During my post secondary years I worked at an athletics store part time. Every year, without fail, we got in a shipment of winter coats including a slew of different Columbia coats. They always went fast and practically sold themselves as Columbia has a great reputation for high quality winter outerwear.
The Women’s Columbia Barlow Pass 550 TurboDown™ Jacket is perfect for Canadian winters. Basically it will help you take on the coldest, snowiest day of the year in comfort. It is fabulous and functionable with a stylish design, 550 TurboDown™ insulation, a split-dropped tail to keep your bum warm, an adjustable waist and (removable) faux-fur around the hood. It is available in peatmoss (as pictured), black and india ink.
The 550 TurboDown™ insulation is a combination of Omni-Heat® synthetic insulation, 450 fill goose down and Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining for ultimate lightweight warmth and heat retention. The Omni-Heat reflective lining material works similarly to an emergency blanket with its reflective silver dots, help to prevent your body heat from escaping through the jacket. You would think that since this is such a warm jacket it would be heavy, but it is not and it is also incredibly comfortable.
The Omni-Shield shell keeps you dry even through serious snowstorms and frozen rain as it is designed to resist the absorption of liquids. (This also happily makes it stain resistant!)
It does fit true to size, I am a medium and the size medium jacket fits like a glove. My sister is an XS typically and she is modelling my size medium which is why it looks a bit large on her, even with the waist fully adjusted.
There are plenty of pockets on this jacket including an interior security pocket, zippered chest pockets and the lower pockets. While you can stick your hands a little awkwardly into the pockets, I do miss having normal side pockets to slip my hands into and that is possibly the one con to this jacket.
As mentioned, it does have a split-dropped tail which is one of my favourite features along with the cute faux-fur trim. There is nothing worse than a cold bum in the winter – especially when there is a blustery wind going. I also prefer the hood with the faux-fur as it helps protect your face from said winds.
Columbia has done a wonderful job at addressing the need for warmth with minimal bulk and they have done it with style. The quality of the materials used is excellent too, and with care you should be able to get many years use out of this jacket too which makes it a great value. If you are looking for a stylish and comfortable super cold weather coat, here it is!
Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!
Wanda Tracey
Sunday 20th of December 2015
That's a beautiful jacket you are reviewing for Columbia!
CroatiaGirl
Tuesday 24th of November 2015
which size do you wear in this jacket? I am between small and medium... this jacket is amazing and i need to have it ;-)
Elizabeth
Tuesday 24th of November 2015
I wear the medium, my sister who modelled the jacket is an extra smal - 110 lbs, 5'3". I think it fits true to size and it is adjustable at the waist so a medium should work OK for you.
Amy Desrosiers
Monday 16th of November 2015
This jacket looks so fashionable and stylish! I would love to order one for myself too!
Janis @MommyblogExpert
Sunday 15th of November 2015
I own a high-end Columbia ski coat that I use for skiing and snowy weather and love it more than any I've ever owned. I love the style your daughter is wearing, which looks equally tailored, stylish and warm. And the fall leaves in these photos are absolutely beautiful.
Krystal
Sunday 15th of November 2015
I've never had a proper coat since I live in Florida but this one looks awesome!