but after a few years of camping in ...

I have an older NorthFace Apex Bionic Soft shell that I love. but after a few years of camping in it and having a lighter color, I decided I want to get a second one in black because years of camping and hiking grime and campfire soot made it dingy and unattractive. It still works great but not appropriate to wear to work because it makes me look like a dirt-bag. So I wanted to get a second one to wear everywhere except the trail and keep the dirty one for the backwoods. Unfortunately, My house got messed up pretty bad and both my cars were totaled in Hurricane Mathew and a lot of the stuff I wanted or needed this winter had to be dialed down so I could afford repairs. Then I found this black Columbia Ascender soft shell and found it was half as much as the northface and even better, the one with the electric blue zipper was even less! I wasn't too keen on the blue zipper but after I wore it a while it grew on me and I love it now and glad I got it over the plain black on black. It was worth it both on looks and the bargain price. The following information is based on my opinion when comparing the NorthFace Apex Bionic to this Columbia Ascender: 1. The Columbia is fitted in a way that is more complimentary to my shape. Its wider at the shoulders its slightly tapered at the waist and the sleeves are a little more snug compared to the Northface. the Columbia is more formfitting and is flattering to the body even if you don't have a perfect six pack body (which I definitely do not). The northface is generally more loose fitting and creates the illusion of a flattering body shape by the two tone color design (obviously not true of the (TNF Black on Black version). 2. isulative ability i find that both jackets are equal in this area. 3. Water resistance, both are very impressive, neither one is completely waterproof, and the Columbia I think is slightly better in this area. 4. Comfort wise , advantage goes to Columbia. They have a fabric lining where the northface has fabric with a web like netting material in some sections. Both are comfortable Columbia is just more comfortable. also because of the way its fitted, the Columbia is more snug while the Northface is a little looser so if you are wearing this with your regular clothes to go to and from work or to wear a sweater while working outside in the cold, the Columbia will be comfortable. If you are doing winter Camping and spending long periods outside in freezing or sub freezing, then the Northface can accommodate more layers and fit more comfortably. I have worn a long sleeve compression Tee, thermals, cotton tee shirt, and hooded sweatshirt with wool lining and the North Face Bionic over the top and was warm and my movement was not restricted. Was able to hike in sub freezing temps, with good mobility and not need a heavy coat.If you are not hiking and just sitting still for several hours you will need a warmer coat but if you are active this will be adequate with sufficient layers. If you prefer the look of the Columbia and want to wear this many layers buy a size larger than your actual size.

Great Buy!

I bought this jacket for a friend. After reading the reviews I was no sure on what size to order. I ended up choosing a Large. For reference: He is 6ft tall and 202 lbs. It fit him well and is very roomy.

Some comparisons

This jacket is wonderful. As soft and light as a fleece, with all the benefits of a weather resistant shell. I tried this alongside several other jackets that cost a lot more. I liked this one better. See below for comparisons. Northface apex bionic 2: I expected to really like this one, but I was unimpressed. The sleeves were unusually long, and they don't have any elastic or velcro in the wrists, so they just hang. I also found the forearms strangely tight, so that it was difficult to get my arms in when wearing long sleeves. I also though the rubber stamped north face logo looked cheap, compared to the stitched columbia logo. Definitely not worth $150. Marmot gravity: this is a nice jacket, but it had limited color selection, and the waistband was too tight compared to others. A good choice if you want black or grey and don't mind spending the $150. Oregon research ferrosi: also a good quality jacket, but much thinner than all the others. It doesn't have a soft fleece lining inside. It's more of just a shell. Its fabric is much more stretchy, which is nice for mobility, but it makes it look less crisp and more frumpy. Good for the trail, but not so good for casual use around town. Definitely not suitable for the office. The columbia was just right. Warm, but not too warm. Comfortable enough to wear on a hike. Attractive enough to wear to the office. My only complaint is that the velcro tabs at the wrist are a bit clunky, but they work well, and I'm glad to have them. I'm 5'11" 165lbs and the medium fit perfectly. Colors: be aware that the amazon pictures are pretty inaccurate. The boulder is a lighter grey than pictured. I think of it as "1980s sweatshirt grey". The graphite is a darker grey with a slight bluish tint. This is "postal worker uniform grey". The black is a stark black with a stark white logo. The blacks of the north face and marmot were softer and (to my eye) more attractive. The surplus green is darker than pictured, more of a forest green. I liked the green quite a bit (more than I expected) and kept it over the others.

Great jacket

Roomier in the shoulders than the North Face Bionic, and better range of movement as well. Looks great with anything. Great for light rain. Excellent at cutting the wind. Much better deal for the money than the North Face.

Great deal!!

I wear this jacket almost everyday. It is definitely a favorite among my light to medium jackets.

Great Jacket!!

I am very happy with my jacket. It is water and wind resistant. A perfect weight for spring and fall. I am 5' 6" with a 38 inch chest and a 30 inch waist and the small fits perfectly...a nice trim but not tight fit. Also, sleeves were perfect length. I highly recommend this jacket.

Just about perfect!

Perfect fit! I'm 5'9", 165lb, 32" waist and 39-40" chest. The medium fits perfect, but I don't think any cold weather layering would work. That's OK since I intend to use this in the cold while snowshoeing or hiking. Wearing a hardshell just doens't breathe for those kinds of activities and regular fleece doesn't block any wind. A capilene 3 base layer shirt plus this jacket is a perfect setup. The arms are just the right length and I don't need to mess with the velcro cuffs at all. I really like the chest pocket and the collar is just right; some are way too stiff and high. My only criticism is the slight tightness around my neck. Where the zipper starts to turn up, it sort of pokes my throat. A half inch larger neck opening would be a lot more comfortable. I'll probably just not zip it up all the way. I have a size large coming just out of curiosity, but I'm betting I'll keep the medium and return the large. Update: as expected, the large was way too big in the torso.

I'm a big guy so finding a good fit is hard

Before taking a trip to the mountains, I realized I didn't own a single jacket or coat. Bought this expecting to return it for not fitting. I'm a big guy so finding a good fit is hard. 2xl fit like a charm. Very warm considering it's size.

Great Columbia Shell Jacket

I have bought many Columbia products, starting with ski jackets maybe 60 years ago. They just have top quality, they do what they they say they do, like a ski jacket keeps you very warm like you want it to. I needed a new black shell jacket so I bought this style and when it came in, I tried it on, perfect in my normal size and now its ready to wear as needed. Like anything else, if you wish better quality (like very warm in cold weather), just buy their step up style of the same jacket. I also use many other products they make. Customer service is great. A very well trusted brand.

Outstanding. Better than my older Columbia Jacket

I purchased an "Omni-Shield" Columbia jacket back in 2006. I wore it so much that the color was faded, the cuffs were frayed and stringy, and the pockets were getting a little threadbare. When I dropped the coat on the floor with a light bulb I wanted to bring to a store and replace inside the pocket shattered, I thought "Well, I guess it's time to replace it now." I tried to find the same jacket, and ended up thinking this was the closest version. However, this model is much softer, and more comfortable than my old Columbia Omni-Shield. I was pleasantly surprised! Hopefully, this will last me at least 8 years. ;)

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