I’ve never had a jacket which is good for everything – but this is as close as it gets.
Dressing smartly for a corporate do? It’s the perfect jacket. Dressing casual for a trip to the pub? It’s the perfect jacket. Popping down to the shops in your scruffs? It’s the perfect jacket.
The sleek and slender design of Columbia’s Canyon Meadows Softshell Walking Jacket means it fits with any outfit.
READ MORE: ‘Split the difference with Columbia’s Labyrinth hooded jacket – the big warm coat that’s small’
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On the website, it claims its ideal uses are down hiking and walking – and it most certainly will be – but this jacket has also been taken with me on a December holiday to Benidorm, a lads night out at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship and even been worn on top of a shirt and tie at a corporate event.
Not only is it versatile, it’s warm too. There is no bulk – it is a stretchy material which helps for comfort – but Columbia’s patented Omni-Heat Infinity advanced thermal reflective interior ensures that very little heat can get out.
Ok, I get a few looks when people see the inside of the jacket. “Put it on inside out,” is the jokey cry from some pals (and for reference, I have and I look like an 80s cheesy pop DJ). Business on the outside and party on the inside, and all that. But there is a method to the madness.
“With tiny gold dots that reflect your body heat, Omni-Heat Infinity keeps you warmer, longer, so you can stay outside forever,” explains the blurb on the technology. It quite literally is the gold standard in insulation.
A lightweight bodywarmer ideal for layering with comfort insulation and lined with thermal reflective lining.
The water-resistant finish and classic styling make this a wardrobe essential.
£100
Columbia
Engineered with a warm recycled synthetic down filling and thermal-reflective technology encased in a water-resistant shell, this jacket is lined with tiny gold dots that reflect your body heat, Omni-Heat Infinity keeps you warmer, longer, so you can stay outside forever.
£170
Columbia
3-in-1 jacket: Wear the outer shell in mild but wet weather, the inner fleece in mild and dry weather, or zip them together in cold and wet weather.
£180
Columbia
The jacket’s waterproof yet breathable shell, insulated construction and thermal-reflective lining will keep you dry and warm through changing weather conditions.
£145
Columbia
This softshell jacket for men is made with a water and wind-resistant fabric, and also provides adjustable cuffs and hem and a high collar to shelter you from the elements.
£90
Columbia
I have been in the market for a soft shell jacket for some time and some rivals have not particularly fitted me well. But the stretch material of this jacket means it will easily fit to any body shape.
The slenderness of the jacket means that can wear it as a jacket it on its own or, for particularly chilly days, put a bigger coat over the top of it. Columbia’s Labyrinth Loop Insulated Hooded Jacket would perhaps be the perfect combo.
I’ve had the jacket for a little under a month and I am struggling to see a downside. For the winter season, it’s the perfect fashion companion.
If you are looking for a sporty look, Mountain Equipment’s Aerofoil Full Zip Jacket could be one that ticks the boxes for you.
The fitted shape is ideal for alpine climbing or tackling local crag rocks.
For a business-friendly outfit, suits apparel Charles Tyrwhitt’s Performance Funnel Neck Jacket is a nice option when you have do business while golfing with clients.