Customer Reviews Columbia Ascender™ Softshell Jacket

The Style and Color select is Good but not satisfied with how small the size runs and with the Velcro Straps on the sleeves.

The jacket's quality and fit are excellent. Wore the jacket during the recent blizzard that hit the northeastern part of the country; the water repellent features far exceeded my expectations and kept me dry during extended snow shoveling/blowing activities. I was, however, a little disappointed in its ability to be as wind proof as it was water proof, particularly in the arm areas. Overal a very nice jacket.

Jacket does have snug fit but not tight. Good quality to it and comfortable. Looks nice enough to wear out on date and tough enough to wear out in the field.

Bought this jacket for the shoulder seasons. Have used it for about three weeks and it functions as expected. No real cold weather yet this season, so can't evaluate against that yet. Materials and workmanship are excellent. I have two minor issues. First, I would prefer the jacket were just a little shorter in vertical length. An inch or two shorter and it would sit below the waist instead of at the hips. That may not be a problem for taller guys though. Second, for the love of all that is sacred, include an inside pocket!! How hard is that? The outside pocket is fine, but does not work for multiple items (i.e. phone and wallet). Better yet, TWO inside pockets.

This product is a very practical jacket for most conditions. It is Warm,and is wind and water resistant.

The coat is warm but it's longer on the waist. Otherwise, it's a great coat

My nephew is really happy with the jacket! He loves it.

I ordered this to replace a previous Columbia Soft Shell jacket which I had put through the paces and was due for replacement. Jacket was just what I was looking for and matches up good with the description/photo. I may have previously had a different "fit" jacket, which could be why it feels larger then expected.

Purchased this jacket to wear with my work uniform. The Buffalo color matches my brown work pants pretty well. Looks great in casual attire (jeans and khakis) as well. As I'm 6 feet tall and broad shouldered, I'd prefer to have a 3XL. However, the 2XL fit seems just about perfect for uniform wear. My only complaint about the fit, other than the lack of a 3XL, is the sleeves. The length is fine, but they seem tight. I don't have Popeye'esque forearms or overly large biceps, but Columbia Softshell jackets always seem to have tighter sleeves than other brands. It's not uncomfortable, but doesn't leave a lot of room for other layers.

With my job as a landscape designer I am sometimes braving harsh conditions such as rain, sleet and wind. My Ascender jacket allows me to complete my job without worrying about the conditions while still looking professional to potential and current customers.

It was a warmer jacket than what I need.

Decent jacket, the fit is not as good compared to North Face, Super dry or Tommy. Size is bigger compared to other brands. I wear medium but with this jacket medium is too loose for my size so I end up with small.

Nice jacket Not as warm as expected Slightly snug in armpits

I just received the jacket and noticed that the stitching along the base of the sleeve is already coming apart. So, I question the long-term durability of the jacket. Also, the opening of the chest/Napoleon pocket is on the small side, which might be an issue for people with larger hands.

The jacket was of the usual Columbia quality but was quite a bit larger than other items I've purchased despite being listed as the same size. Didn't fit me at all.

The jacket has a nice outside shell but the inside build quality is sub par. The interior is not very soft and has exposed stitching. This would be fine on a cheaper jacket but at this price the quality just isn't up to par. The jacket doesn't move very well with you. It winds up being incredibly restricting in spots and way to loose in others often times allowing cold air in. Its a fine jacket but not worth the price

The collar is wide and high and made of stiff material, so when the jacket is fully zipped, the front of the collar pushes against my chin and the front of my neck. I would have preferred the collar to be shorter and made of a more flexible fabric. The fabric on the outside gives it a better look than just a polar. Material is soft, but not as soft as other jackets. Interior of pockets is not soft.

Not a winter jacket, Very uncomfortable, seems like wearing a plastic.

I ordered a large they sent me small, I tried to call but I couldn't wait, I was number 262 waiting.

I've had a Columbia for years and am a big fan of them. They hold up well, are comfortable and look good. Like I said I've had one for years and was looking for the same jacket just newer and less worn. I got the Ascender hoping it could match up. I know they changes designs slightly every year but the ascender just seemed lighter to me. It's still more or less the same jacket but seems lighter and the lining doesn't extend up to the neck of the jacket. While it is no means a bad jacket, I think i was hoping for just a little more.

Outer pocket small 4glasses to store. No inner pocket.

Actual Color differs from photo. More gray than black, orange strips rather than red. Slightly thinner than expected, thus not very good in cool, windy weather.

In the image the jacket was more black and red but actually it's grey and orange But size is perfect

Hard to recommend. Columbia usually runs large for me and I order a size smaller (S vs regularly a M), but not for this jacket (Had to be exchanged for a M). With the medium, cut is nice; loose, but not restricting/right or too relaxed. The zipper quality for this jacket was also very low as the teeth are easily deformed, making this jacket tough to zip and difficult to separate when removing.

Jacket material, styling, cut are all great. The main zipper needs to be improved. The bottom ends of the zipper can easily become separated after zipping, and the zipper becomes undone, jamming the zipper tab midway in a half-up, half-down location.