Customer Reviews Columbia Barlow Pass 550 TurboDown™ Jacket

I love almost everything about this coat. I was looking for something to get me through a spring break trip to Iceland and through NYC winters, as I will be moving there in about a year, and I think it will absolutely do the trick. The coat is stylish, the sherpa is so soft, and this thing is SO SO warm. Wearing it around inside with a long sleeve shirt or a sweatshirt on, I actually start sweating. I've worn it out in an Ohio winter (15-35ºF) for a few weeks now, and I have not been disappointed a single time. It does a great job of keeping both the wind and the cold out, and makes me wish I had something as warm for my legs. Several reviews complained about the top loading front pockets, so I was worried about that, but I really love them. Maybe it is because I am only 5'0", so my arms are a little shorter, but I have no problem with putting my hands in my pockets and leaving them there. Feels perfectly comfortable. Further, these pockets seem huge in terms of stuffing things in them and the fleece inside is really soft and warm against your hands. The color is odd. In some light it is navy. In some light it is charcoal gray. In some light it is black. Everyone I ask tells me something different. I wear a lot of black, so I was initially worried that a navy coat would be a problem, but it is a very subtle navy. It's a bit out of my comfort zone, but I really do like it a lot. My only complaints would be that the front zipper is not a double zipper (but the coat isn't long enough for this to be a real issue) and the side straps do indeed need to be tightened multiple times during each wear (but I'm going to sew a dart in each one so they stay put–easy fix). Something that kind of goes both ways: there's extra room in the upper arms, so from the side it makes your arms look kind of puffy. That isn't great, but it also that means that you can wear a sweatshirt underneath and STILL have room even if you have broad shoulders. I usually have the issue with jackets where, when I cross my arms high in front of me, as if huggng my face, I can feel it pull a lot on the back. I don't have this problem at all with this coat, even with a sweatshirt underneath. For size reference, I am 5'0" and 110lbs and got an XS. It falls slightly below mid thigh, so it keeps my butt nice and warm, and is otherwise perhaps maybe a tiny bit big, but as I said above, this honestly is a benefit. Overall, this is a stellar coat. I would absolutely recommend it.

I'm going to attempt to offer the most helpful review as possible. Zappos actually has the most accurate fit images on the Internet for this jacket. If you notice, the jacket is not too cinched at the waist. If you look at the maker's website, they don't have the jacket on a model. It makes the coat look more stylish than what it may actually be on a real person's frame. In any case, I am 5'3 and 3/4" and curvy. I also have long arms, a larger bust and rear end. That is, I usually end up having to purchase an XL because of my bust. So I was nervous about purchasing the Large in this style. The maker has sizing and measurements on their website --you should check those out before you purchase. Some of the reviews are helpful, some are not. Basically, this jacket is made for women with a long torso, broad shoulders, long arms, and a flat rear, and maybe wide hips. This is not a criticism, just facts. Some women like for this jacket to fit snugly, others do not. I am on the "do not" side of things, and this jacket in large fits perfectly for me. I have broad shoulders, larger bust line, long arms, 3D rear end, and hips. The large size fits these dimensions perfectly. The bottom is a bit looser, which is what I want. Some want the bottom of the jacket to fit tighter, but that makes the top of the jacket look bulky to me. I can see how the tall (5'7"-6') slender woman could be awkward in this coat. For the tall woman with medium proportions (130-160 lbs), this jacket would be perfect. I'm a woman with a medium build and a few extra pounds that I could probably still lose, but I've already lost some weight--I could wear large petite sizes if my arms weren't so long and shoulders broad. So, about the jacket, I love it! It's warm, and I chose it in the Pond color, which is not as bright as the picture portrays. It is a neutral bluish-green color (the maker's website has a more accurate image. I think the Zappos photographer uses too much flash--I've noticed this with other products). The interior hood is maroon (not pink) and the interior jacket is a silver maroon--this is the special material that insulates. I usually purchase outerwear in black, gray, or dark gray, so this was a departure in habit for me. I don't have a problem with the pockets being placed toward the front because I use gloves. I use my pockets for my mobile phone, tissue, pocket change, and maybe a key every once and a while. My mobile phone does not poke me when I sit down in my car, and I don't feel uncomfortable with it on in the car. The pockets are not shallow to me. I can take the dog out, bend over, and nothing will fall out of my pockets. Now the downsides. I could live without the fake fur around the hood, but I know I can remove it when I want. This jacket is too expensive to have a plastic zipper. They should've put the coated metal one on it, but they probably wanted to cut corners on something, and that was it. Lastly, the waist, d-ring cinches do not stay in place. As soon as you adjust them to the perfect look, you put the jacket on, and they slide out of place. I think I'm going to have to purchase velcro like another reviewer to keep them in place--that is a real disappointment. I really love this jacket, and look forward to wearing it for many years. I'm a city commuter, and this jacket is pretty light, which will make up for any heavy bags I carry with me. I was outside today in 5 degree wind chill (actual temp was 17 degrees), and I was nice and toasty. I can't wait to see what it does in subzero temps.

This jacket has a nice weight and the exterior seems like it will clean well. I love that the reflective material inside lines the whole jacket! Super stoked to test it out for winter. I also love that it covers my bum!

The size is accurate, not to bulky. I love how it feels

Fantastic warm jacket, nicely fitted, not too bulky, great length of body and sleeves, warm and comfortable for all activities.

I am so happy with my new coat. I had to replace my previous Columbia coat, and I loved the length and weight and overall look of this style. It keeps me nice and cozy without getting too warm. The fit is flattering but not too fitted. I am 5'7 and 130 lbs and the small fits great with a little extra room. An XS would have fit, but I like having it a little loose.

This is a very warm perfectly fitting coat. You will be prepared for winter rain or snow.

Great cost for the cold & wind. The fleece lining around the neck is a bonus & the deep pockets are perfect. I went one size larger than I normally might have in order to have layers on underneath.

One of the best Jackets I've ever owned. Perfect fit.

Bought this coat for my daughter for Christmas . She told me she liked it the best of all her Christmas presents. Her only complaint was "it's too warm", but that she absolutely loved it.

It's perfect for the snow and very cold days. It is waterproof and serves its purpose for cold weather.

I'm always cold, but this coat is very warm. Many compliments on it. Would definitely recommend.

I absolutely love this jacket. Perfect length, beautiful color, and snug but still room to move comfortably. I like the extra inner cuff around the wrists.

This coat is WARM! Absolutely love it. I usually wear medium in most everything, but Ive found Colunbia to run a tad small, so I ordered large. I was glad I did. Also allows a little room for bulky sweaters. Beautiful coat. Lots of compliments.

I love this coat. Keeps me warm during cold hikes (in the teens). Almost too warm in the mid-30 degree temperatures. Great pockets.

This has been the best winter jacket I have ever owned. I have anemia so I feel the winter even more so but there's times I don't even need to zip up to feel warm. If you're a teacher like I am, winter recess is a breeze with this gem on.

Love, love, love This coat! Even with the cold and wind I am warm and comfortable!

Oh how I love my coat! Warm, comfy, stylish, practical. I'm an average size and it fits well. I was hesitant to buy an "expensive" coat, but it was so worth it. I'm so excited to be warm during Chicago winters.

This coat is beautifully made, well fitting and keeps me warm and stylish I love it

This coat is warm and comfortable, with adjustable straps all over to get the perfect fit. It also has many pockets. If you are cold or are going to be cold and need a coat, this a good coat.

Totally warm and love the fit. A bit on the snug size for someone with no curvy waist.

I love this jacket! It's very warm (recess duty in MN), comfy (I normally wear a Medium and it's true to size), and cute! I've gotten many many compliments on this coat!!!

Great jacket. I'm outside with our farm animals a lot in the winter and this jacket is fantastic. I love that it has a zipper and buttons so I can use either one. I love the fact that it's adjustable in so many ways. The longer tail length is perfect so when you bend over or squat down it covers your bum. I was skeptical to spend so much money on a jacket but 100% worth it.

Warm, very form fitting, the hood is huge. A little more than I wanted to pay for a coat but it does it's job keeping me warm!

This coat is great! I live in Minnesota and so far this has been plenty warm for our winters. I am 5'9 with a long torso and the back of his jacket covers my bum which I was looking for something a little longer. Only thing I would change about this jacket is to have pockets on the front that you can access from the "side" like most other jackets. They only have an opening from the very top of the pocket. It's not a HUGE deal but it doesn't feel very natural compared to other jackets. I get a lot of compliments on this jacket.