Jacket is resistant to water and features a hood and zip closure. Many color options available. Super light but with synthetic down insulation. Thumbholes to partially cover hands. Thermal reflective. Two hand pockets plus interior pocket.

Cons

This jacket may run small. Some users didn't think it was warm enough.

Best Bang for the Buck

Columbia

Women's Arcadia Ii Jacket

Bargain Pick

This well-priced, lightweight rain jacket is great for travel.

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Bargain Pick

Bottom Line

This well-priced, lightweight rain jacket is great for travel.

Pros

Includes a hood to keep your hair dry in wet weather. Thin material makes it compress well for travel. Jacket stands up to daily use. Does a great job of keeping you dry with adjustable wrist closures and a zipper protector.

Cons

Material makes a crunching sound. May feel tight for those who are smaller on top and wider at the hips.

Columbia

Women's Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece Jacket

Best for Everyday Use

An attractive casual fleece jacket for running errands or day trips.

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Best for Everyday Use

Bottom Line

An attractive casual fleece jacket for running errands or day trips.

Pros

Soft, medium-weight fabric makes this a pleasure to wear. Layers over and under other clothes well. Sturdy construction. Includes large zippered pockets that keep your belongings safe when you don’t want to bring a purse.

Cons

Those with a smaller chest may find it baggy on top. Some colors aren’t as they seem on the computer monitor.

Columbia

Women's Mighty Lite Hooded Jacket

Simple Yet Solid

A super-light jacket that won't weigh you down but still gives some protection from the elements.

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Simple Yet Solid

Bottom Line

A super-light jacket that won't weigh you down but still gives some protection from the elements.

Pros

A long jacket that hangs several inches below the hip. Features a hood and 2 zip-up hand pockets. Material will keep heat in but wicks away moisture. Includes thumbholes for warmth and resists water well.

Cons

Jacket may run small for some users. Some found the zipper didn't work well.

Columbia

Women's Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket

Feature-packed

A solid winter jacket that is long and gives added warmth in cold weather.

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Feature-packed

Bottom Line

A solid winter jacket that is long and gives added warmth in cold weather.

Pros

Jacket reaches several inches past hips and is equipped with a few pockets and a sherpa-lined hood for comfort and warmth. Zips closed, and zipper reaches the top of neck to protect from cold. Resists moisture and is lined with thermal reflective and synthetic down material.

Cons

Sizing can run small, some issues with zipper. Sleeves don't keep arms very warm.

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First Reviewed

September 21, 2018

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Melinda Harris

Updated March 2022

When it comes to warm winter jackets, there are few better brands than Columbia. They’ve been around for more than 80 years and make jackets for all types of activities – skiing, rain gear, and just good snow jackets. Many of them are puffy jackets that are great for insulation and layering. When buying a Columbia jacket, you’ll want to consider what you’re using it for, what temperature you’ll be at, and whether or not you’ll want to layer on or below your jacket.

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