Columbia Sportswear Men's Peak 2 Peak Jacket Review

Features:

Columbia Sportswear's Peak 2 Peak™ is the ultimate waterproof, windproof, ultra-breathable jacket for active pursuits. The 3-layer fabric features a bonded liner, taped seams, and Omni-Dry® to diffuse moisture vapors while shedding rain and snow. This jacket, part of Columbia's Titanium™ collection, features zippered underarm vents, articulated elbows, hand pockets, and a security pocket with Invizzip™ technology. Available in three colors (blue, red, & black).

Specifications:

Fabric: 100% Polyester 3L 50 denier
Insulation: None
Waterproof: Yes > Omni-Dry® and fully taped seams
Weight (sz M): 15 ounces (425 g)

In The Field:

The Peak 2 Peak by Columbia Sportswear is a no-frills waterproof, breathable jacket that really performs. You will not find unnecessary bells and whistles on this shell, but that is by design. The two breast pockets and one small security pocket provide enough storage space without any added bulk. The Invizzip™ zippers on these pockets seal out moisture very effectively. I often store a tissue or two in a pocket and they always stay completely dry in the Peak 2 Peak, unlike some other jackets. I appreciate having a reliable place to keep a few items dry. The hood on this shell is also quite effective. I wear glasses and often have issues with rain and snow getting on my lenses. The Peak 2 Peak hood features a wire rim that helps project it out over my face, keeping my glasses dry (unless it is windy of course).

The biggest draw and main purpose of this jacket is its ultra breathability and waterproofness. I am happy to report it excels at both. I have used the Peak 2 Peak while hiking/snowshoeing/climbing in rain, snow, and dry, windy weather. It works well in every condition I have encountered. During high levels of activity, like snowshoeing, the jacket diffused body moisture, keeping me comfortable and dry. Keep in mind it is not an air conditioner though. If you are wearing too many clothing layers underneath causing profuse sweating, you will need remove layers as common sense would suggest.

The Peak 2 Peak is completely waterproof. On a rainy hike on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, not one drop of water came through. During another test in my backyard, I wore the jacket with a backpack on for 30 minutes in a downpour while doing aerobic yard work (i.e. I was sweating). Once again, I remained dry and comfortable. After taking off the jacket, I noticed a few saturated spots on the outer layer in high abrasion areas where my backpack shoulder straps rest. This was simply where the DWR coating had been roughed up due to my pack. Because of the waterproof membrane, none of the water from the saturated spots in the outer layer made it inside the jacket.

As a windbreaker, the Peak 2 Peak works great too, especially during aerobic activities. I have found it easy to toss the shell into my pack and then pull out as needed. It blocks wind, providing a light layer of warmth. Depending on the temperature and your activity level, this can increase your temperature enough to cause sweating. But due to the Omni-Dry® technology, the jacket easily diffuses excess moisture.

See Maxwell Butte, Blood Mountain, and Coyote Wall adventures where the Columbia Peak 2 Peak Jacket was used.

Final Thoughts:

The Columbia Peak 2 Peak is a great all around 4-season shell jacket for any active pursuit. It does a great job of letting body moisture out while keeping rain and snow from getting in. It has just the right amount of features keeping it lightweight and non-bulky. It has become my go-to shell and as such I recommend it. Available from amazon.com.

Special thanks to Columbia Sportswear for providing the Peak 2 Peak jacket for review.