Backside Line
We’ve been sporting the Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 (males’s) and Benton Springs (ladies’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 decisions, so discovering one which fits you is a cinch. When the chilliness begins to hit within the fall because the seasons tip in 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 checklist, 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
Greatest Price range Fleece
Worth:
$46
Measured Weight:
1 lb. 3.2 oz.(Males’s M)
Fleece Weight:
Mid-heavyweight
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- Fast-drying
- Straightforward to layer
- Numerous colour and measurement choices accessible
- 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 affords distinctive heat for its worth level. Its materials and development made it one of many toastiest choices we examined. We put it by way of its paces on a cold fall morning at a excessive alpine lake, the place it shrugged off the misty air and saved 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 beneath a shell for bitter winter days. General, the Steens Mountain 2.0 delivers adequate heat with out breaking the financial institution.
Consolation
The Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 Jacket may be very snug due to its ultra-soft 100% polyester MTR filament materials. It’s thought of a basic match that’s true to measurement, so it’s not too tight or restrictive. The design features a collared neck and zippered closure that retains you heat and comfy. Nevertheless, in the event you begin to generate warmth throughout a high-energy hike or stroll, this fleece isn’t breathable and received’t be snug when you begin sweating.
Sturdiness
The Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 stood as much as our testing with out concern. Nevertheless, like most gear, the fabric and seams could put on out with in depth use and frequent washing. We wore this totally on the path and in mild brush and bushes. The 100% polyester MTR filament fleece is tender but in addition could also be inclined to put on. We wash this one on heat or cool and air-dry as advisable. It is a good jacket for somebody who doesn’t put their gear by way of 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 bathroom you down.
Options
The Steens Mountain Full Zip 2.0 has the essential 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 the event 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 ideally suited for a cool fall hike or a layer on a chilly winter’s day. Whereas this selection is a staple jacket, it’s not ideally suited for longer hikes or journeys the place weight and packability are a priority. Additionally, for high-output actions, it doesn’t breathe effectively. In the event you’re out there for an informal, athletic midweight layer, you received’t be upset.
What Different Fleeces Ought to You Take into account?
Patagonia Higher Sweater Evaluate: One other heavier possibility, the Higher Sweater is a superb day hike or round city jacket much like the Steens. It’s constructed stronger than the Columbia and sure last more for a bit extra money.
KUHL Interceptr: Just like the Columbia Steens, the KUHL is a denser materials that works nice for front-country adventures. It’s heat, however received’t pack down for an ultralight hike. However for hanging across the campfire it appears to be like nice and holds heat.
