Columbia
Steens Mountain Zip Fleece Jacket
The Columbia Steens Mountain Zip Fleece Jacket is a full-zip polar fleece jacket made from ultra-soft stretch fleece, featuring a high neck, zippered hand pockets, an adjustable hem drawcord, and elasticized cuffs. It is designed for fall layering and can be worn as an outer layer or as a midlayer under a hard shell for cold-weather hiking and outdoor activities. Reviewers note that it is a budget-friendly option but may pill over time, has a boxy fit, and offers moderate warmth, making it better suited as a midlayer than a standalone insulated jacket.
Size
Specifications
- Material
- 100% polyester
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
Product Insights
The Steens Mountain Zip Fleece Jacket by Columbia is a decades-old design classic, serving as a budget-friendly midlayer under a hard shell in mild conditions, but trade-offs include a boxy fit, frequent pilling, zipper failures, and lack of water resistance or standalone warmth.
Verified claims
- Value
- A budget alternative to pricier fleeces; users cite quality trade-offs.
- Use case
- Performs adequately as a midlayer under a hard shell in mild conditions, not warm enough for standalone use.
- Fit
- Commonly described as boxy and unflattering, acceptable for function-focused buyers.
- Pilling
- Pilling is widely reported after repeated use and washing.
- Zipper
- Zipper breaks are a common failure point.
- Longevity
- The jacket line has a decades-long history of use.
- Midlayer warmth
- Buyers report basic warmth when layered, but not enough as standalone.
- Water resistance
- No water-repellent finish; dampness compromises insulation.
- Design heritage
- Steens Mountain fleece has been worn for decades.
- Layering performance
- Buyers use it as a midlayer under a hard shell, but boxy fit, basic warmth, and zipper failures limit severe cold use.
- Casual use
- Buyers use it as a casual midlayer; pilling occurs after washing, reducing its appearance for outer use.
- Design legacy
- The Steens Mountain fleece has been a go-to midlayer for decades.
- Weather protection
- No water-repellent finish or wind resistance; best used as midlayer.
Product record
- Title
- Steens Mountain Zip Fleece Jacket
- Brand
- Columbia
- Price
- 65 CAD
- Availability
- Out of stock
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a full-zip black fleece jacket with a stand collar, central zipper, chest seam line, elasticized cuffs, and a small rectangular brand patch on the left chest area. Soft textured fleece surface visible.
- Overall shapeFull-zip jacket shown from the front worn by a model; straight torso cut with long sleeves and a stand/up collar.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.06 · w 0.70 · h 0.84 (medium) - Material and textureSoft, short-pile fleece surface with matte finish visible across the body and sleeves.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.12 · w 0.60 · h 0.70 (high) - Center zipperFull-length exposed central zipper running from hem to top of stand collar.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.14 · w 0.12 · h 0.72 (high) - Stand collarTall stand/up collar made from the same fleece, closing to the top of the zipper.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.06 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (high) - Chest seamHorizontal seam line across the upper chest creating a yoke detail.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.28 · w 0.64 · h 0.06 (high) - Elastic cuffsSleeve ends gathered with elasticized cuffs that create a slight puckering at the wrist.
2 regions
x 0.22 · y 0.70 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.58 · y 0.70 · w 0.18 · h 0.14 (high) - Hem drawcord detailSmall drawcord end and adjuster visible at the jacket hem near the model's right side.
1 region
x 0.75 · y 0.76 · w 0.10 · h 0.10 (medium) - Brand patch locationSmall rectangular patch with brand wordmark located on the left chest area (viewer right).
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.22 · w 0.12 · h 0.06 (high) - Chest patch text“Columbia”
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.22 · w 0.12 · h 0.06 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing a male model against a neutral light gray background with soft even lighting and subtle shadowing; image cropped mid-thigh.
- Model and poseMale model standing, facing slightly to viewer left with hands clasped at waist; jacket worn over cargo-style pants.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.02 · w 0.76 · h 0.96 (high) - Background and lightingEven neutral light gray background with soft, diffuse lighting and minimal shadows.
- Image cropImage framed from above the head down to mid-thigh; lower legs not visible.
Colors
black· main body#0D0D0Edark gray· brand patch background#242329off-white· brand patch text- Overall shapeFull-zip jacket shown from the front worn by a model; straight torso cut with long sleeves and a stand/up collar.
- 02
Product
Close side/rear view of a dark fleece jacket showing textured pile fabric, vertical side seam panels, a zippered side pocket with pull, and an adjustable hem drawcord with a plastic toggle.
- Fleece material textureDense, short-pile fleece fabric covering the visible jacket body with a soft, slightly napped surface and matte finish.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.03 · w 0.78 · h 0.64 (high) - Side seam panelingVertical stitched seam running from underarm toward hem forming a side panel and shaping the jacket's silhouette.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.14 · w 0.22 · h 0.56 (high) - Zippered side pocketAngled side pocket with a visible zipper and a short cord pull tab protruding from the pocket opening at the mid-torso side.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.20 · w 0.12 · h 0.14 (high) - Hem drawcord and toggleElastic drawcord emerges from the jacket hem with a small cylindrical plastic toggle used to adjust hem fit; cord loop hangs visibly.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.63 · w 0.12 · h 0.14 (high) - Sleeve and cuffLong sleeve ending in a gathered or elasticized cuff that creates a slight inward tuck at the wrist.
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.18 · w 0.24 · h 0.36 (high) - Visible rear/side portionImage shows the jacket from a side-to-rear angle with the lower back and side hem visible, not a front-facing view.
Other
Studio-style product shot cropped to show the jacket side; neutral light background, soft shadows, and a model's hand and gray pants partially visible as props.
- Shot compositionTight crop focusing on the jacket midsection and lower back with the top of the image showing part of the sleeve and the bottom showing the waistband area.
- Background and lightingPlain light gray to off-white background with even, soft studio lighting producing minimal harsh shadows.
- Visible prop - pantsGray pants worn by the model are visible below the jacket hem and are not part of the jacket product.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.66 · w 0.62 · h 0.32 (high) - Visible prop - handModel's right hand appears near the lower right edge of the frame, partially cropped and positioned behind the jacket hem.
1 region
x 0.78 · y 0.58 · w 0.18 · h 0.24 (high)
Colors
dark charcoal black· jacket body#0E1114matte black· drawcord and toggle#14120D- Fleece material textureDense, short-pile fleece fabric covering the visible jacket body with a soft, slightly napped surface and matte finish.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a long-sleeve, high-collar fleece jacket in a dark charcoal color. Visible features include a horizontal yoke seam across the upper back, elasticized sleeve cuffs, a slightly curved hem, and a soft textured fleece surface.
- View and orientationRear-facing view of the jacket worn by a model, showing full back, both sleeves, and the high stand collar from behind.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.05 · w 0.84 · h 0.80 (high) - CollarHigh stand collar with soft fleece construction, folded slightly inward at the back of the neck.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.05 · w 0.34 · h 0.12 (high) - Upper back yoke seamHorizontal seam runs across the upper back forming a yoke, visible as a slightly raised stitched line.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.24 · w 0.76 · h 0.06 (high) - Sleeves and cuffsLong set-in sleeves with elasticized cuffs that gather at the wrist; right sleeve shows slight bend and natural fabric fold at the elbow.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.30 · w 0.26 · h 0.56 (high); x 0.66 · y 0.28 · w 0.26 · h 0.60 (high) - Hem shapeSlightly curved hem that dips lower at the back center, with visible stitched edge.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.70 · w 0.64 · h 0.18 (high) - Surface textureFleece pile texture visible across the jacket surface, appearing soft and matte without sheen.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.18 · w 0.76 · h 0.56 (high) - Side seam detailVertical side seams visible on both sides running from underarm toward hem, forming the jacket panels.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.34 · w 0.10 · h 0.46 (medium); x 0.78 · y 0.34 · w 0.10 · h 0.46 (medium) - Visible logo absenceNo visible logo or printed text appears on the back panel of the jacket in this view.
Other
Studio-shot image showing a model wearing the jacket against a neutral light gray background. Even soft lighting with minimal shadows. Model is cropped at mid-thigh and standing with hands near hips, right hand partially visible.
- Model and poseMale model seen from behind, head turned slightly to right, standing with a relaxed posture and hands near hips.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.02 · w 0.44 · h 0.34 (high) - BackgroundUniform light gray studio background without visible props or texture.
- Lighting and shadowsSoft, even lighting with minimal directional shadow; subtle shadow under the hem and along the inner arm creases.
- Other clothing visibleModel wears light gray cargo-style pants that are partially visible below the jacket hem; pants are not part of the product.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.78 · w 0.56 · h 0.18 (high)
Colors
dark charcoal· main body and sleeves#212226- View and orientationRear-facing view of the jacket worn by a model, showing full back, both sleeves, and the high stand collar from behind.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
11 total11 reviews · out of 5
Confortable et bien coupé
Confortable et bien coupé
Très bon choix
Excellent service rapide. La veste est confortable et la couleur est identique à celle du site. Je suis ravie de mon achat.
Très confortable !
Doux et très confortable !
Super veste,
Super veste,
Belle confection
Très confortable
bon service à la clientèle
Très bon produit. Qualité assurée.
de gualité
de gualité
belle qualité
confortable
Veste Polar
Belle qualité et très satisfait!
Great fit and Quality
My husband loved it. Fits well, warm and good quality!
Tour de taille trop grand
Convient à un homme en surpris.
Reddit Insights
3 threads · r/hikinggear, r/Outdoors, r/CampingGearReddit users view the Columbia Steens Mountain fleece as a budget option with significant drawbacks in durability, fit, and insulation, though some find it adequate as a casual midlayer in mild cold.
While the fleece is praised for its low price and basic comfort, many users criticize its poor insulation, pilling, boxy fit, and zipper issues, giving it a below-average rating.
Themes
Use Cases
- Midlayer for cold weather hiking
- Budget everyday fleece
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Patagonia R1
The Steens Mountain is a much cheaper alternative at around $50 compared to $150 for the R1, but lacks the premium quality.
vs Eddie Bauer fleeces
Some users find Eddie Bauer fleeces to be of better quality and similarly affordable.
Source Threads
User experience with Steens Mountain as a midlayer in winter
I use the Columbia Steens Mountain full zip. They're not fancy or warmest by any means but keep me warm under my hard shell here in California in the winter. They run $35- $50 USD, depending on if you can find them on sale.
u/NastySnapperr/hikinggearView thread →
Recommendation of Steens Mountain as a budget fleece option
Patagonia R1 it's expensive. but it's top notch(this will run $150 ish). for "cheap" i'd go with columbia steens fleece "jacket" (this will be $50 ish)
u/nobody_smith723r/OutdoorsView thread →