Columbia, a renowned name in the outdoor apparel industry, has a rich history when it comes to winter jackets. The company was founded in 1938 by Paul Lamfrom, a German immigrant in Portland, Oregon. Initially, Columbia focused on manufacturing hats, but it soon expanded its product line to include outdoor apparel. In the 1960s, Columbia introduced its first ski jacket, setting the stage for its foray into winter sports gear.
In recent years, Columbia has been at the forefront of sustainability in the outdoor industry. They have introduced eco-friendly materials and manufacturing practices, aiming to reduce their environmental footprint. As for new developments, Columbia has continued to innovate. They also focus on style and versatility, ensuring their winter jackets are not only functional but also fashionable. Furthermore, Columbia embraces technology with the incorporation of wearable heating technology, allowing wearers to control their jacket’s temperature with a smartphone app.
In recent news, Columbia has expanded its commitment to sustainability by launching initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmentally conscious practices throughout its supply chain.
One of their popular offerings is the Columbia Snow Glide Interchange Jacket, designed to provide adaptability and comfort in various weather conditions.
These are rain jackets with a zip-in puffer liner. Each can be worn separately, thus the 3-in-1 name. Oh yes, these are very handy.
Read also: Unveiling Whistler Blackcomb
Let's delve into a detailed review of the Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange Jacket to help you decide if it's the right choice for your winter needs.
Overview of the Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange Jacket
The Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange is a relatively warm ski jacket compared to other jackets we reviewed. This jacket keeps you warm and dry enough and has features to enhance your day on the slopes. It can't compete with the high-end down or synthetically insulated jackets, but it gets the job done with a burly outer shell jacket with a hanging mesh lining and a synthetically insulated inner sweater layer with an “Omni-Heat” thermal reflective material on the inside of the inner layer.
The inner lining features Columbia's reflective “OmniHeat” material, which keeps your body heat inside the jacket.
With three layering options in one, this jacket represents a good value for budget-conscious skiers.
Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange Jacket
Read also: Detailed look at Columbia Women's Snow Pants
Weather Resistance
The Whirlibird V is moderately weather resistant. It features Columbia's OmniTech waterproof membrane, which works well. The jacket's zippers are not waterproof, including the long chest pocket zipper, which is located in an area most likely to get wet. The DWR treatment wore off quickly with light rubbing during our shower test, which led to the outer fabric getting soaked, although the membrane seemed to keep water out.
Hood Design
The hood is fixed but can be cinched down around the face in bad weather, though it's on the small side. The Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange's hood has full coverage for stormy days.
Fit and Comfort
Our testers did not fall in love with the fit of the Whirlibird V. It feels boxy, unrefined, and generic. Other 3-in-1 jackets are more comfortable and well-tailored, but not much more so. Furthermore, the 3-in-1 construction produces a bulky feel, with friction that leads to restricted movement. The Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange has a bulky, boxy feel that we don't love.
Versatility and Breathability
All 3-in-1 jackets can adjust to their surroundings with more versatility than single-piece ski jackets. If you get too hot, you can remove one of the layers and voilà. Alternatively, the Whirlibird V offers average-length pit zips without mesh backing, allowing good airflow. The pit zips help, but they do not continue through the inner layer.
The outer shell breathes well enough, but if worn with the synthetic sweater layer, it does not breathe all that well, even with the vents open. The culprit may be the Omni-Heat thermal reflective fabric on the inside of the insulated sweater. The Whirlibird V has armpit vents, but they only extend through the shell layer, not the insulated sweater.
Read also: Big and Tall Winter Jacket Review: Columbia
Style and Design
Style is not this jacket's strong suit. It features a neutral style with a non-specific fit, standard length, and straight cut. One tester mentioned that they felt like a middle-schooler wearing this jacket. The wide, boxy cut even suggests that this jacket is not styled specifically for skiing, and compared to the competition, the Whirlibird V seems to scream “beginner skier.”
The upshot is that the jacket will match the style of a variety of winter situations, from cold trips to town to blustery bus stops and train platforms to the occasional cold day at the ski area. The Whirlibird V has generic style and doesn't look all that refined.
Features
The 3-in-1 system is a great feature on its own. Additionally, the Whirlibird V features two fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, a large external chest pocket, a sleeve pass pocket, an adjustable hood, and a powder skirt. These are enough to earn our stamp of approval for ski features. The shell's interior has a mesh pocket for goggles or snacks, and the interior of the insulated sweater has a zippered chest pocket that is accessible when using the jacket in its combined configuration.
Value
The Whirlibird V is a good value, like most 3-in-1 jackets, as you essentially get three jackets in one. This jacket, in particular, is less expensive than most other 3-in-1 options. It isn't the best option, but it works well enough for those who only make it out skiing a few times per year. The Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange is a good option for budget-minded occasional skiers.
Alternatives
If you are intrigued by the 3-in-1 jacket style, we recommend the 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Insulated, which costs a bit more but delivers better performance. Other good options for price-sensitive shoppers also include the GEMYSE Men's Mountain Fleece Lining, which is even less expensive but isn't a 3-in-1 jacket, and the Obermeyer Foundation, which is in the middle of the pack in terms of price, but offers above-average performance in an insulated ski jacket.
Alternative Winter Jackets
Personal Experiences and Tips
I do find with the Columbia ones that the zip in jacket is not quite as nice a quality as one of their regular jackets. Slightly thinner for the ones I've seen/had. You can also cobble these together on your own with a roomy sized waterproof rain shell and a puffy vest/jacket or polarfleece vest/jacket. If you really want a 3 in 1 I'm pretty sure they had a lands end version at Costco last time I was there.
A hot tip for traveling with any puffer jacket is to use it as a pillow when you're not wearing it. The downfall with these is they can be very bulky.
It’s not bulky at all. I loved the longer length. I brought a waterproof raincoat that I could wear over it, but never needed it. On the plane, I folded it up and put it in a zippered travel size pillowcase and used it as a pillow. It is truly waterproof (PNW or anywhere!) and the hood is great (I hate umbrellas). It's not at all bulky, I'm only 5'2" and petite and longer down styles can look like a sleeping bag on me. You can't tell there's a zipped in lining at all. I wore it in Montreal (freezing cold and icy snow for a week) last winter and stayed warm, despite usually always being cold.
For practical planning, if your Christmas Markets are in Central Europe then the temps after sunrise can be 30 to 50F. Cold does not begin until January. So be flexible (layers). You will be inside a lot, maybe having to carry the coat in a museum or a tour of the Opera House. The restaurant for lunch or dinner will be uncomfortably warm in a heavy sweater. You have to get in and out of the taxi.
Table: Key Features of Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange Jacket
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 3-in-1 Design | Outer shell and zip-in insulated liner |
| Omni-Tech Waterproofing | Provides moderate weather resistance |
| Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective Lining | Helps retain body heat |
| Pit Zips | Average-length pit zips for ventilation |
| Pockets | Fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, chest pocket, sleeve pass pocket, interior mesh pocket |
How to Pick the Best Snowboard Jacket for You
tags: #columbia #snow #glide #interchange #jacket