A Warm Winter Jacket: Columbia’s Women’s Reach the Peak

As I sit here in my office, the snow has been falling at a steady pace for about an hour. This is Minnesota after all, and even though it’s only my second white-season here I feel like I’m getting the hang of it – especially when it comes to winter wear.

When Columbia approached me about partaking in their Field Test program for their Omni-Heat line I naturally jumped at the chance, especially after reading this: “Omni-Heat delivers warmth and superior regulation of body temperature without added bulk.”

If there’s one thing that drives me crazy about winter coats, it’s the bulkiness. I find it restrictive and uncomfortable to drive in.  When Columbia’s Women’s Reach the Peak Down Jacket (ARV $170) arrived my first impression was how attractive it is. To be honest, I thought it would be a nice fall jacket, but there was no way it would be able to keep me warm over the frigid winter months. Was I wrong. The insulation is 700 fill-power down but what makes this jacket particularly appealing is its Omni-Heat thermal reflective feature – the inside is shiny silver – which is said to keep the wearer 20% warmer and I believe it. My first trip out of the house I was surprised how warm it kept me. After its first wear I officially declared it my winter jacket.

As you know, this winter has been pretty wild with dipping temperatures and many feet of snowfall. I’ve worn it daily to pick up the kids from school, run errands, snow blow the driveway, work hockey tournaments at the chilly skating rink and even to Minnesota Wild hockey games. Just this past weekend when the temperatures were well below freezing my family took a snowshoe trek along hiking trails and across a frozen lake – the temperature was lingering around 10 degrees. The entire hike I was extremely comfortable, though I admit my fingers didn’t fare so well (I was wearing a pair of my husband’s gloves).

I should add, this jacket is so light it even folds up compactly and fits in my purse. If you’re looking for a warm winter jacket to pack in a suitcase for a trip, this Columbia jacket is perfect as it’s the epitome of a light weight jacket.

This isn’t the first time I’ve sung Columbia’s praises. This brand produces wonderful active and formal wear for the entire family. I’m always impressed with the latest and greatest features Columbia reveals – and this winter I’m particularly grateful. Overall, I highly recommend Women’s Reach the Peak Down Jacket for anyone looking for warmth minus the bulk.