Backside Line
We’ve been sporting the Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 (males’s) and Benton Springs (girls’s) jackets for many years and love their basic model and reasonably priced price ticket. These jackets are strong all-around: dependable, snug, and heat. Plus, they arrive in lots of sizes and colour selections, so discovering one which fits you is a cinch. When the nippiness begins to hit within the fall because the seasons tip in the direction of winter, we attain for this cozy fleece.
The Steens Mountain/Benton Springs jackets aren’t as packable or performance-oriented as different top-performing fleeces on our listing, however they’re nonetheless wonderful for work, day journeys, and on a regular basis put on. We’ve additionally trusted them for cold-weather backcountry journeys with no complaints.
Fast Specs
Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 / Benton Springs
Finest Finances Fleece
Value:
$46
Measured Weight:
1 lb. 3.2 oz.(Males’s M)
Fleece Weight:
Mid-heavyweight
Execs
- Inexpensive
- Fast-drying
- Straightforward to layer
- A lot of colour and dimension choices out there
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Not as heat as some
- On the cumbersome facet for backcountry use
- Not as sturdy as some
Heat
The Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 gives distinctive heat for its value level. Its materials and development made it one of many toastiest choices we examined. We put it by its paces on a cold fall morning at a excessive alpine lake, the place it shrugged off the misty air and stored us comfortably heat. Whereas not absolutely the warmest in our lineup, it performs effectively for its mid-heavyweight class. It transitions seamlessly right into a mid-layer below a shell for bitter winter days. Total, the Steens Mountain 2.0 delivers enough heat with out breaking the financial institution.
Consolation
The Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 Jacket may be very snug because of its ultra-soft 100% polyester MTR filament materials. It’s thought of a basic match that’s true to dimension, so it’s not too tight or restrictive. The design features a collared neck and zippered closure that retains you heat and cozy. Nonetheless, in case you begin to generate warmth throughout a high-energy hike or stroll, this fleece is just not breathable and gained’t be snug when you begin sweating.
Sturdiness
The Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 stood as much as our testing with out situation. Nonetheless, like most gear, the fabric and seams could put on out with intensive use and frequent washing. We wore this totally on the path and in gentle brush and bushes. The 100% polyester MTR filament fleece is smooth but in addition could also be prone to put on. We wash this one on heat or cool and air-dry as really useful. This can be a good jacket for somebody who doesn’t put their gear by the wringer.
Weight
At greater than a pound, this can be a heavier mannequin however a number of ounces lighter than Patagonia’s Higher Sweater. It’s cumbersome and doesn’t pack down effectively, so it’s higher for front-country use on day hikes, round camp, or on the town. We recommend a lighter-weight technical fleece for these longer backcountry journeys the place a mid-layer must stuff right into a pack and never lavatory you down.
Options
The Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 has the fundamental options anticipated of an reasonably priced mid-layer fleece. It has two zippered facet pockets (no chest pocket). A pleasant pull tab loop on the full-length zipper makes it simpler to make use of in case you put on gloves.
Ought to You Purchase The Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 / Benton Springs?
The Columbia Steens jacket is a steal for the value. It’s heat, suits effectively, and is snug. It’s supreme for a cool fall hike or a layer on a chilly winter’s day. Whereas this feature is a staple jacket, it’s not supreme for longer hikes or journeys the place weight and packability are a priority. Additionally, for high-output actions, it doesn’t breathe effectively. For those who’re out there for an informal, athletic midweight layer, you gained’t be disenchanted.
What Different Fleeces Ought to You Take into account?
Patagonia Higher Sweater Assessment: One other heavier possibility, the Higher Sweater is a good day hike or round city jacket just like the Steens. It’s constructed stronger than the Columbia and sure last more for a bit more cash.
KUHL Interceptr: Just like the Columbia Steens, the KUHL is a denser materials that works nice for front-country adventures. It’s heat, however gained’t pack down for an ultralight hike. However for hanging across the campfire it appears to be like nice and holds heat.
