Awhile back you may remember I gave my review on Columbia Sportswear’s Omni-Heat Base Layer.  Well, it’s time to give you a bit of a review on the jackets I also received.

A bit of a refresher: Over a month ago I surprisingly “won” several jackets from Columbia Sportswear on Twitter.  I received a Women’s Lush Plush Jacket, 2 Men’s Hexaholic Down Jackets, and a Women’s Midweight Baselayer top and bottom.

Please note: Although I received “free” products, Columbia did not require nor request reviews or feedback from me.  I just thought I’d pass along information about my experience with the products. 

Immediately out of the box I was in love with my jacket.  It’s red and burgundy.  I’m known for wearing bright colors.  Unfortunately, lately I’ve settled for traditional black or brown when it comes to my jackets because they’re versatile.  So, Columbia was spot on when choosing a bright color for me.

I put it on and found I was a bit uncomfortable =(  In the wintertime I tend to wear many layers (who doesn’t?) With these layers the jacket was tolerable but a little snug.  I held onto the jacket for a few days and then finally sent Adam (the awesome guy behind @Columbia1938) saying it was a bit too snug.  His response, “No worries!  We’ll send another one in a larger size.  You keep that one to pass along to someone to stay warm.”  How cool is that?  Soon the larger coat arrived and I was a happy camper.

The jacket is so extremely soft.  When they call it plush they aren’t kidding.  I love how cozy it is.  It is formfitting and found that although this size is comfortable the arms are still snug.  Seeing other reviews on their site it looks like I’m not the only one to feel this way. 

Pocket on each side

Pull strings inside pockets to make waist tighter

Waist tightening mechanism

Next up was my dad’s and D’s jackets.  Like I stated, they each received the same jacket.  They are already HUGE Columbia fans (Yes they each have multiple colors in their sweatshirts, sweaters, and pants…I kid you not), so it’s no surprise that they immediately fell in love with their jackets. 

When I delivered my dad’s jacket he was already wearing a Columbia sweatshirt.  Not kidding.

Back velcro tab on hood to hold goggles in place

Not only do their jackets have the Omni-Heat but they are also down-filled.  There are many zippers with the pockets and underarm vents. My dad totally geeks out with pockets and zippers. This picture shows that D does too!

Open armpit vent

Mesh pocket on the inside of the jacket.  My understanding is it’s for goggles, but you could use it for anything you’d like. 

We also noted that although the guys were comfortable in their jackets, we found that the sizing in their jackets seemed to run a bit smaller than an average jacket fit too. With that being said, something we figured out: with the Omni-Heat you don’t need as many layers as you normally would.  Once D made the mistake of wearing his Columbia jacket to the mall and was sweating his butt off.  He learned his lesson.

So it looks like we have yet another “Win” for Columbia Sportswear with Omni-Heat.  I’m hoping to use it on my challenge when I hit the slopes soon and see how well it does.  I don’t think it will disappoint.

My mom didn’t get a free jacket from Columbia, but upon seeing these jackets perform (and stealing my dad’s several times) she hit the store and got one for herself!

 

So what am I going to do with this extra Columbia jacket I have sitting around?  Well, I’ve been in contact with Adam at Columbia and he gave his blessing to allow me to give it away to one lucky reader.  How cool is that?

Want to win the jacket?  Here’s the deal:

One entrant, chosen at random, will win a Women’s Lush Plush Jacket. 

PLEASE NOTE: Only a medium size is available.  Remember this jacket runs small.

Measurements:

  • Back of neck to waist – 25″
  • Chest – armpit to armpit – 18″
  • Arm Length – armpit to wrist – 22″

The contest runs from Monday, Jan 23, 2012 until 11:59pm EST on Friday, Jan 27, 2012.  A winner will be announced on this blog, my Twitter, and my Facebook Page on Saturday, Jan 28, 2012.  (Note: If the winner does not contact me by Saturday, Feb 4th, 2012, a second winner will be chosen.) The jacket will be mailed out by me following the giveaway.

Ways to Enter

Each counts as a separate entry – please leave a separate comment for each that you complete.

-Follow me on Twitter: @BananaBuzzbomb

-Tweet about this giveaway: “I want to win a @Columbia1938 Lush Plush Jacket from @BananaBuzzbomb! Enter to win here http://www.bananabuzzbomb.com/2012/01/23/does-omni-heat-really-work-part-2-giveaway/”

-Like Me On Facebook: Banana Buzzbomb Not allowed to do this, sorry!

Although not a requirement, be sure to check out Columbia site and consider following them @Columbia1938 on twitter.  If you do, make sure you send a shout out to Adam and tell him @BananaBuzzbomb sent you =)

Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)