Columbia Reach the Peak Hybrid Jacket Review
Columbia Reach the Peak Hybrid Jacket
First Impressions
For years, Columbia products occupied well-earned spots in the GearGuide closet. Ski jackets, gloves, pants and much more have served us well, yet we haven’t really had the chance to try the company’s Omni-Heat technology until just recently. We liked it in the Gathering Storm Glove and were equally impressed with its use in the Reach the Peak Hybrid Jacket. Out of the box, our bright blue and silver-Omni-Heat-lined sample looked like a winner.
Features
Columbia introduced their Omni-Heat reflective linings several years ago and products using them have gained props for their better-than-expected warmth. It’s used throughout the Reach the Peak Hybrid to nice effect. When combined with the 700 fill-power down, the jacket provides more than sufficient warmth in temps down to the low 30s/high 20s.
Construction on the Reach the Peak is also very solid. After several weeks of use, we didn’t find evidence of any feathers poking through the fabric or stitching.
Styling-wise, the chevron cut baffles gave the Reach the Peak a rakish look. The stand-up collar hugged the neck just enough to keep the warmth in without being to constricting.
Specs
Fabric: Nylon and stretch panels, Omni-Heat reflective lining
Insulation: 700 fill-power down
Weight: 20.5 oz
Other features include three pockets: two handwarmers and one small zippered interior pocket just big enough for an iPod or smart phone. There’s no goggle pocket or outer chest pocket. Columbia does include a stuff sack for packing the jacket.
Fit
The Reach the Peak fits true to size. It’s a little less fitted than the Mountain Hardwear Zonal (see review) and the stretch panels provide the perfect amount of give making the jacket extremely comfortable.
Inside the sleeve, Columbia placed a stretch cuff liner with thumb holes, and if there was a disappointment with this jacket, this feature was it. Frankly, the fabric Columbia chose for the cuff liner doesn’t stretch much and that makes putting the jacket on (and especially taking it off) difficult. After a few wearings, however, the fabric tended to loosen minimizing the issue.
Final Verdict
Columbia’s Reach the Peak Hybrid Jacket really works. The combination of down and Omni-Heat does the job it’s meant to do – keeping you warm while reducing weight and bulk. Construction is solid and the hybrid panels function exactly as needed. I never felt constricted in the Reach the Peak. A slightly better cuff liner and a goggle pocket would make Columbia’s hybrid perfect in my book. As it stands though, the Reach the Peak is one darn good hybrid.
