Customer Reviews Columbia Heavenly Long Hooded Jacket

First, I just got this jacket. I haven't worn it outdoors for more than a test run and can't comment on how effective it will be at specific temperatures. I'm writing this now since no one has posted a review on Zappos. I think this product deserves 5 stars in all categories. I've had a Mighty Lite hooded jacket for several years and give it 5 stars also. For those of you who have that jacket, I want to share my experience with the 2 styles. I wasn't sure from the item descriptions that much is different except for the plush lining in the hood of this style. There's enough variation for me to keep this one. It's a bit heavier and feels warmer based on my 5-minute outdoor comparison, but it's not significantly bulkier. The plush hood is very comfy, and I'm hoping the added weight will keep it from blowing off in a breeze like the Mighty Lite hood does (neither hood has drawstrings, unfortunately). The big difference for me is fit. I need a long jacket to keep me warm from neck to thigh while commuting. While the L in Mighty Lite fit better in standing position, it pulled across my hips when I was seated. I chose XL and it has been great, although when I'm walking it feels too large in the waist even with a light sweater. I ordered X and XL in this jacket to compare fit (thanks, Zappos). I am delighted that the L fits me well for all purposes. Plenty of hip room, while the more hourglass silhouette fits much better at the waist without being too snug. No problem for me with pulling across the shoulders or chest in the L. For reference, I typically wear size 10 Columbia pants and M shirts. If you have broad shoulders, prefer a loose fit, or plan to wear bulky sweaters, you might want to start with the XL. As for sleeve length, both X and XL in this jacket and Mighty Lite fall well below my wrists when my arms are by my sides. That turns out to give perfect coverage when I reach for the steering wheel or lift my arms. Both styles have inset thumbhole cuffs that felt binding at first but are a blessing for gripping cold steering wheels and dog leashes. If you add gloves, you can wear them over thumbholes to keep out wind or just treat the cuffs like regular cuffs. This jacket also has an "extended" hemline. The scallop shape means more fabric to keep your backside warm when you sit down, which I appreciate. The Mighty Lite has a straight hemline. Finally, my computer shows the Deep Rust color as brighter and more vibrant than the actual jacket color of both jackets I received. The jackets are what I would call a true "deep rust" that isn't boring and probably won't show dirt easily. I am a Columbia devotee, so I can't compare their jackets to other brands. I do think the retail price point for all Columbia jackets I have is quite reasonable for what you'll get. I hope this review helps you decide and that you'll be pleased if you make this choice.

LOVE this coat and I'm so sad that the hood is not removable. I would have definitely kept it but I would like to be able to remove a hood since I use hoods infrequently. But the hood is lined with some super soft dark grey material that most people would probably love. It seems very warm - I stood completely still outside on a very windy, 29 degree night for about 5 mn and felt perfectly comfortable (wearing just a lightweight terrycloth top underneath). This would be great for running errands on even the coldest day because you could probably go in and out of the various temps without feeling hot. Plus it's really lightweight. And I love that the channels on this coat are stitched in a flattering angled design instead of straight across horizontal. Every girl knows that horizontal patterns are less flattering - why don't clothing designers know that?!! Most of the down coats have big wide horizontal channels that make my hips look a mile wide. Don't need that. For reference: I am 5'8, 125 lbs - I ordered the medium and it fit perfectly. The sleeves are long enough and has the attached wrist warmers with a thumb hole, which would be great for days when gloves are not needed but a little something to warm the hands is helpful. And you can just push them up if you don't want to use them and they go back up into the sleeve. Hoping next season Columbia will design this with a removable hood...and in bright red!!