****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
After way too much time shopping around the internet and comparing features, I chose to order the Columbia "Tree Grinder" jacket over all the other options. I've only had the jacket about a week, but so far, this thing is seriously delivering on every front. Let me tell you some background: I live in one of the top three rainiest cities in the United States. I'm talking over 120+ inches/year. I do not own a car, but commute on my bicycle, everyday. This jacket is 100% WATERPROOF. I took it out of the box, rode down the street, and literally stood in the pouring rain, just to test it out. If any moisture made it through, I would have returned the jacket right away, but my upper half was powder dry. The thick outer fabric is windproof, too. The jacket is loaded with features, like waterproof pockets galore, double zippers in the front, fully adjustable billed hood, adjustable cuffs with extra length at back of hands (which can roll up to create a gutter that diverts water away from hands), ultra-futuristic NASA style reflective inner lining (Omni-Tech)... all kine stuff. I believe the design is geared towards snowboarders, as there is also a powderskirt and buttons to attach to pants. The bottom line is, you absolutely will stay dry in this thing. If I have any gripes, it it is only that breatheability is only so-so with the zippered armpit vents; and because it is a shell jacket, it runs pretty large to accommodate further layering. But, I am talking about wearing a snow jacket in a tropical rainforest climate, so maybe you will appreciate the extra warmth. It never really dips below 60 degrees here, so I haven't had to wear any extra insulating clothes underneath the jacket. The materials are very nice, construction seems much sturdier than some of the Columbia jackets in the lower price range, and the styling is unique. Again, it does run a bit large, in my opinion, but the extra length just means that more of you is shielded from the elements. All in all, a great coat, and I highly recommend it.
