Columbia Women’s Powder Lite Hooded Jacket Review

This jacket is a solid choice for winter. It’s street-friendly enough to wear around town but also works well on the trail.

The water-resistant Storm-Lite DP II shell sheds rain, sleet, and snow. The insulated Omni-Heat reflective lining keeps body heat in and cold air out.

Black Dot technology upgrades the thermal lining by mimicking low-emissivity windows.

Features

The Powder Lite Hooded Jacket offers protection against cold weather using a thermal liner. It also has the Omni-Heat reflective insulation to retain your body heat and help circulate it. This jacket has a zippered safety pocket, adjustable cuffs, and hem to provide a customized fit.

The Storm-Lite DP II, durable water-repellent finish, sheds moisture, while the Omni-Heat reflective lining and Thermarator insulation deliver warmth without adding bulk. Its drawcord-adjustable hood and cuffs seal out drafts, while the high collar adds additional protection from cold winds. Two zippered hand pockets offer plenty of storage space for essentials.

This is an excellent jacket for skiing. The wind and snow-resistant fabric will keep you comfortable while you ride downhill, but the jacket is also breathable so that you won’t overheat. The jacket is incredibly durable with burly zippers, tough outer shell fabric, and sealed critical seams. The jacket is also lightweight and packable, easily fitting into your backpack.

Design

Unlike Rapha’s recent attempt at cycling-specific insulated jacket design, Columbia’s take on the hooded winter jacket is a solid performer that works both on and off the bike. The Powder Lite combines the best synthetic insulation with a durable outer shell and heat-reflective lining to create a warm, functional, stylish jacket.

The Powder Lite’s Storm-Lite DP II outer fabric is water-resistant so that it won’t succumb to light rain showers like other insulated jackets without a weatherproof layer. This allows the coat to retain its insulative properties without becoming saturated with moisture, which would significantly decrease its effectiveness.

The reflective thermal lining captures your body’s heat to keep you warm, and the jacket includes zippered hand pockets and an interior security pocket for your belongings. The hood is also adjustable so that you can tailor it to your countenance. This versatile jacket is perfect for hiking and camping. It also looks great on the trail, particularly with matching Powder Lite pants.

Comfort

The Powder Lite is a comfortable jacket for walking and other outdoor activities. It has a durable waterproof shell and thermal reflective liner to keep you warm in cold weather. The hood also protects from the elements. The zippered hand pockets and inside zip pocket provide plenty of storage space for your belongings. The adjustable hem with a girdle also allows for a tailored fit.

The outer layer of this insulated jacket is made from Columbia’s Storm-Lite DP II fabric, which has been tested and found to be highly durable. It is water-resistant, shrugs off light rain showers easily, and won’t soak through to saturate the insulation and undermine its insulative properties.

Overall, the Powder Lite is a well-rounded jacket that performs very well for the price. The only areas I would improve are the hood and cinched waist, but these are minor issues that shouldn’t detract from the overall quality of this product.

Performance

The Powder Lite Hooded Jacket is an excellent example of how a contemporary take on the insulated jacket can be helpful for cycling and off-the-bike activities. Its lightweight, thermal, and waterproof properties make it a valuable piece to have in the back pocket of any cyclist preparing for chilly weather.

Columbia’s Storm-Lite DP II outer fabric has proved durable, and its water resistance is an important consideration. This is because, unlike insulated jackets without a waterproof layer, rain can easily penetrate the face fabric and soak into the insulation, weighing it down and reducing its insulative qualities.

A protective thermal reflective lining and warm synthetic insulation protect against cold conditions, and the jacket is completed with a chin guard, side zip pockets, and an interior zippered security pocket. Its adjustable hem with girdle ensures a comfortable fit. The Jacket also comes with a hood tailored to the wearer’s physiognomy.