Columbia Triple Trail Jacket Review

The Columbia Triple Trail Jacket is a jacket to span all seasons. It’ll be at home on the trail on cool spring days, keep you dry in camp during summer storms, and keep the white stuff at bay during mid-winter touring sessions.

Columbia Triple Trail Jacket Features

• Shell fabric: 100% nylon 3L Heat with Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable finish
• Stretch panels: 89% nylon/11% elastane 3L Heat Cyberstretch
• Lining: Omni-Heat® thermal reflective
• Waterproof, breathable and fully seam sealed
• Attached and adjustable storm hood
• Zippered vents beneath sleeves
• Hem features adjustable drawcord
• Zippered hand pockets
• Zippered interior security pocket
• Waterproof zippers throughout garment
• Center back length: 31 in
• Price: $299.95

Columbia Triple Trail Jacket Review

The Columbia Triple Trail Jacket isn’t like Columbia jackets of old. Prior to the Triple Trail my only other Columbia jacket was the Bugaboo with the zip out fleece when I was 12. That Bugaboo set my perception of Columbia, which remained for 18 years. The Triple Trail has changed that perspective for the better.

The Triple Trail features a three-layer nylon laminate with strategically placed stretch panels so the jacket moves with you. The seams are all fully seam sealed to give true waterproof protection. The Omni-Tech finish keeps water at bay. Columbia used waterproof zippers throughout the entire jacket (helps with the clean look) and the zipper pulls are substantial enough that you can grab them, even when wearing a thick winter glove like the Columbia Omni-Heat Bugaglove Max Electric Gloves.

The Triple Trail is fully lined (including the hood) with Omni-Heat reflective fabric. The tiny dots reflect back body heat (similar to a space blanket) but the space between the dots allows for breathability. The Omni-Heat lining keeps you warmer.

It features two zippered hand pockets which are HUGE! They literally span from the hem to your shoulders. The first thing I thought of when I put my hands in was “these would be perfect pockets for your skins when running laps”. But the interior isn’t waterproof so you’ll just end up soaking your layers. They are extra roomy. I would have loved to see a chest pocket on the jacket, but I don’t know how it would have fit with the big pockets. The interior features one zippered pocket and open top pocket.

As with most all “waterproof, breathable jackets” the Triple Trail is solid on the waterproof, but not as much so on the breathability. It does feature long pit-zips to help cool you down but I did overheat and sweat when exertion levels started to rise. Maybe I’m just warm, but I still have yet to find a shell I can wear when skinning without overheating.

Both the hem and hood are adjustable. The hood features a stiff brim which will keep it from sagging when things start to get wet. The hood fits well but won’t fit over a helmet.

The Triple Trail would be a good jacket for 4 season use. Keep in mind, with the versatility there are compromises that are made. It is less packable than a dedicated rain jacket. But, you can wear the Triple Trail skiing and have full weather protection. The Omni-Heat lining adds bulk and weight, but it’s warmer. If you want one jacket, the Triple Trail is a good way to go.

The fit is good. I’m 6′ tall and 180 lbs and the large fits me nicely. There is enough room that I can wear a medium weight mid-layer and still have free movement. I have long arms and I can extend them without the sleeves pulling up over my gloves (this makes a big difference for me). The jacket is cut long which makes it extremely nice for skiing.

Overall I was extremely impressed with the Triple Trail Jacket. My perception of Columbia changed from that a mediocre outdoor brand to a brand that is now making premium outerwear.

The Good

• Versatile
• Warm
• Well made

The Bad

• Breathability is all right, but I still overheated in it
• No chest pocket

Bottom Line:

The Triple Trail Jacket is a solid jacket. It’s well-made and a versatile jacket. If you want 4-season protection, you’ve got it.

Buy Now: Pick up the Columbia Triple Trail Jacket