The Reach The Peak™ Hybrid Down Jacket by Columbia combines the warmth of down with the flexibility of stretchy materials on the sides and back to allow for unmatched mobility. Out of the many down jackets of this sort I have used, this is by far the best fit, and it layers under my hard shell jacket without restriction.

Initially I had my doubts about the Omni-heat liner found on many of Columbia’s products, but after a few cold mornings, where this jacket repeatedly warmed up in little to no time at all, I am sold on those little silver dots. Omni-Heat technology works by reflecting your body heat back at you to help recycle said heat. This jacket is insulated with Columbia 700 fill-power down which works in tandem with the stretch side panels to efficiently retain heat.

One thing that I found unique about this jacket is the inclusion of thumb holes in the jacket cuffs. While the thumb holes are a great addition, I find the cuffs to be a bit cumbersome when trying to look at my watch. I almost have to take my arm out of the sleeve to look at my large face watch. That said, I believe the cuffs play a major part in the heat retention of this jacket, and for that I find it to be only a minor inconvenience.

All of the pockets on this jacket zip shut which is a great, but not always common feature on a jacket of this sort, and the internal breast pocket has revived the batteries of my electronic devices more than once. Though it is not packable in its own pocket, the included drawstring bag packs it down to a convenient stashable size.

The Columbia Reach The Peak™ Hybrid Down Jacket retails for $180.00.