Columbia Interchange Jacket By Kakoa on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
I have always loved Columbia jackets. From the look, to the durability, to the effectiveness...I have always thought nothing but the highest for the company. This Christmas I received a 3-in-1 interchangeable Columbia jacket. It is a good jacket, but it does have some things I don't like.
Pros:
Effectiveness- This jacket has 2 layers to keep you warm. The inside is a fleece lined neoprene jacket with a faux fur collar. The outside jacket is a lighter, waterproof shell. Together, these jackets keep you warm from the cold and protected from the wind and rain.
Lots of Features- This jacket has LOTS of pockets! No matter if you have the two jackets together or are only wearing one at a time, you always have 2 outside zip pockets and 2 inside deep pockets.
The jacket is well fitted for a woman's body for nice style and to keep the warmth close to the body. There are three ways to wear this jacket...both layers zipped together, just the inside shell, or just the outside shell. It also has a detachable hood.
When the jackets are together, it makes a double zipper that you can unzip a little at the bottom to adjust for sitting positions. Also, the wrists of the outside jacket are adjustable with velcro.
Cons:
Zipper- When you have the two jackets together, it is somewhat hard to get the zipper started. You have to get both of the pulls lined up and the other side in there just right. It can be very frustrating.
Hard to clean- I have a 2-toned light blue jacket and have had to be very careful not to get anything on it. Even though the outside shell looks like it would wipe clean fairly easy, this is not the case. I have light stains from dropping a little fast food on it, dirt, and a light pen mark that I just can't get off! I've even tried the Tide To Go pen immediately after something happens. I'm sure a darker color would hide stains more.
Hard to put on- I have found that you can not wear this jacket with bulky clothes such as sweatshirts. I'm sure you can if you get a jacket that is a size too big for you. Also, it is hard to get the jacket on with long sleeves. The under jacket has tight elastic wrists that push and bunch your sleeves up. You have to hold your shirt and wiggle your arms down the sleeves. Once you get it on though, it is very comfortable.
About The Author:
Columbia 3-in-1 Interchange Purchased at: gift Price: gift
Columbia jackets are very durable. My husband wears this brand quite a bit.
I would probably wear them separately, it sounds easier. Love all the pockets, too! :)
Great information on the pros and cons of this jacket.
I have seen this particular jacket. I think I would prefer a darker color just incase I dropped something on it...especially now that you have told me it doesn't always come out. I would think this company would have put some type of stain protection on the jacket. Sounds like there are more pros than cons...which is a great thing for you!
I have been looking for a good jacket for our cold weather here in Cleveland. I am disappointed the zipper is hard to work so this is probably not the one for me:(
It would be nice to have so many pockets. But, I could never have a jacket that can't be thrown into the wash. Too much gets on mine :0)
I have owned a couple Columbia jackets and always have had issues with them and any type of bulky clothing. Glad to see it isn't just me!
I buy my son Columbia jackets every winter and a few winters ago I brought him a 3 in 1, we had the same problems as you did. Especially about the problem with sweatshirts/long sleeves.
I have an older but similar Columbia jacket. I rarely use the liner, but it can be annoying, as you point out. Yet, it's a really nice jacket! Mine was a hand-me-down, and it is still going strong.
Is the Columbia 3-in-1 Jacket the same as the Columbia Bugaboo Parka?