Columbia Peak Ascent Shell

Summary

This is an awesome all-around hardshell jacket with some great softshell features. The chest vents work as advertized, keeping the inside sweat free on ascent. But, the Omnitech material keeps the rain and wind out. Then there's the softshell torso sections that give needed stretch climbing. It also has all the extra features you would expect from Columbia's Titanium line. I have used this jacket backpacking, climbing and daily. It holds up to all the abuse well.

I spend a lot of time in the Appalachian Mountains, with a couple trips a year up to the Adirondaks. This jacket has passed all the tests. It stays dry in all out deluges, even two hurricanes, but the chest vents keep the persperation flowing out.

In winter it is excellent as a hardshell for climbing. In the deep freeze all the closures work as designed, though you can expect a little stifness, as usual. The hybrid soft/hard design gives great range of motion where it is needed without sacrificing water proofing.

One of the things some people may not like about it is the length. It is a little long in the body, but this is important because it keeps the wind and rain of your butt while bending and squatting. And, a backpack belt will ride comfortably above that line as well, avoiding bunching up.

In all this is an ideal piece of equipment for the serious adventurer.